“Pets are an integral part of the family,” says Christopher Davis, owner of 4 Hounds Gear & Grooming in Covington, Kentucky. “Pet parents treat their four-legged family members with compassion, love, and attention. They focus on quality, balanced nutrition and care—not just a one-size-fits-all mentality.”
At 4 Hounds Gear & Grooming, compassionate care is a top priority.
Most importantly, he says, is that it can reduce stress and anxiety. “It transforms a potentially stressful and even dangerous experience into a positive, comfortable, and healthy one for the pet, while also providing peace of mind and building trust for the owner,” he says.
“Grooming often involves tasks that can be uncomfortable if not done correctly, such as nail trims, ear cleaning, and de-matting,” Christopher says. “Compassionate groomers perform these tasks gently and efficiently, minimizing pain and discomfort.”
He also points out the importance of handlers having experience with deaf, blind, anxious, or mobility-challenged pets, as well as specialized conditioning for allergies or skin conditions.
For many pets, Christopher notes, especially those new to grooming or with past negative experiences, the process can be incredibly frightening. His team understands that.
“The sounds of clippers and dryers, unfamiliar smells, being handled by strangers, and being restrained can all induce significant fear, anxiety, and stress,” Christopher explains, adding that’s why compassionate groomers use gentle handling, soothing voices, positive reinforcement (like treats and praise), and calm environments to minimize stress. “This helps pets form positive associations with grooming, making future sessions less traumatic and more manageable,” he offers.
“Think about grooming just like your own hair, skin, and overall care,” he says. “While being groomed, your pet receives a bath, manicure and pedicure, a cut/style depending on the breed, and brushing. These services are performed by a trained, skilled professional,” he says. As part of that process, those groomers also look for health and skin issues to prevent what sometimes could be expensive veterinarian visits in the future.
Compassion extends beyond the practice’s walls. 4 Hounds Gear & Grooming frequently collaborates with and supports other regional organizations that share their mindset.
For example, it assists Kenton County Animal Services, Caped Canines, Bluegrass Pug Rescue, and Animal Services in efforts to find “forever homes” through adoption events and by donating food when needed at their pet food pantry.
“Being an active member of the pet-focused groups allows us to give back to the pet community at large,” Christopher says.
This year, 4 Hounds Gear & Grooming plans to expand its outreach through donation drives, additional adoption events, and fundraising efforts.
"We're active with the Covington Business Council, various veterinarian offices, Atlas Canine College, and pet sitter and walker services in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati," Christopher explains, adding that 4 Hounds Gear & Grooming also partners with groups in Covington and Northern Kentucky that promote growth and community engagement, such as Fairhaven Mission and other various neighborhood associations.
It’s a multitiered approach to proper care—addressing both individual pets and the broader community.
“Commitment to compassionate care goes beyond just being nice,” Christopher says, adding that it also encompasses fear-free/low-stress techniques, gentle handling, attention to detail, and a personalized approach.
“Every pet deserves to be groomed and be cared for in a respectful way that addresses their fears, anxiety, and stress, if present,” Christopher adds. “When you get to know the pet and the human as their groomer, you develop that bond and trust. It allows us to provide quality services to all dogs regardless of their condition, age, or disposition.”
To learn more, visit 4HoundsGearAndGrooming.com.
"Pet parents look for us to be experts in providing quality services."