For many Orlando pet owners, mobile grooming services are more than just a convenience—they’re a lifeline for busy schedules, anxious pets, and households with multiple animals. But have you ever wondered what it’s really like behind the scenes of an Orlando mobile pet grooming business?
We spent the day shadowing Lisa Carter, founder of Pawfect Mobile Grooming, to understand what goes into a typical workday, what drives her passion, and what pet parents might not realize about the mobile grooming world.
Meet Lisa Carter: From Vet Tech to Mobile Groomer
Lisa began her career in animal care as a veterinary technician but quickly discovered that grooming allowed her to form deeper, more lasting bonds with both pets and owners.
“At the vet clinic, I was usually seeing pets when they were sick or stressed. But grooming lets me connect with them when they’re relaxed, happy, and wagging their tails. That joy is contagious,” Lisa shares.
In 2018, she launched her own pet mobile grooming service in Orlando, inspired by a vision to bring stress-free grooming right to people’s driveways.
6:30 AM – Prepping the Mobile Grooming Van
Lisa’s day starts before sunrise. She does a full check of her grooming van, a customized vehicle outfitted with a stainless steel dog tub, grooming table, water heater, dryers, and an impressive array of shampoos and tools.
“Everything has to be squeaky clean and fully stocked—shampoo, conditioners, towels, clippers, nail grinders, and treats. If I forget flea shampoo or a specific comb, I can’t just run back into a salon,” Lisa laughs.
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Her van runs on a generator and uses an onboard water system, allowing her to operate independently at any location in the Orlando area.
8:00 AM – First Stop: A Nervous Golden Retriever
Her first appointment is Milo, a 5-year-old Golden Retriever in Winter Park. His owner, Sarah, says he gets nervous at traditional grooming salons.
“He trembles in the car and refuses to get out when we arrive. But ever since switching to Lisa’s Orlando mobile pet grooming service, he literally waits at the door when he hears the van,” Sarah says.
Inside the van, Lisa uses calming techniques like lavender-scented shampoos and quiet dryers. She also plays soothing background music and uses a no-slip grooming table to reduce anxiety.
10:00 AM – Back-to-Back Appointments in College Park
Lisa sees four more dogs in a row—two Shih Tzus, a Cocker Spaniel, and a scrappy little Terrier mix. Each pet gets a full-service package that includes:
- Bath and blow-dry
- Ear cleaning
- Nail trimming
- Haircut and brushing
- Gland expression (if needed)
Lisa notes that mobile pet grooming in Orlando is especially popular among busy professionals and elderly pet owners who appreciate the convenience.
“My clients aren’t just buying grooming—they’re buying trust, time, and peace of mind,” she explains.
1:00 PM – Lunch Break and Midday Cleanup
By early afternoon, Lisa pulls into a shaded park to eat lunch and sanitize the van.
“I deep clean the grooming table, sweep up fur, disinfect tools, and refill my water tank if needed. Sanitation isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about pet health,” Lisa says.
She also checks her phone for last-minute appointment requests or emergency calls. While she doesn’t offer medical care, she sometimes refers pets to local vets if she notices skin infections or unusual lumps.
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2:30 PM – Grooming a Senior Dog with Arthritis
Next is Bella, a 14-year-old toy poodle in Conway. Lisa modifies her routine to ensure Bella is safe and comfortable. She uses a ramp to help her into the van, a memory foam mat on the grooming table, and finishes quickly to avoid stress.
“Older dogs need patience and adaptability. You can’t rush them. That’s the beauty of mobile grooming—it’s one-on-one care tailored to each pet,” Lisa shares.
4:00 PM – A Spontaneous Cat Appointment
While Lisa mainly grooms dogs, she occasionally accepts cat clients—if they’re comfortable being handled.
Today’s bonus client is Luna, a Maine Coon with matted fur and a grumpy disposition.
“Cats are a different challenge. I use calming pheromones and do quick, strategic trimming. The key is to know when to stop. Safety over perfection,” Lisa says.
5:30 PM – Wrapping Up, Booking Tomorrow’s Clients
After the last appointment, Lisa returns home to clean out the van thoroughly. She logs customer notes (coat condition, behavior, preferences), schedules follow-ups, and replies to messages from new and regular clients.
Her booking system is a mix of online scheduling and loyal customers texting her directly.
“I stay booked out 2–3 weeks in advance, especially during holidays or flea season. Pet parents in Orlando are super committed to their furry kids.”
We offer services all over the city, including
What Pet Owners Should Know About Mobile Grooming
Lisa offers a few behind-the-scenes tips for pet owners considering pet mobile grooming in Orlando:
- Book early – Demand is high, especially in neighborhoods like Lake Nona, Baldwin Park, and Maitland.
- Disclose pet behavior – Be honest if your pet bites, panics, or has special needs.
- Stay home – Someone should be home for the hand-off and pickup.
- Hydration matters – Don’t feed your pet a heavy meal before grooming.
- Loyalty helps – Regular clients often get priority scheduling and discounts.
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Why She Loves What She Does
Lisa ends her day physically tired but emotionally fulfilled.
“I may not wear a white coat, but I still heal in my own way. Clean, happy pets equal happy homes. And there’s nothing better than watching a dog strut away like they just left a runway.”
Her passion, professionalism, and personalized care are what set her apart—and why her business is thriving in the competitive Orlando mobile pet grooming space.
Final Thoughts
The life of a mobile groomer isn’t just about suds and scissors. It’s a demanding, heart-driven career that combines animal handling skills, customer service, and business savvy—all rolled into one.
Whether you’re a pet parent considering mobile grooming or a groomer yourself seeking inspiration, Lisa’s story offers a meaningful look at the daily grind and quiet joys of this rewarding career path.