Pampered Pets: Like a Spa for Dogs

Walking into Pampered Pets on 1610 Fall River Avenue/Route 6 is like stepping into heaven for dogs. With an expansive retail area and a posh grooming area, there is something here for every pooch and pooch owner's pleasure.

The entrance to the retail store is bright and full of original items for dogs. Owner Lisa Smith carries a tremendous variety of collars, leads, pet fashions and jewelry, beds, toys and food for dogs. Perhaps the most tantalizing spot is directly in the middle of the store, the Dog Bakery, which includes such treats as natural pupcakes and hand-dipped treats.

"I have been grooming for over 25 years," says Smith. "Our grooming salon was built to offer the best for your special pet."

Behind the retail store lies the grooming area, which, for all intents and purposes, looks very much like a spa for humans. There are special tools for dogs nails. Fancy dryers to fluff dogs hair. Grooming tools to brush out the dog's freshly shampooed hair. Tools to clean their ears, and even trimming utensils should a dog need a new hair cut.

Smith comments on the poshest aspect of her facility, "We have three six-foot custom made tubs and slip resistant flooring for the safest and most comfortable environment for your pet during grooming. We are also climate controlled for the comfort and safety of your pet."

The dogs in Pampered Pets bark cheerfully in the background as she speaks. Each dog is given a homemade all natural treat (made by Smith) after their grooming session.

Employee Rachel Gouveia has her hands full grooming her client of the hour, a small white dog sporting a new blue and white bandana. 

"We're very, very busy on Tuesdays. I have to get through five dogs in the next hour. Tuesday nights and Saturdays are usually our busiest times."

She remarks, "We're also up on Facebook. If you want to see some pictures of our work, check us out."

It is remarkable that she can groom so many dogs in such a brief amount of time as each standard grooming package offers a hydrating bath with all natural shampoo and conditioner, a fluff dry and brush out of the dogs hair, a nail clipping, an ear cleaning, a haircut, cologne spray, bandana and bows.

Smith loathes the customary use of tranquilizers when working with difficult pets in other pet grooming facilities, "We never use tranquilizers, only tender loving care. That's why we can't have you go back in the grooming area-one of the guys here today bites. You have to be trained to handle the biters."

Biters or no, Pampered Pets has add-on services for pet-owners looking for a little more than the standard package. 

"We have fun things like nail painting and a pet facial or paw treatment. " explains Smith, "But, we also have some services that can really come in handy such as de-skunking, all natural flea treatment and teeth brushing. We even offer color enhancing shampoo."

Prices do vary according to your dog, and Smith doesn't like to quote prices without getting details on the pet first. Standard packages generally range between $15.00 and $40.00.

"Be sure to come by to check out our monthly raffles or to see what specials we offer each month. For example, we offer a pet scent every month. This month is passion fruit. You can get a free upgrade to a spa shampoo and tooth brushing with the standard grooming package."

Smith's Brussels Griffon, Tamali, is the spokesdog for . He poses in photos throughout the shop wearing a white spa robe and a tiara, sitting next to organic shampoos and a rubber ducky.