A new legged business: Suds in the Bucket Dog Grooming & Spa opens in LaPlace
Posted at 12:11 a.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2022
LAPLACE — Pampered puppies can receive luxurious services ranging from haircuts and baths to pedicures and facials at Suds in the Bucket Dog Grooming & Spa, a new business located at 528 E. Airline Highway in LaPlace.
Candace Hoover, a hairstylist turned dog groomer, said her love for animals inspired her to open LaPlace’s only full-service dog spa. The company officially opened on August 24, and Hoover enjoyed every minute.
“I was a hairdresser many years ago, and I had to quit because I had young children and it was too many hours. Now that the children are older and I’m a a big animal lover, I decided to take lessons and do some observation,” Hoover said. “The transition was great. I already have previous experience, so I knew how to use the tools. love meeting all the different breeds coming in, some that i have never heard of before like a bulldog-poodle mix.. i love hearing people share stories about their dogs.
As a dog owner, Hoover realized a need for more grooming services in the St. John the Baptist Parish area. This need has increased over the past year, especially with the closure of Petsense since Hurricane Ida. Another respected local business, Scarlet’s Pet Grooming, recently closed as the owner takes time to focus on her growing family.
Business has boomed in the weeks since Suds in the Bucket opened at LaPlace, with bookings already extended through part of October.
Grooming is generally recommended every six to eight weeks for some breeds, while puppies may need to come more frequently. Suds in the Bucket accepts dogs as young as eight weeks old. All dogs entering the store must have an up-to-date hunting record.
The Suds in the Bucket bath package includes a bath, blow dry, nail trim and ear cleaning. The spa package includes the basic services of the bath package and goes even further with a haircut, paw butter and blueberry facial. Each pampered pup ends the date with a bow tie or bow tie and designer perfume.
“With our spa package and our bath package, we wash the dog twice. The first wash is to dislodge debris and the second is to clean everything. Then we do a very heavy conditioner,” Hoover said. “After the spa or their bath, we like to do a little photo shoot.”
There are also options for a la carte services including, but not limited to, nail trimming, teeth cleaning, and nail polish.
Receptionist Heidi Reuther said Suds in the Bucket welcomes both customers and dogs, and the company sets itself apart with high-end products. Hoover has selected shampoos for specific breeds. There really is something for everyone, whether a four-legged friend needs a serious cleaning or a shampoo to overcome the strongest smells.
Hoover said dogs benefit from spa services like paw butter, the canine equivalent of a manicure and hand massage. They also seem to like the relaxing feeling of blueberry facials.
“With facials, they always fall asleep in the tub or on the table,” Hoover said.
As the company grows, Hoover also plans to give back to the community.
“I was born and raised here, so it’s very special to me. I plan to do giveaways for free grooming and spa treatments,” Hoover said. “I plan to support Carnival Ball for our schools. I also want to do a school supply giveaway next year.
Suds in the Bucket is open 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday nights.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 504-874-7952.