Kara has been a professional groomer since 2004 and previously worked in various animal fields since 1990.  After training under an apprenticeship in a grooming salon/teaching school in Virginia, Kara returned to her hometown to continue her passion for grooming and remain close to her family.  Since then she has attended several conferences to sharpen her skills and remain up to date on the latest techniques and safety protocols including pet First Aid/CPR.  Other education includes attending courses from Whole Pet Grooming Academy for Master Groomer Behavior Specialist, Fear Free Certification geared for groomers founded by Dr Marty Becker, and A.K.C.’s SAFE Salon course.  She currently teaches holistic feline grooming at the WPGA and provides a collage of training videos to help owners at home prepare their pets for the grooming process.

Not only is Kara proficient in all breeds for grooming, she is also a trained cat groomer!  Having been trained by professionals and veterinarians, she has groomed cats since 2001.  As an added distinction, she is a member of the National Cat Groomers Institute of America as well as the National Dog Groomers Association of America.  She constantly researches the safety of new products and is in the process of converting the shampoos and conditioners she uses that are low in allergens, produced with renewable resources, and have ingredients listed by the manufacturer.  It is important to know what goes on your pet in case there is ever a reaction!

Outside of the grooming world, she has also worked with animals in other avenues such as horseback riding and reptile keeping.  Having ridden for over ten years and owning three horses, Kara may not be as proficient in riding but participating has been vital to learning how to break down complex tasks into simple portions that can be easily taught.  Reptile keeping has also been a boon as reptiles have a very different outlook and opinion on their world.  Learning how they learn improves the skill set needed to help traditional pets with their grooming needs.  And as a personal lesson, Kara has also attended self-defense/Karate classes since 2018 with the achievement of earning her sho-dan black belt in October 2024. This level of dedication and discipline has been vital to remember that it is not the outcome that is most educational, but the journey of learning to reach the outcome.

Philosophy:  There has never been a time in my life when animals weren't a vital part of it.  Kara is a firm believer that the souls we meet today and our reaction towards them will affect how we are treated tomorrow.  This is why she strives to treat all animals who cross her path with compassion, respect, and understanding.  Sometimes the grooming process is a very scary and uncomfortable thing for them and if needed,  Kara will be their voice if a procedure is too much for them to handle.  She also does her best to keep them protected and safe and feel their best when they leave her hands.  "Do no harm," is not just for veterinarians.  This code applies to everyone, especially the people who handle your pet several times more than your vet.  Groomers are the second line of defense when it comes to managing medical issues.  Kara will always alert you to anything new that she finds with your pet.

Kara has made it her mission to educate the owner on the best grooming procedures and scheduling recommendations.  It is also the reason why she has chosen to alter her grooming product line to be more natural and less impactive upon the environment.  By incorporating holistic techniques, especially when grooming cats, a calming and relaxing atmosphere is provided so that your pet can have the best possible experience during their 'spa day.'  Thank you for trusting Kara with the care of your treasured family member!

Kara performs house call grooming for cats (groom in the client’s home) and has a stationary location in East Rochester for dogs.