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. This month, we caught up with groomer Tiffany Zankovich of PawSpa Salon & Daycare in Fountain Hills, Arizona.
GC: Can you tell us about your grooming career?
TZ: I've been grooming since I could hold our family pets as a young girl. My professional grooming career started, much the same as many other groomers, at a corporate setting in 2012. I have continued my education, trained several coming-up groomers and worked in many salons. I’ve now come full circle and am back as part of my original grooming mentor’s salon and day care in Fountain Hills, Arizona. I truly love what I do – providing essential care to all dogs, big and small, and making a difference in my community one groom at a time.
GC: What does a typical day at PawSpa Salon & Daycare look like?
TZ: A typical day in the salon starts early at 8:30 a.m. I encourage special needs pups to book first spots because it’s usually quiet and they can be in and out. As our day gets going, things are very fast-paced and busy. I always tell clientele that each dog gets the time they need on my grooming table, because you never know if a dog is having a rough day. You may need to go extra slow to build trust, which is my No. 1 goal. We groom all sizes and breeds of dogs, anything from long, hand-scissored styles to shorter, low-maintenance styles.
GC: What is your favorite part about your job?
TZ: I am very passionate about my profession and love teaching younger groomers. No matter how difficult it may seem at times, just stick with it because the reward is so worth it.
GC: Do you have a favorite grooming technique or a favorite breed to groom?
TZ: My favorite grooming technique is hand scissoring cute Asian Fusion styles on Doodles and Shih Tzus. My favorite breed to groom is, and always has been, German Shepherds. I have rehabilitated many of them over the years to enjoy the grooming process. Being able to earn the trust of such large, intelligent and working-breed dogs is so fulfilling to me.
GC: What would you say to someone interested in becoming a groomer?
TZ: To anyone who is interested in becoming a groomer, there is no substitute for hands-on learning. I recommend groomers in training reach out to local shelters and rescues to make pups beautiful and improve their handling and grooming skills, and you get to make a difference. Also, when it comes to handling dogs, at some point you will get bit, but never take it personal or get discouraged. They can't speak to tell us what’s wrong.
GC: What are your go-to grooming products/tools/equipment?
TZ: My go-to, cannot-live-without products are my K9 II Variable Speed Dryer; Best Shot products, from shampoo to Ultra Vitalizing Mist for clean coats; Kenchii Five Star shears; Andis 5 Speed Clippers; Andis Premium Deshedding Tool in coarse and fine; and finally, a good electric grooming table makes a world of difference. Investing in my tools and equipment is investing in my future.
GC: What’s the best piece of grooming advice you’ve received?
TZ: The best piece of grooming advice I have ever received is to always advocate for the dog's needs first, no matter what. I live by this.
Keep up with Tiffany and PawSpa Salon & Daycare on Instagram.
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