A Gentle Touch for Every Paw

In Las Vegas, one grooming salon proves that kindness, patience, and a little love can make all the difference for pets and their people.

It is a quiet afternoon inside Las Vegas Spa, and the sound of clippers hums steadily in the background. A cat lies on the grooming table, so calm it looks as if it might fall asleep. Lilac, the owner, moves with practiced ease, chatting softly as she works. Nearby, her assistant Rachel tends to another pet, and the atmosphere feels more like a living room than a business. The scene tells the story: this is not just grooming, it is care in its purest form.

A Path Paved by Love for Animals

Lilac’s journey into pet grooming began in the 1990s, long before Las Vegas Spa became a trusted name in the city. At the time, she was at a crossroads, unsure of what career path to pursue. She even considered law enforcement before her mother nudged her toward something more natural. “She goes, well, you love animals, you should go do grooming,” Lilac recalled with a smile.

That encouragement set her life on an entirely new path. She enrolled at the SPCA Grooming College in San Francisco, where she learned the craft and developed her skills under the guidance of an experienced groomer. It took years of patience, practice, and persistence, but eventually her mentor told her, “Wow, you actually groom like me.” For Lilac, that recognition was a moment of triumph, proof that she had not only learned the technical side of grooming but had also inherited the artistry and compassion behind it.

Educating With Compassion

Over three decades later, Lilac has seen almost everything in the grooming world, from anxious puppies to severely neglected rescues. The hardest part, she admits, is often not the grooming itself but the lack of awareness among pet owners. “People don’t understand what they have and what they need to do,” she explained. “When your pet is matted, it is very painful. The hair pulls out of the skin, and it hurts them. They just need to be educated.”

This philosophy has shaped how she approaches her clients. Rather than scolding or shaming, she takes time to explain the importance of regular grooming and teaches owners how to prevent painful conditions from developing. Her patience reflects a deep respect not only for the pets but also for the people who love them.

Building a Salon That Feels Like Home

Lilac’s business is not a typical grooming salon. From the start, she wanted to create an environment that felt safe and stress-free. She drew on her experiences working at other salons, taking the best ideas and discarding the rest. The result is a space with an open concept, allowing customers to see the grooming process in progress. “We have nothing to hide,” she said simply.

Instead of kennels, many pets rest in playpens or roam the salon, especially seniors or those with anxiety. If a client cannot return right away, staff will feed the pet with snacks or meals brought from home. Everything is designed to ease stress and make both animals and owners feel at peace.

Las Vegas Spa also avoids the nickel-and-dime approach common in larger corporate salons. Nail trims, gland expression, double baths, and teeth brushing are always included. “Everybody gets the same, everybody gets the best product,” Lilac explained. “We don’t upcharge for things. That’s just old school grooming, the way it should be.”

When Rescue Becomes Family

One of the most powerful ways Lilac and her team give back is through their work with local rescues. Whenever a shelter needs help making an animal adoptable, Las Vegas Spa steps in. “As long as they’re a 501(c) rescue, we’ll do it anytime they ask us to,” Lilac said.

It might mean shaving down a severely matted cat or giving a neglected dog its first real bath. The transformation is not only physical but emotional, making it easier for these animals to find homes. Rachel, Lilac’s assistant and close friend, even started her own cat rescue, Wonder No Longer, and the salon has become a hub of support for animals in need.

A Voice That Resonates Online

While much of Las Vegas Spa’s growth comes from word of mouth, the business also thrives online. Lilac has built a strong following on TikTok, where she livestreams grooming sessions and educates viewers. Sometimes thousands tune in to watch her work, fascinated by the calm atmosphere she creates even with “spicy cats,” as she affectionately calls the feistier ones.

The videos serve a dual purpose: they showcase her skills while spreading awareness about proper grooming. “We just go online to educate people,” she explained. “If the cat is extremely matted, don’t let it get that way. Just bring it to the groomer, we’ll take care of it for you.”

What Makes This Place Different

At the heart of Las Vegas Spa is a sense of family. Lilac works alongside close friends, turning daily operations into something more than just a job. “We’re family and friends here,” she said. “We love animals. Dogs are always happy to see us, and we spoil them and their owners, too.”

The salon’s success lies in this blend of professionalism and genuine care. Customers notice the difference when their pets return home, not only looking better but also feeling calmer and healthier. In an industry where shortcuts and upcharges are common, Lilac’s old-school, all-inclusive approach stands out.

Why Las Vegas Loves Them

The community’s affection for Las Vegas Spa is evident in the loyal customer base and the steady flow of referrals. Families trust Lilac with their pets because they know she treats each one as her own. Whether it is a senior dog with arthritis or a rescue cat learning to trust again, every animal receives patient, individualized attention.

Beyond grooming, Lilac’s dedication has ripple effects. By supporting rescues, she helps save lives. By educating owners, she prevents suffering. By building a salon that feels like home, she gives peace of mind to pet parents. In short, she makes Las Vegas a better place for both people and pets.

Still Grooming With Heart

When asked where she sees herself in the future, Lilac laughed and said, “On the beach.” But in reality, she cannot imagine walking away from the work she loves. “Still grooming, still helping animals, still doing haircuts on babies and just loving up on them,” she said.

For her, grooming is more than a career; it is a calling. After more than 35 years, the joy comes not from expansion or profit but from the small, daily victories: a dog wagging its tail, a cat relaxing under her care, an anxious owner reassured.

For pet owners in Las Vegas who want more than just a haircut for their four-legged family members, Las Vegas Spa offers something rare. It is a place where compassion leads the way, where the atmosphere is calm and open, and where every detail is designed with the animal’s well-being in mind.

You can follow Las Vegas Spa’s work on TikTok at @lasvegasspaw, and Facebook at Las Vegas Spaw - a Lilac De-Giorgi Pet Salon, where Lilac regularly shares grooming tips and behind-the-scenes moments.

This feature is part of The Business View Journal’s Local Spotlight Series — your trusted source for discovering the best small businesses in your community.