Our Staff

Management Team

Lauren - Manager/Canine Trainer
14 years at Scruffy's
Lauren joined Scruffys in September 2011 as a daycare attendant and has since grown into her current role as General Manager, overseeing all four departments. Her leadership and unwavering commitment to animal welfare have been central to Scruffys’ success.
Originally from London, Lauren moved to Australia in 2003 with a strong background in animal rescue. Raised in a family devoted to rehoming stray cats, she continued this work locally, rehabilitating and rehoming street cats in partnership with Pittwater Animal Hospital.
She completed her NDTF Dog Training Certification in 2022 and remains passionate about canine behaviour and wellbeing. At home, Lauren lives with her rescue dog Hunter, a loyal New Zealand Hunterway X, and Spencer, a proud British Shorthair cat.
Eleanor - Co-owner
16 Years owning Scruffy's
Eleanor began as a client with a 16-week-old Shih-tzu puppy and somehow became co-owner of Scruffy’s a few years later. With a background in opera from the NSW Conservatorium of Music, she transitioned into a career in business, focusing on sales, marketing, and advertising account management before teaming up with Sarah to grow Scruffy’s. Eleanor brings valuable expertise in business development to the team. Her beloved Shih-tzus, Lexie and Aria have now crossed over the rainbow bridge and Eleanor is looking forward to when the next little four-legged friend helicopters into her life. Watch this space!
Sarah - Co-owner/ Canine Trainer
16 years owning Scruffy's
Sarah joined Scruffy’s as full-time manager in 2008 and is now a proud co-owner. Originally from the UK with a background in childcare management, she moved to Australia in 2004 to help open six childcare centres on the Northern Beaches. Her love for dogs led her to Scruffy’s, where she found her true passion. Sarah holds qualifications in Advanced Canine Communication, Canine First Aid, and has completed her NDTF Dog Training certification. At home, she shares life with her husband Matt, their two children William and Maddie, and their rescue dogs—Heidi, a Bull Arab x Great Dane mix and Moose, a Dogue de Bordeaux x Great Dane!

Our Reception Team

Sarah - Reception
3 years at Scruffys
Sarah first came to Australia in 2019 where she studied Environmental Science at the University of Canberra as well as Georgaphy at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. Sarah grew up in South East London and would often holiday in France where she fell in love with her families Border Collie, Alex - which kick started her love for dogs.
Sarah joined Scruffy’s in 2022 as our receptionist but has since worked in both daycare and grooming too. After she started working here, she got her own pup with her partner - a Cavoodle called Baloo. Sarah has been putting in a lot of time and effort in to training Baloo outside of work and they love going on weekend adventures together.
Charlotte - Reception
< 1 year at Scruffys
Charlotte joined Scruffys in December 2024, bringing a background in people care and a lifelong love of dogs. Originally from Suffolk, England, she completed a degree in acting at the University of Central Lancashire before moving to Australia in early 2024.
In the UK, she worked in both childcare and aged care, but dogs have always held a special place in her heart. After moving, she deeply missed her family dog Pixie, a cheeky Spoodle, and knew she needed dogs back in her daily life leading her to Scruffys.
Now working across reception and grooming, Charlotte enjoys the balance of connecting with clients and spending one-on-one time with the pups. Though new to the team, she already feels at home and considers the Scruffys crew her second family.
Anna - Reception/Canine Trainer
6 years at Scruffys
Anna joined Scruffys in February 2019 with an interest in expanding her knowledge around dog behaviour and training. Over the years, she has worked across all departments gaining a well-rounded understanding of canine care. These days she’s mostly found at the front desk accompanied by Huxley her Bernese Mountain Dog.
In 2023, Anna completed her NDTF training Certification, further supporting her work with both dogs and their people. Outside of Scruffys, Anna is studying Law and Psychology, reflecting her deep interest in behavioural science and advocacy. She also fosters for Willow Tree Sanctuary, helping dogs find their forever comes.
Recently, Anna welcomed a spirited Newfoundland Puppy into the family, named Isla

