Paw Spa Mobile Grooming

04/17/2020

I want to reopen my business!
I emailed all Lee county commissioners regarding Governors Executive Order 20-91 pet grooming should not be permitted anywhere in the state during this crisis. Veterinarians and pet stores are allowed to continue operations to care for animals but grooming is not considered an essential part of those processes. Pet boarding and personnel required to maintain the facility as well as the animals are considered essential."

Because of the responses from Lee County deeming pet grooming as a non- essential service, myself and other groomer's in our area are closed & remain closed. My fellow groomers and I want to operate our businesses in compliance and not operate our services through loop holes as many businesses in our area are doing like Petco & Petsmart which are providing grooming services because they sell pet supplies. Indeed, I'm sending my current desperate clients to Petco & Petsmart for urgent cases regarding pet grooming because they have this loop hole! I am certain mobile groomers in particular can have better social distancing policies & practices... I have those policies "waiting"in place when I reopen.
Some counties in Florida are allowing pet grooming by adding us into the definition of "pet care"under the current Executive Order 20-91. Pinellas county voted on pet grooming specifically yesterday. While in Sumter county, the villages a mobile groomer was shut down from operating services https://www.villages-news.com/2020/04/09/groomer-shut-down-after-found-to-be-non-essential-during-covid-19/.
I have not seen Lee County shutting any businesses down & deciding they are non-essential. But clarity and classification is needed for my industry, business and others like me that do not want to risk their licenses or reputation and are wanting to do the right things for our community.

So, I haven't yet received any useful replies from any of the Lee County commissioners but I did present the issue via chat to the Mayor of Sanibel, Kevin Ruane and he seems to consider pet grooming essential! Perhaps he'll help get us added to "pet care"definition under executive order 20-91! 😉

A local dog groomer was shut down after the business was determined to be non-essential during the COVID-19 crisis.

04/16/2020

I'm scared lol!

04/15/2020

A couple of fellow mobile groomers contacted Lee County officials last week to see if mobile grooming could be allowed to operate as we can provide safe social distancing if we made some minor adjustments to our normal services. Lee county responded that pet grooming & mobile pet grooming is a non-essential service per Local, State & Federal "Stay at Home" orders and should close until 4/30. Lee county is not enforcing non- essential businesses & groomers from operating... nor would I want them to. I think if businesses & groomers can protect customers, employees & practice safe social distancing they should be allowed to be open. Some local groomers & mobile groomers are temporally closed & are complying with "stay at home"orders, some aren't.

I'm so very sorry to all of my clients, each and everyone are valuable to me! I had no intention of being closed this long!

I hope to reopen soon though... I'm counting the days! 🙏

For those clients waiting for me...I truly appreciate it! I'll work as hard as I can to get everyone back on schedule and to get all the doggies groomed and happy as best as I can.

For those that can't wait, I understand! I want you to do what you need to for you and your pets! I'll still be here if you need me and want me back when I reopen.

I'm sorry, I can't recommend another mobile groomer that is still operating, most have filled schedules or are not accepting new clients at this time due to current situation. I think Petco is doing curbside check-in/check-out for grooming though so if your desperate that's an option. Petsmart has also resumed grooming services on 4/6, perhaps they're also offering curbside grooming pickups.
I already know that you'd rather have me as you chose and have continued to use my services. It's okay, I want you to do what's best for you and what your comfortable with since I can't be there for you. You have my blessings!

Getting PPE supplies and disinfectants has been a challenge! Even my grooming suppliers are out of stock for some disinfectants.
I have ample supplies that I need for when I reopen and to last for a little while. I could use some re-supplies if any clients have extra or happen upon the following items;

-Lysol spray disinfectant or Oster spray disinfectant (groomer brand lol)
-Isopropyl Alcohol
- Hand Sanitizer
- Facial masks (I have cloth ones some homemade, some I bought for grooming long ago. Amazon does have some in stock but based on reviews they seem to be low quality)
- Clorox/ disinfecting wipes (I don't really need these but they would be nice to have. I have plenty of bleach)

*Any and all items procured for me can be deducted from grooming fees when I reopen.

Thank you!
Tamara

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ April 1 safer-at-home order defines “pet care” as essential and, therefore, retailers who sell pet supplies and food can remain open.

04/12/2020

04/08/2020

A Pawspamg client sent this and it lifted my spirits so much! Post me some more cute doggie pics! 🐶🐾

04/03/2020

How is everyone doing? I made a little home grooming guide with helpful video links & products you may need.

Home Grooming Guide.pdf

04/02/2020

https://youtu.be/0pA9gY25X00

In this FREE Spotlight Session, CMG Melissa Verplank demonstrates line brushing techniques that are a huge help when dematting a pet. Good technique will alw...

