Dog Groomer Near Lakeland, FL | Groomed by Valerie — Nearly 30 Years of Gentle Care
Valerie with a freshly groomed dog

Nearly 30 Years of Trusted Dog Grooming

Gentle Grooming. Trusted Care. Happy Dogs.
Professional dog grooming near Lakeland, Florida, with a special passion for puppies and small breeds. For nearly three decades, Valerie has helped dogs look their best while making every grooming visit calm, comfortable, and positive.

🐾Nearly 30 Years Experience 🐶Puppy Grooming Specialist ❤️Gentle One-on-One Care Trusted by Generations of Families
Valerie with a small groomed dog
About Valerie

A Lifetime Dedicated to Dogs

I've spent nearly three decades doing what I love most — caring for dogs.

I began my career in Michigan as a young bather and worked my way up to becoming a professional groomer through years of hands-on experience, dedication, and an unwavering love for animals. Over the next twenty years, I had the privilege of building lasting relationships with families who trusted me with generations of their dogs.

Today, I'm proud to bring that same experience and compassionate care to families near Lakeland, Florida.

Every dog is unique. Some are excited, some are nervous, and many simply need someone willing to move at their pace. My goal is always the same: to make every dog feel safe, comfortable, and loved while providing grooming that supports their long-term health and well-being.

There's nothing more rewarding than watching a puppy grow into a confident adult who happily walks through my door because they know they're in caring hands.

Her Journey

Nearly Three Decades of Experience

1990s

Started working with dogs as a bather.

Built professional grooming skills through years of hands-on experience.

Nearly 20 years serving families in Michigan.

Relocated to Florida.

Now proudly serving dogs and families near Lakeland with the same gentle approach.

By the Numbers

Nearly Three Decades, Told Simply

0+
Years of Experience
Thousands
Happy Dogs Groomed
Countless
Puppy First Grooms
One
Lifelong Passion
Happy puppy after a gentle first grooming with Valerie
Puppy Grooming

Giving Puppies the Best First Grooming Experience

Your puppy's first grooming appointment shapes how they feel about grooming for years to come.

That's why I take extra time to introduce every puppy gently to the sights, sounds, and routines of grooming. My goal is to build confidence, trust, and positive experiences from the very beginning.

A calm first visit helps create a lifetime of stress-free grooming.

Why It Matters

Healthy Dogs Start With Regular Grooming

Professional grooming is about much more than looking beautiful. Routine grooming helps:

  • Maintain healthy skin and coat
  • Prevent painful matting
  • Reduce shedding
  • Keep nails healthy
  • Keep ears clean
  • Detect skin changes early
  • Make grooming easier and less stressful over time

Keeping your dog on a regular grooming schedule is one of the best investments you can make in their long-term health and comfort.

Photo — grooming in progress
Favorite Breeds

Breeds I Love Working With

Every dog is unique, but I especially enjoy grooming:

Shih Tzu photo
Shih Tzu
Yorkshire Terrier photo
Yorkshire Terrier
West Highland White Terrier photo
West Highland White Terrier
Lhasa Apso photo
Lhasa Apso
Bichon Frisé photo
Bichon Frisé
Small Terrier photo
Small Terrier Breeds

Every groom is customized to your dog's individual coat, personality, and lifestyle.

Valerie with a large groomed dog
My Promise

Every Dog Is Family

Trust is something that's earned.

Whether your dog is playful, shy, energetic, or nervous, I take the time to build a relationship based on patience and understanding.

Every appointment is focused on creating a calm environment where your dog feels safe, comfortable, and cared for.

There's nothing more rewarding than seeing a happy dog leave feeling fresh, confident, and loved.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my dog be groomed?

Most dogs benefit from professional grooming every four to eight weeks depending on breed and coat type.

Do you groom puppies?

Absolutely. Puppy grooming is one of my specialties.

My dog gets nervous during grooming.

That's completely okay. I work patiently with anxious dogs and always move at their pace. Building trust is one of the most important parts of my job.

How long does grooming take?

Appointment times vary depending on your dog's breed, size, coat condition, and services requested.

Ready When You Are

Looking for a Groomer You Can Trust?

Experience matters. Whether you're bringing in a playful puppy or a lifelong companion, Valerie provides the patience, compassion, and professional care that nearly thirty years of grooming experience can bring.

Call or email Happy Paws Pet Spa and ask for Valerie to book your dog's next appointment.

Call and Ask for Valerie
📞 (863) 644-4223 ✉️ [email protected] 🕐 Tues–Sat, 8AM–5PM
Contact

Get In Touch

Tell me a bit about your dog and I'll follow up to schedule your appointment. You can also call or email Happy Paws Pet Spa directly and ask for Valerie.

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