About Us | Pet Grooming HQ Toronto

Our Story

From a Small Studio to a Trusted Toronto Name

Pet Grooming HQ was founded in 2012 by Margaret Hollis, a groomer who had spent years working in larger commercial grooming environments and felt something was missing — time.

Margaret had seen how rushed appointments created stressful experiences for pets and frustrating ones for their owners. She believed there was a different way: smaller, slower, more considered. A studio where every dog or cat got the time and attention they actually needed.

She opened Pet Grooming HQ at 67 Duplex Ave in Toronto with that vision in mind. Over twelve years, the studio has grown to a team of five, served thousands of Toronto pets, and maintained the same foundational approach: your pet's comfort and coat health matter more than appointment volume.

Our client base has grown almost entirely through word of mouth from Toronto pet owners — from the Annex and Forest Hill to Roncesvalles, Leslieville, and beyond — which is perhaps the strongest reflection of what we've built.

What Drives Us

Our Mission and Values

Animal Welfare Above All

Every decision we make — about technique, products, appointment length, and staffing — is made with the welfare of the animals in our care as the primary consideration.

Transparent Communication

We tell you what we observe, what we did, and why. Coat condition, skin changes, behavioral notes — we share this information because you know your pet and it matters.

Continued Professional Development

Grooming knowledge evolves. Our team attends training, follows industry developments, and continuously refines their techniques — particularly around low-stress handling and breed-specific care.

Consistency for Your Pet

Wherever possible, we aim to have the same groomer work with your pet over time. Familiarity reduces anxiety and allows our groomers to notice subtle changes that a new person might miss.

Thoughtful Product Selection

We use grooming products selected for safety and suitability for different coat types. We regularly review our product choices as better options become available.

Community Rooted

We are a small, locally-owned Toronto business. We care about the community we serve and aim to be a reliable, trusted resource for pet owners in our neighbourhood and beyond.

Our Journey

How We've Grown

Over twelve years, Pet Grooming HQ has grown steadily — always prioritizing quality over volume, and always staying true to the approach that started it all.

2012

Pet Grooming HQ Opens

Margaret Hollis opens the studio at 67 Duplex Ave in Toronto. The focus from day one is on unhurried, thoughtful grooming for dogs of all breeds and sizes.

2014

Cat Grooming Added

In response to client requests, a dedicated cat grooming service is introduced, with a separate designated area and specialist training undertaken.

2016

Team Expansion

Daniel Park and a second groomer join the team, allowing the studio to serve more clients while maintaining the same standards and appointment approach.

2018

Cat Specialist Joins

Priya Anand joins with specialized feline grooming training, significantly expanding the studio's capacity for cat clients including reactive and anxious cats.

2020

Adaptation and Resilience

The studio navigates operational changes with careful safety protocols. Waitlist appointments and strict capacity limits preserve service quality through a challenging period.

2022

Senior & Puppy Programs Formalized

Dedicated senior grooming and puppy introduction programs are formalized with tailored protocols reflecting the specific needs of these client groups.

2026

Continuing to Grow

Over 4,000 pets groomed. The same foundational philosophy. A team of five groomers, each genuinely invested in the care of every pet who comes through the door.

Philosophy

Our Grooming Philosophy

We believe that grooming should be a positive, or at minimum a neutral, experience for every animal we work with. That sounds straightforward, but it requires constant attention, flexibility, and a willingness to slow down or stop when that's what an animal needs.

We don't use cage dryers as a standard finishing step. We don't rush appointments to fit in more volume. We don't clip a severely matted coat without discussing the situation with the owner first. These aren't policies we invented — they're natural outcomes of genuinely prioritizing the welfare of the animals we work with.

We also believe in honest communication. If we observe something on a pet's skin or coat that seems worth monitoring, we'll tell you. If a dog had a difficult appointment, we'll explain what happened and what might help next time. Transparency builds the kind of long-term relationship that benefits both pets and their owners.

About Pet Grooming HQ