04/02/2020

As of 4/2/20 at midnight, Florida issued a Safer-at-Home order. The order defines “essential services” as those on a list from the Department of Homeland Security. Pet grooming is not considered to be an essential service.
Some other states/counties have included pet grooming as an essential service and have allowed mobile pet grooming and other pet care establishments to continue to provide grooming services if they can adhere to cdc safe social distancing standards. I will update when I have more clarification & information regarding the state of Florida as I'm closely monitoring the situation.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions. I want to help and would love to hear from you!
I also, urge my clients to please think of their pet's as an extension of themselves and to include them in their safest social distancing practices. Me and all the doggie's want our human's to be safe and healthy!🐶❤️🐾

03/31/2020

Warning!!!: This is kind of long video but worth the watch. There is NO evidence that our pets are in danger of contracting or spreading this virus to humans. However, the possibility of human contamination/transmitting COVID-19 to pet fur remains to be a deep area of concern for me. The CDC considers this a low risk issue for pet owners but as I'm a groomer I'm in contact with many pet's on a weekly basis. Please include your pets in your social distancing practices.

03/27/2020

I'm taking a lunch break from deep cleaning my van. My health insurance was canceled right before all this happened due to auto pay expiring but I got my insurance reinstated on Tuesday. And given the current situation + that I've had a bunch of tests done lately including a colonoscopy I sure am relived and another step closer to getting back to work. I've always been very good about cleaning my van and tools but like everyone else sanitation procedures need to be increased and amped up the highest levels! In addition to my usual cleaning agents and disinfectants I now have a newly approved epa disinfectant that will kill CV19, H1N1, Parvo and more + a machine that will heat treat/disinfect my tools & implements. I'm working on policies and procedures to operate my business in the new CV19 world and as a mobile groomer I believe I was already 90% there before CV19 invaded. I miss my doggies SO MUCH already and I really hope I can see them all soon!🐶🐾❤

03/21/2020

My dear clients,
As of today Paw Spa Mobile Grooming is temporarily closing to help curve the spread of COVID19 in our community. In Florida we have a very large population of senior citizens, a large number of my clientele are senior citizens which are the highest risk group for COVID19. I'm no spring chicken either!
I care deeply for all of my clients, pets and human alike and must ensure everyone's safety!

Updated: 4/2/20
On Fri. 3/20/20 Pet Smart Grooming division is temporarily closed nationwide.
As of 4/2/20 at midnight, Florida issued a Safer-at-Home order. The order defines “essential services” as those on a list from the Department of Homeland Security. Pet grooming is not considered to be an essential service. However, some other states/counties have included pet grooming as an essential service.
I will update when there is more clarification for the state of Florida.

At this time, I am uncertain how long I will remain closed.
I am hopeful to get back to providing service with safety measures in place as soon as I am able. As a pet lover like yourselves, I worry about your pets discomfort and I am aware the longer this goes the greater the possibility of issues arising for your animals. For all pets it is recommended they receive grooming care a minimum of every 4-8 weeks to check for the following:

* Dirty ears

* Overgrown nails

* Matted fur, tangles, or impacted undercoat

* Stickers, yard debris in coat, check underside of paw pads

* Pests such as fleas or ticks

* Skin redness, irritation, scaling or scabs

* Sanitary check for for feces/urine/tapeworm

* Build up of crusty eye boogers (common with hairy faces)

* Dirty coat cleansed

Checking for these things while your groomer is unavailable will prevent any serious issues from arising and will keep your pet feeling good until their next professional visit. Some pets may need hygiene care as often as every few days, while lower maintenance coats will do just fine with a monthly close look over. Don't be intimidated! Your pets are used to grooming and with some patience on your part this can be an opportunity to bond with your furry friend in a new way. I want to do my best to support you and will post some helpful info links & videos if needed and be happy to answer your home-grooming concerns on Paw Spa Mobile Grooming page, as others there may have similar questions too. Or, feel free to call or text me (239)424-9209 Mon. - Sat. 9am-5pm.

Once I have reopened, I will as always be loyal to my regular clients and will work very hard to get to all of the pets in my care in as soon as possible. Your pet will be quite scruffier than we are all used to and I am aware of everyone's needs and have record of our last visits. I will ask at that time you please be patient and flexible as I work overtime to get to everyone in and I will want to help as many pets in need as I can.

Finally, I want you to know I am wishing you and your loved ones great health and will miss our regular visit. Please give your pets love from me, and extra love to our very senior fur babies that I will especially miss seeing this month.