The Animal House in Damariscotta will be again providing full-service grooming, courtesy of a new partnership with Camden-based grooming salon, The Salty Dog.
Beginning Jan. 22, grooming is open seven days a week at The Animal House, located at 15 Coastal Marketplace in Damariscotta, and will be offering haircuts, baths, and nail trims for dogs. The self-service wash remains open throughout the week.
Animal House President Aubrey Martin says of the new partnership: “This really couldn’t have come at a better time. Our intention has always been to focus on what we do best — to specialize in nutrition, supplements, and remedies for companion animals. We opened the self-service wash in 2007 because it seemed liked a needed service. We then saw that full-service grooming was in huge demand in our area, so we added that on as an auxiliary service in 2008.
“Often, we had 30 people on the wait list and were booked out four months in advance. We just weren’t able to keep up with that and had to scramble every time we had a groomer move on into another position. This partnership with The Salty Dog allows us to focus on our vision for the store while providing our clients with excellent professional service. We are thrilled to have Nichole (Grassi)’s team here with us.”
The Salty Dog is owned by Nichole Grassi, who has been grooming for nearly 30 years. She also has a background in veterinary medicine. Grassi also owns grooming salons and boarding/training facilities in Camden, Northport, and Appleton.
Gabby, Grassi’s daughter, has followed in her mother’s footsteps as general manager of all locations, Her background is in nutrition, grooming, and animal behavior.
For the Damariscotta team, Cassie Hamilton, of Pittston, is a certified pet groomer with several years of professional experience. Joining Hamilton is Leanne Hooper, a certified professional groomer since 2011, of Warren.
Interning as bather-brushers will be Jillian Martz, who will be graduating from Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro this year, and Norma Jean Pease, of Warren. Martz has been working with The Salty Dog in boarding for the last four years, and Pease comes from an extensive veterinary background and will be also assisting with management.
To make an appointment, or to learn more about The Salty Dog, call 315-0906.
The Animal House is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Salty Dog will follow those same hours. Though not necessary to schedule an appointment for a nail trim, it is appreciated and recommended. Cats cannot be serviced at this location at this time.
For more information on The Animal House, call 563-5595 or go to facebook.com/animalhouseme.
