Business Details
10 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Compassionate Pet Grooming
At Sonny's Spaw, we are dedicated to redefining pet grooming through kindness, compassion, and a deep understanding of canine behavior. Founded in 2016 by Mary Kniskern, our mission has always been to treat every dog with the same love and care we give our own pets. Our team of Fear Free Certified groomers specializes in low-stress handling techniques, ensuring a positive experience for dogs who may struggle with traditional grooming methods. With over 15 years of combined experience in canine behavior and grooming, we prioritize the emotional well-being of every pet in our care. Our Sequim, WA location offers a full-service salon and a state-of-the-art self-wash station, while our new mobile grooming van extends our services to the San Jose, CA area.All staff members are trained in PetTech CPR and First Aid, and we actively educate pet owners on emergency care. As a team, we are committed to continuous learning, evidenced by our certifications from the Karen Pryor Academy and ongoing participation in advanced training programs. Our reputation as Clallam County's top-rated grooming salon from 2019-2024 reflects our unwavering dedication to excellence. We measure success not by profits, but by the trust we build with pets and their owners. Our expansion into mobile services demonstrates our commitment to making compassionate grooming accessible to more communities.
Services
Mobile Grooming
Self-Wash Station
Full-Service Grooming
Low-Stress Handling
Pet CPR Training
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- Fear Free Certified team specializing in low-stress grooming
- Mobile grooming services bringing care directly to your home
- State-of-the-art self-wash station with professional equipment
- Established in 2016 with proven track record of excellence
- Owner is certified PetTech instructor teaching emergency care
Associations and certifications
- Fear Free Certified
- PetTech CPR and First Aid
- Karen Pryor Academy
What people say
Top-rated grooming
Compassionate staff
Stress-free experience
Fear Free Certified
Trusted care
Services
Mobile Grooming
Our mobile grooming van brings professional pet care directly to your doorstep in the San Jose area. This service eliminates travel stress for pets while maintaining our high standards of compassionate care. The fully equipped van provides a comfortable environment for grooming, ensuring your pet receives the same quality service as our physical location.
Self-Wash Station
Our semi-private self-wash station in Sequim offers professional-grade equipment for pet owners. Featuring electric bath tubs, high-velocity dryers, and grooming tables, this service allows you to bathe your pet while receiving expert guidance. We provide all necessary supplies while maintaining a clean, pet-friendly environment for your convenience.
Full-Service Grooming
Our comprehensive grooming service includes bathing, haircuts, nail trimming, and ear cleaning using Fear Free techniques. Tailored to each dog's specific needs, this service prioritizes emotional well-being through low-stress handling. Our certified groomers combine technical skill with behavioral understanding to create positive grooming experiences for all pets.
Low-Stress Handling
Specialized handling techniques help anxious or fearful dogs feel comfortable during grooming. Based on scientific principles of canine behavior, this approach minimizes stress through positive reinforcement and careful pacing. Our team's extensive training ensures each pet receives individualized attention that respects their unique comfort levels and builds trust over time.
Pet CPR Training
Owner Mary Kniskern, a certified PetTech instructor, offers emergency care education for pet owners. This service includes hands-on training in life-saving techniques and first-aid procedures. The program emphasizes practical skills that empower owners to respond effectively during critical situations while promoting overall pet safety awareness.
People
Mary Kniskern
Owner and Founder
Mary founded Sonny's Spaw in 2016 after 15 years in canine behavior and grooming. A Karen Pryor Academy graduate, she developed Fear Free techniques for anxious dogs. She now operates a mobile grooming van in California while maintaining Sequim's top-rated salon.
Michele
Manager in Sequim
Michele has been with Sonny's Spaw for four years, specializing in low-stress grooming techniques. She transitioned from Seattle to train under Mary, focusing on canine communication and building trust with nervous pets. Her passion lies in transforming fearful dogs into confident companions.
Jessica
Groomer in Sequim
Jessica joined the team after working in animal rescue, bringing expertise in medical care and behavior. She completed formal grooming training through Sonny's Spaw's program, emphasizing trust-building and positive reinforcement techniques for dogs of all temperaments.
Shayna
Groomer in Sequim
Shayna transitioned from customer service to pet grooming through Sonnys Self-Wash program. With rescue experience and behavioral training, she specializes in working with dogs that have had negative grooming experiences, helping them build positive associations with care routines.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve Sequim, WA with our physical salon and self-wash station. Our mobile grooming van operates in the San Jose, South Bay, and Peninsula areas of California.
Are your groomers certified?
All our groomers are Fear Free Certified and trained in PetTech CPR and First Aid. Our owner is also a certified PetTech instructor teaching emergency care techniques.
What makes your grooming different?
We specialize in low-stress handling techniques developed through Mary's Karen Pryor Academy training and 15+ years of canine behavior experience, focusing on positive reinforcement and emotional well-being.
Do you offer self-service options?
Yes, our Sequim location has a semi-private self-wash station with professional equipment including electric tubs, high-velocity dryers, and grooming tables available for customer use.
Is mobile grooming available?
We operate a fully equipped mobile grooming van in the San Jose area, bringing our compassionate services directly to clients' homes for reduced pet stress.
Do you handle emergency situations?
While we're not an emergency clinic, we provide PetTech CPR and first-aid training. Our staff can offer immediate care guidance while directing you to appropriate emergency veterinary services.
