Safe Haven Pet Spa was started at the Pet Care Center by Gabrielle Rhody and Dr. David Creech in order to provide the best care and dog grooming services for animals that might not thrive at other groomers. As an owner of two rescue dogs– one with special behavioral needs, Gabrielle understood that many conventional and corporate grooming practices are not conducive to the mental and emotional well-being of many pets. Her goal was to provide a “safe haven” for any dog and all breeds with special needs while giving them the best grooming service possible.
Dr. Creech partners with Gabrielle to oversee the dog grooming and provide his experience and expertise in pet care.
Gabrielle’s prior dog grooming experience includes managing a grooming salon as well as attending and training at grooming conferences. She has received certifications from Barkleigh for their brusher/bather course and their first aid/CPR course, and currently, she is pursuing the AKC S.A.F.E. Groomer Certification.
What makes us different?
We provide gentle, enrichment based dog grooming where the animal’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being is at the center of the groom. Using the best tools, equipment, and techniques, Gabrielle created a grooming salon where she can guarantee comfort and quality of the services offered.
Below are some of the tools and practices we employ for the comfort of the pets:
Happy Hoodies are used comfort and protect dog’s ears during drying, and all dogs are hand dried rather than caged dried so Gabrielle can monitor their emotional state and comfort them during the drying process.
Emergency release clips are used on all tables and tubs for the safety of pets.
Trachsavers are restraining loops used in the tub and on the grooming table to secure dogs so that absolutely no pressure is on the throat– unlike traditional grooming loops which go around the neck.
Our treats are organic and locally sourced from Amber Spearman at the Black Sheep Bakery. We use her “Nutty Nanas” treats as well as her dehydrated beef liver.
Soft, non-slick foam mats such as PawMats are used on the grooming table and in the tub for the comfort and stability of the pets– especially elderly ones.
Safe Haven Pet Spa 