Pet parents in Wesley Chapel have a new option for grooming their little Fido or Fluffy, thanks to A LA MODE CANINE mobile dog and cat grooming, which moved into the Wesley Chapel area last fall.
Owner Edgar Acevedo started his pet grooming business in 2015 in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas. In November 2023, Edgar brought A LA MODE to Wesley Chapel to offer the same convenience and personalized attention his customers in South Florida have grown to love.
Prior to launching A LA MODE, Edgar spent 15 years working in the liquor industry for companies such as V Suarez & Co., Molson Coors and Pernod Ricard. He was a commercial on-premise and trade marketing manager in his native Puerto Rico and throughout Latin America.
Edgar and his wife, a family nurse practitioner who has a Ph.D. degree in family nutrition education, moved to Florida in 2014. They have two children, a son who is now a CPA with a Master’s degree in finance, and a daughter who is in the biology department at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, studying to be a dermatologist.
When the family moved to Florida, they also brought with them Manolo, a Shih Tzu they had rescued in Puerto Rico.
In the Fort Lauderdale area, Edgar says he would call for grooming appointments for Manolo and was repeatedly told the groomers were not available.
As a long-time marketing guy, Edgar realized there was a need for a business that would cater to the needs of pet owners, so he took a pet grooming course and launched A LA MODE CANINE, naming it after the French phrase that means “in fashion” in English. He chose it because he thought it would be easy to pronounce, but also because the name wasn’t already being used in the pet grooming industry. He also figured that many people want their dogs and cats to look fashionable.
A LA MODE offers full dog grooming for small and medium-sized dogs, “up to 40 or 45 pounds,” Edgar says. The typical service includes brushing, bathing, deshedding, drying, nail trim, ear clean, expressing anal glands, sani-trim (to keep fur away from private areas, which keeps pets cleaner when they relieve themselves), cutting around pads and a fur cut.
If your pooch doesn’t need a cut, A LA MODE offers full dog baths for small and medium-sized dogs, again usually up to 40-45 lbs., but Edgar says he can provide bathing, deshedding and ear, nail and pad trimming for short-haired dogs that are larger than 45 lbs. if they are well-behaved while being groomed.
Edgar says that part of the reason for the size and weight restrictions is that the business model of a mobile groomer is based upon how long it takes to groom each pet and larger, longer-haired dogs can take up to twice the amount of time to groom as a smaller dog.
A LA MODE also offers grooming services for cats, which includes brushing, bathing, drying, nail trim, ear clean, sani-trim, cutting around pads, and fur cut.
And, every dog and cat also receives a bit of fragrance and goes home with a bow, bandana or other accessory.
“Our work team has years of experience in the industry and is highly trained and certified in Florida,” Edgar explains. He says he does not allow anyone to work for the business who does not hold a valid pet groomer certification.
All services are performed inside A LA MODE’s grooming van, which comes to you at your home. This saves time for customers who don’t want to have to travel to any other location to have their pets groomed.
“It also can be less stressful for pets who may not enjoy car rides or being in a new environment,” Edgar says. “Plus, some people prefer the personalized attention and one-on-one service that mobile groomers can provide.”
With no other cats or dogs waiting, your pet will get the groomer’s full attention as soon as he or she arrives at your home.
Emily Egip recently left one of many 5-star Google reviews for A LA MODE CANINE, which has an overall 5-out-of- 5-star rating for its Wesley Chapel location.
“Edgar was so nice and loving towards both my dogs,” said Emily. “[He] made them feel comfortable and provided exceptional services. I will be keeping him as my groomer. If you’re seeking a trustworthy, reliable and loving groomer with your pets, contact Edgar. He’s very professional and on time. Went above and beyond. Thank you so much for helping me with my fur babies.”
A LA MODE CANINE currently has two fully-equipped vans that travel to homes throughout Wesley Chapel and some surrounding areas in Pasco County, including San Antonio/Mirada and Zephyrhills.
“Our Wag’nTails brand vans are top-of-the-line,” explains Edgar, “they are made for the needs of the mobile grooming business.”
Edgar adds that he hopes to expand the business into the New Tampa area in the future.
He says his pup Manolo has been “on every adventure” with his family, from Puerto Rico to South Florida, and now to Wesley Chapel, where they have moved into the River Landing community on S.R. 56.
While Edgar also still maintains his established South Florida business, he is excited for the opportunity to grow in Wesley Chapel.
He says he enjoys what he does and the challenges of grooming dogs and cats.
“The diversity of clients we visit each day ensures that this job will never be boring,” he says.
A LA MODE CANINE offers readers of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News a coupon for $5 off a full grooming service for first-time customers. Be sure to see the ad below.
“We don’t usually offer coupons or discounts,” Edgar says. “But we really want the Wesley Chapel community to try us out because we know that once you experience our service, your pets will become regular A LA MODE customers.”
For more information about A LA MODE CANINE, call Edgar at (813) 812-1850 or visit ALaModeCanine.com.
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