Groomers around the world inspire us. Their passion for pets and business consistently set the bar for the industry, which is why we'll be featuring stories from groomers like you in our monthly Barkmails. This month, we caught up with groomer Kelsey Walter of Boca Park Animal Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada.
GC: Tell us your grooming story.
KW: My love for animals started when I was a little girl. I would dress up our family dog as a fur-ocious lion in my pink tutu, and we would perform our circus tricks for family. That evolved into training other family pets, so it seemed fitting to transition into pet grooming.
Like many other groomers, my grooming career started in a corporate setting. I started as a bather and worked my butt off to earn a spot to be sent to the grooming academy. I’ve worked for privately-owned shops, a mobile grooming company and now a fear free and low-stress animal hospital.
GC: How long have you been grooming?
KW: I’ve been grooming for 11 years now. (Where does the time go?)
GC: On average, how many dogs/pets do you bathe and/or groom in a day?
KW: I groom anywhere from six to nine dogs a day, depending on size and temperament.
GC: What is your favorite part about grooming?
KW: I love that every day brings new challenges and rewards, and there is an endless amount of techniques to learn and classes to take. And I obviously can’t forget about all the cute dogs and cats!
GC: What are the biggest differences between dog and cat grooming?
KW: Cats can have a stricter timeline for when their patience runs out for grooming, usually around 45 minutes. They also have really thin skin that can become saggy.
Your environment and energy can have a bigger effect, as well. A calm environment and demeanor will help a lot!
GC: What is the best piece of grooming advice you've received?
KW: I have two ingrained in my mind:
- A good groom starts with your prep work and in the tub.
- Dogs and cats are energy readers. They will sense if you are stressed, calm or anxious and feed off those emotions.
GC: Do you ever visit the Las Vegas Groomer's Choice warehouse?
KW: Absolutely! I go more than my bank account would like. I was just there the other day, actually. Rob is the best!
GC: Anything else you want to add?
KW: The grooming community is amazing. If you ever need support, advice or just to share about your day, there is always someone to help you or provide a resource. Groomers supporting other groomers… it’s magical.
Keep up with Kelsey on Instagram and TikTok.
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