Mobile pet groomer takes it on the road
Michelle Berg doesn't mind when her satisfied customers slip her the tongue.
That's because her clients are dogs, cats and the occasional rabbit.
Berg recently brought her mobile pet grooming service, Aussie Pet Mobile, to east and north Burnaby, expanding her territory from North and West Vancouver where she's been helping well-heeled hounds and felines look their best for more than a year.
For Berg, clipping canines and kitties curbside is a way to get back to her first love; she was an animal health care technician before spending 22 years as a manager in a lab dealing with human blood and tissue samples. For the animals, it's a chance to look good without the stress of hurried trips across town and a few hours in a kennel in unfamiliar surroundings.
Her two specially equipped Mercedes Sprinter vans offer all the comforts of a top grooming shop, including a whirlpool bath, a grooming table that will lower all the way to the floor to accommodate older, more immobile clients, a ramp to help them walk into the studio and, of course, a jar of treats. And with the expansive side door open, Fido can still see his favourite familiar bush while getting his tail trimmed.
"It's the lowest stress environment you can create for pets," says Berg.
It can also be a relief for their people who are increasingly stressed by their harried lives, juggling jobs, ferrying kids about town.
"People are so busy with work and other activities, sometimes the dog or cat gets left behind," says Berg.
In fact, a little pet pampering can go a long way toward soothing hurt feelings. Berg says she's seen an animal's demeanor change markedly after a padicure, good dental cleaning or new haircut. Even a mohawk, which one client requested for their cat.
"People tell us their older dogs are like puppies again, or their cat is playful again," says Berg.
With two professional groomers in her employ, Berg says she tries to keep animals matched to the groomer they've become comfortable with, again keeping stress to a minimum.
"That way the animal knows it's not going to be so bad the next time."
And Berg's more likely to get a kiss of appreciation.
To find out more about Aussie Pet Mobile go to www.aussiepetmobile.ca/burnaby-east.
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.