Our Daycare Team

Margherita - Head Canine Trainer and Senior Daycare Team Leader
3 years at Scruffys
Margherita is one of our incredible trainers and a valued part of the Scruffy’s daycare team. Originally from Rome, she moved to Australia in March 2022 and joined us shortly after. Her love for dogs began at just 3 years old with her first rescue, Mila the greyhound X.
Her career path shifted in 2013 after adopting Ares, an American Staffy X rescued from a dog fighting ring. Working through his behavioral challenges inspired her to complete the nationally recognized Enci Diploma in 2015, Italy’s official dog training qualification.
Since then, Margherita has gained extensive experience in behavior recovery, with her favorite role being freelance training due to the wide variety of cases she encountered. She’s passionate about improving dogs' lives through trust-based training and hopes to one day open her own rescue and training centre, including educational programs for children.
Piper - Daycare Attendant
1 year at Scruffys
Born and raised on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Piper has been surrounded by animals her entire life. Her love for dogs was shaped by 14 years with Fonzie, her beloved rescue Staffy Kelpie cross, sparking a lifelong commitment to animal care.
Before joining Scruffys in January 2024, Piper completed a Certificate in Animal Care and gained hands-on experience at the RSPCA. She has since completed further studies in Wildlife and Exhibited Animals at TAFE, as well as a short course in dangerous dog handling.
Piper brings calm energy to the daycare team. With a passion for animal welfare and a goal of working in the zoo and wildlife sector, she is a motivated and natural caregiver.
Millie - Canine Trainer and Daycare Attendant
9 years at Scruffys
Millie joined Scruffys in April 2016 and quickly became a favourite among the dogs. She is a passionate advocate for animal welfare and is deeply involved in rescue and rehabilitation work. Over the years, she has fostered multiple litters of puppies, successfully finding loving homes for each one including Jackson, a beautiful Kelpie X now cherished by her brother. Beyond this, Millie also volunteers at Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary, a haven for rescued farm animals.
In March 2023, Millie completed her NDTF Dog Training Certification, further strengthening her skills and knowledge in canine behaviour and training.
At home, she shares her life with two beloved rescue dogs: Hakuna, an American Staffy, and Dante, a gentle Mastiff X.
Bree - Canine Trainer and Daycare Attendant
7 years at Scruffys
Currently on Maternity Leave

Our Grooming Team

Kiyoko - Senior Groomer
18 Years at Scruffy's
Originally from Japan, Kiyoko joined Scruffys in 2007 and brings over two decades of grooming experience to the team. She is known for her gentle handling, meticulous attention to detail, and deep understanding of breed-specific styles. While she loves grooming all dogs, she has a special passion for Poodles and Shih Tzus.
Kiyoko is an award-winning groomer with multiple accolades to her name. In 2017, she won first place in Open Poodle at the Royal Easter Show with a mini brown Poodle. Other achievements include first place in Open Terriers at the Royal Easter Show 2013, second in Gundogs and third in Master Salon Freestyle at Aus groom 2013, first in Salon Freestyle at the Royal Easter Show 2012, and Best in Group at Summer groom 2011.
Before moving to Australia, Kiyoko also studied veterinary nursing for two years and worked in a kennel caring for show Shelties. Her early experience laid a strong foundation for the skill and precision she brings to her work today.
Ayaka - Senior Groomer
<1 year at Scruffys
Ayaka brings over 15 years of grooming experience and a calm, professional presence to the Scruffy’s team. She completed a two-year grooming program at a leading grooming school in Tokyo and went on to work in both high-end grooming salons and animal hospitals across the city. Her expertise spans everything from stylish breed cuts to the gentle handling of senior dogs and pets with chronic health conditions.
Ayaka is also a former instructor at the grooming school she graduated from, where she taught breed-specific techniques with a special focus on Bichon Frise show trims. In 2019, she was awarded second place in a Sydney grooming competition, a recognition of her refined technique and attention to detail.
After first moving to Sydney in 2017 to continue her grooming career, Ayaka returned to Japan between 2020 and 2024. During this time, she not only continued grooming professionally but also led workshops for pet owners, teaching dog-friendly grooming techniques and hosting mindset-focused seminars for aspiring groomers.
She returned to Australia in October 2024 and is currently based in Sydney, where she continues to expand her knowledge and passion for grooming.
Lia - Junior Groomer
2 years at Scruffys
Lia joined Scruffys in March 2023, bringing a strong background in animal care and a special love for pugs. Originally from Brazil, she moved to Australia to pursue her passion for animals in a new setting.
Lia holds Bachelor of Biology with a specialisation in Marine Biology. Before joining Scruffys she spent four years working with both wild and captive animals. After losing her beloved pug Malu in 2016, Lia began rescuing and fostering dogs and cats and moved to working as a daycare attendant and dog walker. During this time, she met Valentine, a spirited Persian cat who became part of her family.
At Scruffys, she is known for her gentle, patient approach that ensures every dog feels safe and relaxed during their bath. In 2023, Lia celebrated a joyful milestone, marrying her wife, Milene.