BEST OF THE BEST: GROOMER SPOTLIGHT
We’re not the only ones who think our groomers are a cut above the rest. Chattanooga thinks so too! The Ark Pet Spa & Hotel was voted Best Pet Groomer in Chattanooga for the fifth year in a row. While we can’t deny that winning such a coveted award feels amazing, one look at our stacked staff will help you see why we’re the first to say that our groomers are simply the best. Learn more about our grooming services here.
ASHLEY // EAST BRAINERD
How long have you worked in pet care?
20 years
What made you want to become a groomer or work with animals?
While I was a dog bather, the groomer I worked under saw potential in me, so I went to school to become a professional groomer.
What is your favorite part of grooming?
Helping scared pets enjoy the grooming process better.
What is one thing you wish dog owners knew about grooming?
Grooming is time consuming.
Do you have any pets of your own?
4 dogs (Tuey, Nattie, Zoey Jane, Milton) and 5 horses (Blackie, Mello, Perry, Squeeks, Beau)
SHAI // HIXSON
How long have you worked in pet care?
Since I was 10 years old! My mother and grandmother were both groomers.
What is your favorite Ark memory?
Murphy and Winston are two brothers that regularly come in for grooming. Winston is deaf, but his brother stands next to him on the grooming table to comfort him . It melts my heart every time!
What made you want to become a groomer or work with animals?
I love animals and grew up working with them.
What is your favorite part of grooming?
It is so rewarding when a pet behaves great during their appointment after the owner says that their pet is difficult and may need to be muzzled.
Do you have any pets of your own?
3 dogs (Boo, Clyde, Oxy)
RACHEL // SOUTHSIDE
How long have you worked in pet care?
8 years
What is your favorite Ark memory?
My favorite is when owners want a super fun groom, such as giving a mohawk to their Great Pyrenees.
What made you want to become a groomer or work with animals?
I love dogs, and I want to make them look and feel their absolute best.
What is your favorite part of grooming?
Seeing the owners’ reactions when they pick up their fresh, clean dogs.
What is one thing you wish dog owners knew about grooming?
Dogs need to be brushed just as often as people brush their own hair.
CYNTHIA // RED BANK
How long have you worked in pet care?
Almost 20 years
What is one thing you wish dog owners knew about grooming?
Doodles are actually high maintenance when it comes to grooming, and owners often do not brush them often enough
What made you want to become a groomer or work with animals?
Dogs rule and humans drool. Just kidding! But dogs are the most loving and forgiving creatures, so working with them every day is amazing.
What is your favorite part of grooming?
Definitely the dogs.
Do you have any pets of your own?
2 dogs (Bane and Appolo)
ARIKA // DORAVILLE
How long have you worked in pet care?
14 years. My very first job was working in the dog kennels.
What is your favorite part of grooming?
Getting to work with all different dog breeds, honing my skills, and expressing my creative side.
What made you want to become a groomer or work with animals?
I’ve always loved animals, so I could see myself thriving in the pet care industry. Plus whenever I gave my own dog a haircut, he always got compliments on it!
What is one thing you wish dog owners knew about grooming?
Know how to best take care of your dog’s grooming needs, starting with how to brush them properly.
Do you have any pets of your own?
2 dogs (Scrappy and Diesel)
