I grew up in a family where dogs were always a part of life. From a young age, I learned how to care for them, and as time went on, my friends began asking me for help with their pets. They’d ask if I could get rid of their dogs’ mats, trim their nails, or just give them some grooming tips. A lot of their dogs were terrified of going to the salon—grooming was always a stressful experience for both the dogs and their owners. So when I suggested, “Why not try grooming them ourselves at home?” they loved the idea.
I had some experience grooming my own dog and felt that I should try to help my friends with their pets. So, we bought a basic Andis clipper at Petco, and as I expected, the grooming turned out pretty well – no doggy disasters! My friends later told me that strangers were stopping them on the street to compliment their dog’s fresh new look!
That’s when the idea hit me—what if this passion could become more than just a hobby? What if it could be a real business? I started posting in local groups about my house-call grooming services, and soon enough, I got my first clients.
I knew that if I wanted to do this professionally, I needed to learn everything I could about grooming different breeds. I attended masterclasses with some of the industry’s top groomers, took both in-person and online seminars, and explored niche trade shows to stay updated on the latest products and techniques. It was inspiring to meet and observe fellow groomers, so I started sharing my journey on Instagram and connecting with other talented professionals.
After gaining enough confidence, I made a big decision—I left my day job to dedicate myself fully to grooming. Together with my best friend, we launched a website, set up a booking system, and created service packages tailored for in-home grooming. Now, it’s been 2.5 years since I became a full-time house-call groomer, and I serve the Manhattan and Brooklyn areas.
One unique thing about my business is that I travel to my clients on an electric bike, with all my gear packed and ready. This way, I stay on schedule, avoid the hassle of finding parking in the city, and get to provide top-notch grooming wherever it’s needed.
And that’s how The Wiggly Monsters was born—out of a love for dogs, a lot of learning, and a commitment to offering a grooming experience that’s personal and stress-free for pets and their owners alike.
Our business is geared towards clients who want a grooming service that ensures their beloved pets are cared for with minimal stress. We offer one-on-one sessions in the client’s home with their dog. Pets who find visiting a salon overwhelming or who struggle with being left in an unfamiliar place without their owner for a long time can receive the necessary care more calmly and stress-free at home. We take the time to establish a friendly connection with each dog, and the familiar home environment helps minimize stress, making the grooming process easier for everyone.
We’re always attentive to any special requests from our clients, and we only use professional products and tools. We also offer a convenient online booking system, allowing clients to quickly and effortlessly choose a time and service that works for them. Once booked, they receive confirmation or follow-up questions if needed.
Our clients have dogs of all breeds, from Chihuahuas, Spaniels, Yorkies, Shih Tzus, and Corgis, to various mixes like Doodles, Cavapoos, and Cockapoos.
It’s also important to note that we provide grooming only if the dog is sufficiently trained and cooperative. Due to the home setting, it’s not always possible to handle aggressive dogs or dogs who can’t stay still on the grooming table for more than 10 minutes. The groomer works alone with portable equipment, so the safety of both the dogs and the groomer is our top priority.
We also have a special package called “Puppy Love” for dogs up to 6 months old, where we introduce puppies to grooming procedures and help them get comfortable with the process from an early age.
Recently, we’ve trained in the technique of hand stripping and are now working on launching a new package specifically for wire-haired dog breeds, such as Scottish Terriers, Border Terriers, Norwich Terriers and others.
I believe that open and transparent communication with our clients has been key to building our reputation in the market. All of our prices are listed on the website, so clients always understand the final cost, including any potential additional services. We’ve digitized everything we could, making the booking process simple and clear. After each session, feedback from the groomer is the most effective way to manage expectations.
If we’re able to provide a service and ensure its quality, we’re always happy to explain how we’ll do it and discuss any potential challenges. For example, if an owner wants a fluffy haircut for their dog, the groomer will explain that they’ll need to do some homework, regularly brushing their dog between sessions, and commit to a consistent grooming schedule to achieve the desired look.
Let me know if you’d like any changes or more details!
We put a lot of effort into SEO to make sure potential clients can easily find us on Google. One of our challenges is that not everyone is familiar with in-home grooming, so we need to educate people about this type of service. We regularly share information on what in-home grooming entails and why it’s a great option for many dogs and their owners.
Word-of-mouth has also played a big role in building our reputation. Our clients often recommend us to their friends, and it’s exciting to see our name mentioned in local groups and chats. We were pleasantly surprised to find out that some local vet clinics have us on their referral list, and clients have shared that their vets recommended reaching out to us. It’s amazing to know that even professionals in our niche trust our services.
Contact Info:
Kate Vakhromeeva
