Pet Spa at Vinings has been in the business of caring for animals for 15 years. Located in Smyrna, the spa offers grooming, daycare and boarding services for dogs and cats.
“Its dogs’ home away from home,” says on-site co-owner Tina Lange.
In addition to the original location, they’ve recently expanded and have a new boarding and daycare facility two doors down. The original location will continue to handle all grooming services and will also include a grooming school.
Unlike at some other facilities, all of the groomers at Pet Spa at Vinings are certified by the International Grooming Association, Inc., which is focused on educating, certifying and accrediting professional pet groomers and caretakers.
Pet owners should have their pets groomed for many reasons, Tina says. When an animal’s coat gets matted, it can lead to skin irritation, skin damage and discomfort. Regular brushing is often not enough to prevent these issues.
Tina, along with Dr. Michael Good, a veterinarian in Atlanta who is also the co-owner of Pet Spa at Vinings, ensures that the pets are happy and healthy. If a pet falls ill, they make sure he or she receives medical care right away.
When the dogs are there for boarding or daycare, they go outside to play and to get fresh air. When they come back in, they are treated to aromatherapy and sound therapy to help them relax.
“Dogs love coming to the spa,” Tina says. “They run in and see us and are so happy to be here.”
Tina hires people she knows well and trusts and who have experience in the business. Her daughters, Cheyenne and Savannah, also help out in the spa.
“We’re not in it for the money; it’s about love. I think that’s why pets want to come here,” she says.
Tina is a huge animal lover and helps her partner, Dr. Good, with his Homeless Pets Foundation based in Marietta. With the help of his Underhound Railroad, more than 30,000 pets have found homes since its inception in 1998. The animals come from hoarding situations, over-breeders, dog-fighting rings, overcrowded shelters and puppy mills from not only Georgia but from other states as well. Dr. Good has even picked them up off the streets.
If the animals are not healthy when they arrive, his first priority is getting them well. Tina then helps them get socialized so they can be adopted. If necessary, obedience trainers may also work with them.
When the animals are ready for adoption, they are transported all over the U.S. Some were recently sent to Maine to live in their forever homes.
For more information about this organization, visit HomelessPets.com. Listen to Dr. Michael Good every week on 101.5 KICKS.
For more information about Pet Spa at Vinings or to make an appointment for your dog or cat, call 770.436.2575 or visit PetSpaAtVinings.com.
