A LA MODE Mobile Pet Grooming Brings Great Grooming To Your Home! 

Owner Edgar Acavedo will come to your home anywhere in Wesley Chapel to provide your small-to-medium-sized dogs (and cats) with complete, professional grooming services. (Photos provided by Edgar Acevedo) 

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.” 

When the A LA MODE CANINE mobile van shows up at your home, you know your dog or cat will be returned to you clean, refreshed, fully-groomed and happy!

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. 

Max’s Natural Pet Market & Salon Offers The Very Best For Your Pets 

Paul Spalvieri and his fur babies Max and Missy invite you to check out any of the three Max’s Natural Pet Market & Salon locations in our area. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

Since launching in September 2019, Max’s Natural Pet Market & Salon has garnered a positive reputation — with glowing Google reviews — thanks to its exceptional customer service and expertise. 

Founder Paul Spalvieri and his wife Martina live in Watergrass in Wesley Chapel with children Matthew, Martinka and Kristinka, and fur babies Max, a Bichon Frise, and Missy, a Havanese. 

Paul opened the original Max’s Natural Pet Market & Salon to create a place where Max and other pets would have the safest, vetted holistic products, foods and grooming, an antithesis of big-box corporate companies. Named after Max, each of Paul’s three locations — soon to be seven in 2024 — boast experienced staff who can help pet parents find what they need for their dogs and cats. 

“We found our first location in Wesley Chapel, and Max and I went into business together.” 

Paul ensures he is up-to-date on the newest developments in pet technology, nutrition and retail products by attending global conventions twice a year. The core philosophy underlying Max’s is centered on functional, purpose-driven foods. Whether raw or gently cooked for pets with sensitive stomachs, with Ketogenic or fermented choices, the focus is on human-grade, biologically appropriate, organic nourishment sourced from pasture-raised animals, primarily within the U.S. 

Max’s offers a wide variety of other nutrition products, like probiotic goat milk and cow kefir that help with Leaky Gut Syndrome. Their dry kibble selection is USDA-endorsed for human consumption and is free from feed-grade ingredients, aligning with Paul’s dedication to quality. 

Paul highlights the connection between a poor pet diet and the recent surge in pet diseases, often traced back to non-organic kibble laden with pesticides. He cites numerous instances where dietary changes have positively improved pets’ health. 

You can bring your pup in to choose his or her own toy at Max’s.

“Our staff is highly educated on holistic natural nutrition, how dogs and cats should eat, how to mitigate disease and how to prevent certain conditions from advancing. There have been cases where we have helped reverse pancreatitis, different stages of kidney failure and diabetes through nutritional interventions. We follow that science versus Western (veterinary) medicine and the way they treat illnesses. We take digestional health and nutritional health very seriously. If it’s in my store, I feed it to my own pups.” 

A success story from customer Amanda Medina underscores the transformative ability of the raw food diet that Max’s advocates. Paul shares the story of Medina’s dachshund, Max. Previously overweight, bloated, inactive, and battling severe pancreatitis, Max’s health changed through diligent efforts, trial and error and identifying a suitable raw protein. Amanda told Paul that Max’s progress was remarkable in terms of weight loss, restored energy and improved vet test results. 

Fast forward to last month. Paul says, “Amanda opened the passenger side door, and out jumped Max, who came running into the store.” 

Amanda confirms the transformation, “Paul ordered proteins until we found one that worked. We recently returned for his vet follow-up, and his numbers are within the normal range. I recommend Max’s. The customer service is amazing, and the people there are helpful and knowledgeable. I try to keep Max off medication, keep it natural and holistic. Paul has been great at keeping Max holistic and working in conjunction with our regular veterinarian.” 

Great Grooming & More! 

All of the Max’s locations also excel in pet grooming with award-winning groomers and Master Groomers, setting itself apart through cage- and kennel-free grooming environments. Whether it’s a standard bath, an OPAWZ brand pet-color-safe purple mohawk (photo below), a holiday-inspired color-safe fur design, or a soothing TheraClean microbubble spa treatment, the salon’s professionals ensure stress-free grooming experiences. 

The TheraClean spa add-on works wonders on pets with skin disorders and allergies. Unlike regular shampooing, this specialized process detoxifies the skin layers, removing deeply embedded dirt, yeast and bacteria allergens. A pleasant side effect of oxygenating the skin’s capillaries is that it helps relieve arthritis and joint stiffness. Paul says some customers report senior dogs behaving like puppies after treatments. Even the groomers have benefited from having their hands in the oxygenated water. 

Paul’s commitment to pet education extends to his stores’ three-level Learn to Groom course, covering Bathing, Grooming, and Styling, as well as a five-week dog-training program for Puppies and Beginners, as well as private training sessions. 

Paul says that since opening, many of Max’s more than 10,000 customers have asked him to expand his services into daycare and pet boarding. He has now responded by adding a Luxury Pet Hotel with in-suite services and amenities and a fun Enrichment Pet Doggy Daycare. 

“They asked, ‘Why aren’t you opening a daycare, a place we can board our pets safely, where we can feel confident that they will be looked after with the same compassion and caring we see on your retail and grooming side?’ We’ve had a great response from the communities we serve, and it makes sense to have our business evolve this way because the community has been asking for it.” 

He adds, “For those parents who work or want to travel, we’re creating a luxury pet hotel where the suites are oversized and monitored by cameras. In other places, the dog is in a kennel on their own (while you’re away). Our pet parents can dial in on the internet and see their fur babies. We have services like dinner and a movie. They’re getting brushed and played with. They have physical time with their caregiver and an interactive toy. The pets have filtered water, bedding changed daily, and we have a customized meal plan available, or pet parents can bring their own food, and we’ll follow their meal plan.” 

And finally, he says, “They also have regular activities, so they’re not just sitting in a kennel while you’re on vacation. I don’t want that for Max, so I don’t want that for our customers’ dogs. We’re doing it differently and properly. Whether with us for a day or two weeks, they’ll be exercised and have a chance to play. They also can chill out and relax.” 

Animal-friendly pets enjoying the Pet Hotel can join the Enrichment Doggie Daycare area to play and socialize with other dogs. Cats aren’t forgotten, either. They’re spoiled in their Kitty Condo Suite with a climbing tree, plenty of organic catnip toys and a filtered water fountain. 

“Our main goal is for your pets’ experience to be the best it can be,” Paul says. “I want to see tails wagging coming into our doors and tails wagging when they leave. That experience is important in retail, grooming, boarding and daycare.” 

Max’s Natural Pet Market & Salon has three locations open daily from 8 a.m.–7 p.m. The Wesley Chapel Max’s is at 28838 S.R. 54 and can be reached at (813) 649-3939. The New Tampa store (6431 E. County Line Rd.) can be reached at (813) 591-5368 and the Mirada (30945 Mirada Blvd.) can be reached at (352) 437-6677. Max’s also has franchise opportunities available. For more info, visit MaxsPetMarketandSalon.com. Paul says his Fort Myers and Starkey Ranch locations will open this year.