It feels like Steele’s Village is on a roll. At the end of June, another new business opened, taking over premises which had been empty for a while. Precious Paws is Belsize Park’s first hub dedicated to dog grooming and a canine day care centre too.
In The Square sent Belsize resident and writer Julie Turner to Precious Paws and here’s what she found out:
Eva Ujhaziova, founder of Precious Paws, became a dog walker by happy accident. Over twenty years ago, Eva was working as a nanny for a family when their dog walker suddenly decided to retire. Eva stepped in, but it wasn’t meant to be a permanent job. Her plan was to earn some money and then go back to law school. But Eva didn’t return. In fact, through word of mouth, she became a dog walker for several other North London locals, including a handful of celebrities living in Belsize Park.
With the encouragement of Steele’s Village Business Association Chair Lynn Whiting, at the start of 2026, Eva took over 83-85a Haverstock Hill. She renovated to create a welcoming and functional space for daytime dog-sitting and premium grooming – referred to online as ‘posh wash.’
Eva’s approach has been inspired by her own experiences as an owner of five rescue dogs. She’s never enjoyed places where owners are asked to leave their dog with a receptionist and collect them from behind closed doors.
Heading up the grooming services is Amelia Smallwood, who brings years of experience and a strong reputation.
Amelia admires Eva’s ‘dogs first’ approach and the homey feel which Eva has created. Amelia knows how grooming can be a stressful experience for many dogs, but the calm, un-crated experience at Precious Paws translates into calmer dogs on her grooming table. And when the job’s done, the dogs have each other and a lovely space to hang out in.
Eva wants to keep Precious Paws personal and build relationships with dog owners. “It’s about quality over quantity, emphasizing care and having a good team,” she says in her soft-spoken manner.
At the heart of it all, Eva wants a place where dogs can just be dogs. “They’re animals. They like to run and play and be in a group,” she says.
Each Precious Paws dog is given a daily walk at a nearby park with one of Eva’s walkers – Troy, Monica or Corina. Back at the facility, the dogs spend the rest of the day playing, napping, or being cuddled! Underfloor heating and air conditioning make the centre weather-resilient and in the back of the venue, there’s a small courtyard.
A Doberman client in the Precious Paws courtyard greeting our photographer!
Precious Paws: 83-85a Haverstock Hill, NW3
Phone: 020 3795 5106
