Celebrity Groomer Pampers Hollywood Dogs

After a four-hour session with a celebrity dog groomer, a sparkling clean toy poodle named Domino pranced around with his spiffy new look in Franklin Village.

Domino and his owner, Romaine Cecilia, just left the artistic hands of Huber Pineda, who works at Tailwashers, a grooming service attached t0 Tailwaggers on North Bronson Avenue in Hollywood.

Pineda was chosen as ‘best groomer’ out of more than four-thousand applicants in 2009’s The Groomer Has It, a reality show on the Animal Planet network. But he hasn't let the fame get to him.

“I’m just an ordinary man living an extraordinary experience," Pineda said. 

Cecilia and her tiny toy poodle have been residents of Hollywood for the past three years.

“Domino is my life, he deserves the best care out there and I trust the whole staff at Tailwashers with my little guy,” Cecilia said.

Hollywood residents clamor to get their dogs into Pineda's busy schedule, and he is booked weeks in advance. The price for a bath is from $45 to $100, depending on the size of the dog. Price for a grooming, which includes a bath, is from $65 to $200.

Thanks to his amazing grooming capabilities, it is plausible many of the pampered pooches who cruise the streets of Hollywood are better groomed than their owners.

But Pineda certainly doesn’t take all the credit for the beautifully styled dogs himself. He said all the groomers and assistants in the eco-friendly facility are exceptional.  The popular pet grooming salon opened in 2003, is the brain child of Tailwagger's owner, Todd Warner. Pineda said Warner’s vision for the salon created something remarkable for dogs. Pineda said of Warner: “He is wonderful.”

“We do have the best groomers in Los Angeles. That’s a fact,” Pineda explained. “Our high-quality products are what set us apart.”

Indeed, the staff groomers only use natural and organic shampoos.

There are many other holistic treatments available, like the blueberry facial which cleans and brightens a dog’s coat and the coconut wash which is a safe alternative to oatmeal for dogs with grain allergies. Who knew dogs had grain allergies?

At this salon, most dogs are cut with scissors as well as hand dried and hand fluffed. And here’s another star-studded achievement exclusive to this Hollywood pooch palace: It was chosen as the only supplier for the Los Angeles Police Department K9 unit.     

Another salon groomer, Randi Star, said all the dogs who are regulars at Tailwaggers are well mannered and very loved.

“The dogs who come here are the best (cared for) dogs I’ve ever met in my life.”

For Pineda it’s a true honor to have so many of Hollywood’s hounds trusted to his care. 

“We know and understand that these are people’s babies.  They are getting the dignity and respect they deserve,” Pineda said.  “We respect the fact that they’re being loved by a human.”

Pineda is known for having an impressive work ethic as well as a tender heart. He believes a pet owner is not simply an owner, but rather, a guardian. Naturally, all the true animal-lovers out there would agree.    

 Tailwashers’ grooming prices vary with breed and style.  But all grooms include a consultation, hydrotherapy bath with brightening shampoo, brush out, nail trim, ear cleaning, anal glands expressed, hand blow dry and styling, and a detailed report card on each pet’s grooming, dental and overall health.  Cuts and trims are by request. There are also self-wash stations where clients are provided with the tub, apron, shampoos, towels, dryer and treats.

Prices range from $14 for small dogs to $20 for extra large pooches.

In addition there are self-wash packages and we-wash services.  And if you’re too busy to make it over to them, they will come to you in their mobile ‘Tailwaggins.’  The Tailwaggins’ van is completely self-contained and happy to groom your pet anywhere suitable for you.

Tailwaggers also has a large all natural pet food and supply store attached to the grooming area. It’s filled to the brim with accessories, toys and unique clothes for even the most pampered of pooches.  They also offer monthly events, services and classes.  Keep your eye out for pet adoption dates.

Tailwashers and Tailwaggers are located next to each other at 1929 North Bronson Avenue. Call 323-464-9600 for more information or visit www.tailwaggerspets.com.