Emmy Letourneau, of Gorham, drives a Mercedes. Unlike most luxury Merecedes, her van is equipped for the creature comforts of the four legged clients of her mobile pet grooming business, Aussie Pet Mobile. With six- foot ceilings, a full-size step-in wash basin and grooming table, air-conditioning, and a large window, the space is decidedly luxurious.
Letourneau explained the self-contained system: There are two 65 gallon tanks which hold enough water to wash seven to 10 animals (depending on size); the soap and water are pre-mixed to conserve resources; and solar panels on the roof power lights, AC, and a shop-vac to keep things tidy between clients. All the shampoos are eco-friendly and biodegradable, and Letourneau stocks formulas for allergies, sensitive skin, or tough-to-beat odor issues.
Letourneau’s enthusiasm is contagious. After years of a 9 to 5 job and grooming friends’ dogs, she decided to go all-in and buy an Aussie franchise. She became a certified Aussie groomer, ordered her van, and began networking. This particular Sunday, as she does about once a month, Letourneau parked outside the Gorham Growl for nail trims and teeth brushing. She was eager to chat about everything from bathing Yorkies and Mastiffs to styling lion cuts for cats and Newfoundland blowouts – which take over an hour!
Along with boundless energy, Letourneau exudes calm for anxious pets and owners alike. Her attention to detail and extensive knowledge of breeds is impressive. Surprisingly, cats are frequent clients. Letourneau is skillful with long haired or elderly pets who struggle with matting or bathing themselves. Letourneau said, “I have three dogs of my own and know how important it is to treat each customer with care.”
Aussie Pet Mobile started in Australia and has expanded worldwide. Letourneau is currently the only year-round mobile groomer in Maine. She has been operating her own franchise since January of this year, working long hours at least six days a week. She has done so well these past four months that she has been able to purchase a second van and hire another groomer who will work primarily in the Lewiston area.
“People are often unsure about this set-up, but I ask them to give it a try. If they hate it, they don’t have to rebook. Almost always, they call again.” Her rates are just slightly higher than a standard pet salon, but it’s hard to beat convenience and one on one attention. “At a traditional salon, you leave your dog in the morning and come back after work. They’re usually in a cage all day; it’s loud and stressful. I come right to your home, the 15-step spa treatment takes one to two hours, and they’re done! How easy is that?”
Letourneau encourages calls for questions, pricing quotes, or booking. She is in Gorham Monday through Wednesday as well as some Saturdays. Clients can expect an appointment within two weeks of contacting her. “I love what I do, I believe in what I’m doing, and I want to do what’s best for your pet.”
For more information, Emmy Letourneau can be reached at (207) 689-4323, eletourneau@aussiepetmobile.com, www.petgroomingsocomaine.com, or on her Facebook page.