About Us | Lake Norman Pet Grooming

Our Story

From a single grooming table to a full team

Lake Norman Pet Grooming opened in 2016 with one grooming table and a straightforward premise: treat every dog and cat as if they were your own.

Founder Sarah Mitchell had spent several years working as an assistant at a busy Ottawa-area grooming salon before deciding to open her own space in Nepean. Her goal wasn't to build a large operation — it was to create a calm, well-run environment where pets were handled with care and owners could rely on consistent results.

Over the years, the business grew organically. Word spread through the Nepean neighbourhood, a second grooming station was added, then a third. Each team member was brought on thoughtfully, with experience and temperament weighted as much as technical skill.

Today, a team of five groomers serves the Nepean area from our location at 23 Cleto Ave, handling everything from puppy first visits to senior pet care and breed-specific grooming.

What We Stand For

Our mission and core values

These aren't marketing statements — they're the things we actually think about when making decisions about how we run the business.

Animal Welfare First

No grooming result is worth causing a pet unnecessary stress or discomfort. If a dog or cat signals that they need a break, we take one. If a particular procedure isn't appropriate for a specific animal, we say so clearly.

Honest Communication

We tell owners what we find — skin concerns, ear debris worth watching, early signs of matting. We don't upsell unnecessarily, and we don't avoid difficult conversations when something needs to be said.

Respect for Your Time

We work to appointment. When we give a pickup estimate, we aim to honour it. If something changes — a coat is more tangled than expected, a dog needs extra settling time — we call ahead.

Ongoing Learning

Grooming techniques and animal handling practices evolve. Our team attends workshops and industry training regularly. Staying current benefits the animals we work with as much as the people who own them.

Thoughtful Practices

We use biodegradable shampoos, minimal single-use packaging, and energy-efficient equipment where possible. These are modest choices, but they reflect a broader intention to operate responsibly.

Community Involvement

We contribute to Nepean's community through rescue partnerships, periodic free nail trim events for seniors, and participation in local animal welfare events throughout the year.

Our History

How the business has grown

2016

Opening on Cleto Ave

Sarah Mitchell opens Lake Norman Pet Grooming with a single grooming station. Initial services focus on full grooms and bath & brush for dogs. First clients come almost entirely through word of mouth from the Nepean neighbourhood.

2018

Second Station & First Hire

Demand grows enough to justify a second grooming table. James Okafor joins the team, bringing specialist knowledge of breed-specific styling. Breed-specific grooming is formally added as a named service.

2019

Cat Grooming Services Launch

Priya Sharma joins with specialised training in feline handling. Cat grooming services are offered for the first time, with dedicated scheduling to keep the salon calm during feline appointments.

2021

Puppy & Senior Specialisations

Marcus Desjardins and Elena Kowalski join the team, filling specific gaps in puppy introductory grooming and senior pet care. The team now covers all life stages and temperament types.

2023

Rescue Partnership Programme

Lake Norman Pet Grooming formalises its partnership with two Ottawa-area rescue organisations, providing complimentary grooming sessions for dogs in foster care preparing for adoption.

Today

Continuing to Grow

Five certified groomers, over 2,400 pets groomed, and eight years in the Nepean community. The focus remains the same as day one: straightforward, caring grooming for every animal that comes through the door.

Our Team

The people you'll meet

Every member of our team was chosen for their experience with animals as much as their technical grooming skill.

Sarah Mitchell

Founder & Lead Groomer · 9 yrs

Certified through the Ontario Pet Grooming Academy, Sarah founded Lake Norman in 2016. She specialises in double-coated breeds and is known for her calm approach with anxious dogs. She still takes client bookings alongside her management responsibilities.

Double CoatsDesheddingAnxious Pets

James Okafor

Breed Specialist · 7 yrs

James has a background in competitive grooming and has spent his career developing precision with breed-specific patterns. Poodles, Schnauzers, and terrier breeds are his particular area of focus, and he works closely with clients who show their dogs.

Breed StandardsPoodlesTerriers

Priya Sharma

Cat Specialist · 6 yrs

Priya trained specifically in feline handling and grooming, and is one of the few groomers in the area who works extensively with cats. Her measured, unhurried approach helps even reluctant cats get through their appointments comfortably.

CatsLong-Haired BreedsDe-matting

Our Standards

How we approach grooming

Every groomer on our team follows a consistent set of practices — not a checklist, but a shared understanding of how we work and why.

Pre-groom assessment

We examine the coat, skin, ears, and nails before starting, and discuss anything notable with the owner at check-in or pickup.

Controlled temperatures

Water temperature is checked carefully. Dryer heat and airflow are adjusted based on coat thickness and pet comfort, not convenience.

No force restraint

We do not use restraint methods that cause distress. If a dog or cat needs more time to settle, we work with that rather than against it.

Disinfection between clients

Grooming tables, tubs, and tools are cleaned and disinfected between every appointment — not just daily.

Community

Our involvement in Nepean

Being part of a neighbourhood means more than having a business address there. Here's how we contribute.

Rescue Partnerships

We provide complimentary grooming for dogs in foster care through partnerships with two Ottawa-area rescue organisations, helping dogs look their best before adoption.

Humane Society Support

We sponsor and participate in the annual Kanata–Nepean Humane Society adoption drives each spring and fall, donating grooming packages as raffle items.

Free Nail Trim Events

A few times a year we hold free nail trim sessions for seniors in the community who have difficulty getting their pets to regular appointments due to mobility limitations.

Local Business Network

We're an active member of the Nepean Business Improvement Association and refer clients to other trusted local businesses — vets, trainers, and pet supply shops — whenever we can.

Ready to Visit?

Book an appointment for your pet

We'd love to meet your dog or cat. Reach out through our contact page and we'll find a time that works.

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About Lake Norman Pet Grooming