Plush: Safe,
& Comfortable
Photos by Elaine Photography & Groom Haüs
Photos by Elaine Photography & Groom Haüs
n 2020, a couple months before COVID, Sarah Drouin opened Plush, a luxurious members-only dog grooming salon located in Claymont, Delaware. While the timing wound up being a bit scary, it was a decision that Sarah had worked towards for more than a decade. Plush has evolved and prospered over the years, so she can safely say she has lived out her dream.
Today, Sarah, a National Certified Master Groomer through NDGAA, has more than 15 years of experience as an award-winning stylist and is Pet Tech CPR certified.
“I’ve had dogs my whole life, often many dogs at one time, so my love for dogs has always been there,” she shares. “One day I was watching [The Dog Whisperer] Cesar Millan, and I could see this was someone who was very special and unique, and helping dogs that people say couldn’t be helped.”
Sarah felt she wanted to do something similar, and started down that path by going to school to become a dog trainer and obedient instructor—the closest thing she could find to what Millan was doing.
“I really love the outcome of training a dog, and I knew if I was going to open a facility, I should have grooming as well,” she recalls. “But I knew I needed to learn how to do that because I didn’t want to be an owner who didn’t understand what was going on.”
“I didn’t want to be one of these people who worked at a lot of different places, but unfortunately that’s what happened,” Sarah explains. “But I believe that journey was for a reason because it taught me what I like, what I don’t like, what works, and it molded my brain that what I really wanted to do was not what anyone else was doing.
“I wanted to be the best groomer for the dogs and my clients that I could possibly be, and whatever that was, is what I was aiming for,” she adds.
Once Sarah learned the unique connection one can have and the instant gratification of changing a dog physically, she was hooked. However, she found not everyone had the same ideals about grooming that she did…
That was one of the inspirations for Plush. In fact, a key aspect of Plush’s approach is that they take the time to sit down and have a meet-and-greet with each of the members.
“This allows their dogs to adjust and relax in our environment while we provide reassurance and discuss the processes at Plush,” Sarah explains. “We prioritize a no-rush atmosphere, fostering strong relationships that develop over time with our regular members during each visit.”
That means there are no time limits placed on services—however long it takes to be groomed comfortably and safely is what it takes.
Plush also practices “Balanced Socialization,” which means throughout the whole process, the dogs will spend time in a calm and balanced environment.
“For me, grooming is about building relationships with dogs,” Sarah notes. “I may have dogs here anywhere from five to eight hours. The importance of having a space where dogs can come and feel the environment and connect with us is something that separates us. We allow breaks in between so the dogs can shake it off, go play, lay down or whatever they choose to do.”
In addition to Sarah, her husband, Ramiel, serves as CEO and a grooming assistant, and Plush also employs a client care coordinator, LaQuita, and an assistant, Drouin’s mom, Cheryl.
with dogs.”
– Sarah Drouin
“I look to see if they answer the questions in a way that aligns with our ethics, morals and standards,” Sarah explains. “What that application process has taught us is that a lot of people haven’t planned ahead, and we can see who is committed to their dogs’ overall health.”
Although Plush is only five years old, the salon’s history dates back to 1983. Sarah worked for the original owner while she was learning the craft, and when she found the business was up for sale, she immediately jumped at the opportunity.
“I basically took over a building that was already set up for grooming, so the space may not be exactly how I would have set it up,” she shares. “I revamped around what was here.”
“Everything feels open,” she shares. “While we certainly embrace a lively energy, it is vital that we also foster a calm and relaxed environment for our clients.”
Plush also places a high priority on cleanliness throughout the establishment. This includes meticulous cleaning in UV ovens, as well as stringent methods for maintaining tables, floors, tubs, condos, beds and other areas.
“It is crucial for us to ensure that everything is thoroughly cleaned and well-maintained,” says Sarah. “Additionally, the ambiance of our salon is of utmost importance, specifically in terms of scent. We strive to create a welcoming environment that not only looks clean, but also smells inviting, as this is something our clients truly appreciate.”
“Dog psychology has always been the center of what I have wanted; you grow and make changes, but it’s definitely my centered thing, because there’s so much more that’s happening other than a physical feeling or luck,” she explains. “We’re touching the brain of the dog, which is so important. We help them learn to be social in an environment that is calm and controlled.”
As much as Sarah is known for doing beautiful haircuts, the core value for her is that the dogs feel good when inside the walls of Plush.
“I want to continue to be great and teach dog psychology, tying it into grooming. Hopefully, our salon can continue to be a good example of setting the bar and raising it,” she concludes.