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OUR ROOTS

A Journey through 30 Years of Animal Care

Victoria's passion for animals began at a young age, where she was often referred to as "Dr. Dolittle" by family and friends. Animals have always been drawn to Victoria and would make themselves at home wherever she was, following her everywhere she went. She would bring home any animal that needed help regardless of her own safety.

At just 12 years old, she learned the art of grooming under the guidance of a seasoned show dog handler. From those early hands-on experiences, she developed not only technical skill, but a deep respect and understanding for animals of all sizes and temperaments. She continued to grow her expertise working in a pet store, where she expanded her knowledge and refined her techniques.

Life later led her down a different career path as she married and had a family—but her love for animals never left. It was during her pregnancy, while caring for her own giant breed dogs, that Victoria encountered a frustrating gap in the industry. After being turned away by multiple grooming facilities due to her dogs' size, she was left with no choice but to bathe her 140+ pound dog herself—nine months pregnant—using a walk-up tub at a grooming shop. That moment became a turning point. She realized that if she was facing this challenge, countless other large dog owners were likely experiencing the same struggle.

Determined to make a difference, Victoria returned to school to become a certified professional groomer. After the birth of her children, she built her business with a clear mission: to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive grooming environment for dogs of all sizes—especially the large and giant breeds often overlooked by others.

With over 30 years of experience, Victoria has earned a reputation for her calm, compassionate approach and her ability to handle dogs that many groomers would turn away. While she happily grooms small dogs as well, she has become a trusted specialist for large breeds, thanks to her personal experience and confidence working with them.

Her custom-designed grooming studio—built with the help of her husband at the time—reflects her commitment to animal comfort and well-being. Instead of traditional grooming tables, Victoria works at the dogs' level in a specially designed space, creating a more relaxed and stress-free experience. Every detail, from the layout of the tools and the products she uses, has been carefully researched and selected with the animal's best interest in mind.

Victoria also has a special touch with cats, grooming them gently on her lap while allowing owners to remain present for added comfort. Her approach is rooted in patience, trust, and genuine care.

A genuine animal lover, Victoria has always shared her life with dogs—especially German Shepherds—and continues to bring her own dogs to work, creating a familiar and social environment for her clients. For Victoria, grooming is more than a profession—it's a passion. Every day brings something new, and she still feels the same excitement meeting each animal as she did when she first started. Her dedication, experience, and heartfelt connection to animals are at the core of everything she does—and she wouldn't have it any other way.

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Meet Your Merchant

On Saturday, November 1, 2008, the Chatham Daily News featured Victoria’s Pet Spa in its ‘Meet Your Merchant’ business profiles, highlighting our commitment to quality and service within the local community.

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pamper your pet with a day at the spa

     A soothing atmosphere. Candles. Plants. Music. Pampering.At Victoria's Pet Spa, your best friend will be "treated with the utmost respect," owner and grooming specialist Victoria Rawlings, explained.

     Along with the respect your pet deserves, the staff at the pet spa make sure their customers are comfortable in many ways: by using a custom-built pit, which Rawlings can stand in and be at the animals' level without stressing them;by making sure the animal does not have to climb or be lifted; by giving each animal personal attention, even giving out organic treats.

     Rawlings, a graduate with honors and show dog experience, said that, "the dogs are part of my family when I am caring for them," adding "we don't want them to be nervous. We want every experience here to be a positive one."

     One way Rawlings ensures a positive experience is through trying to keep a carefree and happy work environment for her staff, saying she " doesn't allow them to come to work in a bad mood, as animals can sense our moods."

     Also, if an animal does not like it's nails being clipped, Rawlings will alternate; one paw, thenb a facial scrub. Another paw, then a full-body shampoo, etc., allowing the animal to be comfortable. Dremel used on nails-sono stress or cracking nails. Dremel has carbine tip so does not heat up.

     Each trip to the spa will leave your dog or cat squeaky clean and well cared-for, with treatments ranging from shampooing (using organic, oatmeal based shampoo), facial scrubs and nail clippings. Rawlings will even teach owners how to maintain their pets' nails, for upkeep between visits.

     Rawlings added they are even getting into paw soaks, manicures and pedicures, and temporary hair colouring.

     Another new service the spa is hoping to add is animal massages; Rawlings will take a course from the U.S this winter.

     Between each client, Rawlings and her staff disinfect all their tools to ensure a safe and healthy environment.

     Three years after opening, Victoria's Pet Spa is looking foreward to a future of ensuring Chatham-Kent's family friends are looking their best.

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