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Photos by Erin Nelson.
Addie Jane, a one-year-old golden doodle, pulls Lauren Smith from the Zoom to Groom mobile pet grooming truck following her grooming session on Nov. 7.
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Photos by Erin Nelson.
Addie Jane sits on the porch with Lauren while they wait for Mary Ashley Hereford to come to the door following her grooming session.
Dog owners in the 280 area have a new option when it comes to making their pets look nice: the mobile pet grooming service, Zoom to Groom.
Owners Steve and April Harper saw a need for a mobile groomer in the area before opening the business in the Auburn-Opelika area in 2016. In 2018, they expanded to the Phenix City, Smith Station and Columbus, Georgia area, before moving into the 280 corridor this past September.
Zoom to Groom offers services for pets from the comfort of a van they bring to a client’s home or business. In the van, the pet is the center of attention, receiving one-on-one care during their experience. Since the groomer comes to the client, it cuts down on the time spent driving to drop off or pick up the pet, as well as avoiding the pet waiting in an unfamiliar area.
“We started the service to help people who can’t take their dogs or have dogs who get car sick,” April said. “It’s also for older people or older dogs that find it hard to get around. It’s convenient for people who work a lot or are stay-at-home moms who can’t get out as much.”
Service options offered for dogs include bath/ towel dry, mini groom, full groom and added extras such as teeth brushing or de-matting. Prices start at $45 and will be quoted to the client during the consultation. Cat grooming is also offered, but has not expanded to the 280 area yet. That service is expected to be offered in the near future.
For first-time clients, an owner is required to be at the appointment to fill out paperwork and provide proof of recent vaccinations. It’s also a chance for the client and pet to meet the groomer together.
After the first appointment, an agreement can be worked out to pick up the pet while the owner is out. If a pet is skittish or has separation anxiety, the owner can be present for the appointment with their pet in the van.
“The biggest thing is the convenience and making it a quick, healthy choice for your pet,” April said. “We make sure the pet’s health is a priority. We communicate any issues we see, like matting or a hot spot on their foot. We care about the pet, we take pride in our services and what we can provide.”
There are three grooming vans in Auburn, two in Phenix City and one in Birmingham, with hopes to expand within the next six months. The Harpers also own a pet boarding and grooming facility, the Grove Bark Inn in Auburn.
Zoom to Groom was voted Best Groomer in the Opelika-Auburn News Readers Choice Awards in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit zoomtogroom.net or call 334-740-9909.
