Callie Davis, owner of a mobile pet-grooming business, has been grooming pets with a passion and a mission — to fill a need, because pets deserve better.
Located in rural Marion in Shawano County, Davis treats pets with utmost respect and the unique attention their owners appreciate.
Desiring to let her clients know that their pet is special, each individual dog or cat is carefully examined. By their size and breed, Davis determines what they may require. One-on-one attention and pet comfort is emphasized, as well as addressing owner’s knowledge gaps regarding their pet’s care.
Her mobile trailer, the Pets Deserve Better Spa, is equipped with a generator as well as enough water supply to complete tasks.
After the animal’s assessment and consultation, prices are tailored per client, not offered as an a la carte price list, she said. Product recommendations are based on pet’s needs, like yeast in ears, red paws or scooting. Services such as anal gland expulsions are offered, as well as eye and ear cleanings, nail trims and coat shampoo including a full-grooming service such as baths, de-shedding, blow-outs, nose lotion and paw cleaning.
Used in the grooming process are products that are breed-specific. Davis stocks premium products, designed especially for each breed.
“A specific shampoo is used for pit bulls, one for boxers, one for doodles — all have different hair types,” Davis said.
Huskies require more conditioning and brushing due to their hair type.
“A husky must get more conditioning because they have so much more hair — they get lots more brushing,” said Davis. “Paws, belly and ears are the more foul-smelling parts of a dog, and that’s the hardest part to wash on a dog. Scrubbing those parts is crucial to eliminating a majority of the unpleasant odors.”
Many various tools are used, such as hair-cutting tools, as well as buzzer clippers, combs and thinning shears. A toolbox to maintain stability as she travels will be purchased soon.
“My favorite tool is called a ‘groom bug,’ which is a brush that brushes hair out of cats as well as dogs,” Davis said. “Safety and comfort consideration is always first and foremost in my mind.”
Cat grooming is also offered. If cats are given regular baths, they don’t get hairballs and dander in the house. Removing dander may help with any pet owners’ potential allergy issues.
“They have less licking and scratching issues,” said Davis. “Baths take care of the issues resulting from their skin. They need baths.”
In the past, Davis has tried her hand on various careers.
“I’ve attempted different things, and I didn’t give up,” Davis said. “You only fail when you stop trying. Among various careers, previously I was a licensed insurance agent. However, I feel like I always wanted to come back to my animals. Living on a dairy farm, I’ve witnessed births and notice, if an animal is comfortable they produce better.”
Davis enjoys her work because, even though she’s always worked with people, she’s better able to bond with those people over their pets.
“I acquired a lot of skill through home projects when I became involved in rescuing cats,” Davis said. “I started giving them baths, cleaning their ears, checking them for mites. Giving my own dog haircuts, I thought, ‘This is something I could do.’”
A book called “All-Breed Dog-Grooming Guide” supplied Davis with training and inspiration. The book, along with watching helpful training videos and hands-on experience along the way, has made Davis more confident in her craft.
The convenience of a mobile pet spa is available to take care of pets that don’t get to go to a groomer; their owners may either be busy or their pet may be too scared to go into a storefront spa.
“I come out to their home,” Davis said. “Their pet does not wait, shaking in a crate for a couple of hours. I walk them from their home to my trailer. I enjoy one-on-one time with each pet. That’s what I love most.”
As far as long-range dreams, Davis is considering creating a larger company concept with spa, rescue, vet and chiropractor services for animals, all under one umbrella.
“Also, I’d love to create a dog-run area, a safe place an owner can drop their dog to let them run,” Davis said. “Just think of a dog never having the freedom and sheer joy to run off-leash.”
As an end-of-session gift, her client’s best friend gets sent home with a subtle fragrant spray and a seasonal-themed bandanna fastened around their neck. Each pet is provided with a parting treat: a small bag of healthy, freeze-dried treats and bones.
“What I offer isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Every pet is lovingly treated according to what they need,” said Davis. “My passion for animals is what motivates me.”
To arrange an appointment, contact Davis via her Facebook page.
