Every brand has a story. QuickClawz, one of the brands featuring in the New Starter Zone at the Pet & Aquatics Trade Show 2026 (PATS) is redefining at-home pet grooming by offering a realistic, hands-on training tool designed to build confidence in claw care.
By simulating the experience of trimming a real pet's nails, this innovative solution aims to reduce stress for both owners and dogs, making the grooming process safer and easier for everyone involved. Designed for pets and their caretakers, QuickClawz focuses on building essential skills before working on a living animal.
Get an inside look at the brand’s roots and future strategy in our latest Q&A with Founder Hazel Patterson:
1. How did your business transition from a concept to a reality, and how long did that journey take?
It has been a three-year journey from the initial QuickClawz prototype to the final model. Working alongside D2M, we quickly developed the initial design. However, I paused development to focus on training as a dog grooming tutor and, unfortunately, to recover from a long-term concussion following a motorcycle accident. I am pleased to now be back on track with the latest model.
2. What was the single biggest hurdle your brand faced during its early stages?
The journey was halted by two main roadblocks: a lack of capital and manufacturing knowledge. I was convinced I needed custom-tooled, large-batch production from abroad, so I tried to fund this massive upfront expense through Kickstarter.
3. Growth brings new goals. What is the primary challenge your business is navigating today?
Launching QuickClawz at PATS is essential for overcoming my primary challenge: gaining visibility among pet consumers and industry professionals. As a solo founder juggling this with my full-time dog grooming business, Muddy Paws, my other significant hurdle is time management.
4. Which success story or aspect of your brand are you most proud of so far?
Reaching the finals of the 2024 Pet Industry Federation Innovation Awards with QuickClawz was a proud moment. The supportive atmosphere among fellow finalists was inspiring, and it was there that the potential of 3D printing for my manufacturing process was first brought to my attention.
5. The Creative Core: Where does your team look for fresh inspiration and new ideas?
After a 20-year career as an NHS Scotland Podiatrist, I swapped feet for paws and retrained as a dog groomer just before Covid. I quickly realised there was a substantial, untapped need for training tools to help groomers and owners cut claws confidently without hitting the quick. Witnessing both the anxiety surrounding claw trimming and the detrimental impact of long nails on a dog’s posture, gait, and behaviour motivated me to find a solution. Leveraging my background in foot health, I designed a training model. With the help of a talented 3D-printing couple - who helped refine my design and mentor me in materials - I’ve turned this concept into a reality.
6. How did you first discover PATS, and why is being part of this specific community important for your brand?
Through my Pet Industry Federation membership, I found PATS - the perfect platform to get QuickClawz in front of engaged consumers and key buyers from pet stores and training businesses.
7. What can visitors expect when they visit your stand? Are there any exciting new launches or specific partnerships you’re looking to build?
I will be displaying QuickClawz from the very first prototype to its current 3D Printed version. I have a special rate for the first 100 models sold with the opportunity for a further discount via a lucky dip.
I have restricted the colours of stock for PATS to a black or purple stand with brown paw but will have a display of other colours available. Brighter colours may appeal to dog groomers or owners whereas dog training facilities, vets etc may prefer something less bright. There will be the opportunity of cut the model claws and drill them and to see how the model works as a learning tool promoting confidence and safety.
In terms of specific partnerships, I would love my product to reach the training / medical catalogues for Vets, Groomers, Animal Husbandry students and even Dog Grooming teaching schools. Equally though, I will be happy to share my model with a dog owner wanting to help keep their own dog comfortable and give the owner confidence when cutting the claws.
8. Looking beyond this show, how do you see your brand evolving over the next 18 months?
I’ve recently invested in a 3D printer to scale production of QuickClawz and experiment with new design refinements. While the current model is tailored for medium-sized dogs, I am developing a range of sizes to accommodate all breeds. To accelerate growth, I am dedicating one day a week away from my grooming business to showcase QuickClawz at UK pet trade fairs and expand my B2B outreach. Additionally, I’m launching a social media campaign featuring a new training video to demonstrate the product’s value to a wider audience.
