ASPCA and Riverdale Grooming Team Up to Help Local Dogs in Free Grooming Event

On December 3, the ASPCA and Riverdale Grooming teamed up to help local dogs receive free, much-needed haircuts. Not only did this event help spread awareness and build relationships within the community, but it meant we were able to perform 14 matted coat removals, giving two dozen dogs a new leash on life!

The ASPCA Community Engagement team launched its Grooming Program with the dual goal of educating pet owners on the importance of grooming in pet care while also helping them create long-term grooming plans. However, one critical gap has always been the lack of affordable grooming options in New York City. Earlier this summer, we published an article in the magazine Groomer to Groomer asking groomers to get out in their communities and voluntarily offer free or low-cost services to those who needed it most. We have also spoken at conferences and have hosted events with groomers at various vaccine events. Riverdale Grooming took notice and put this idea into action.

“Our team, starting with our dear intern Avi, proactively searched for a partner we could join forces with as one grooming team to make a difference in the community,” said Johanna Hermoza, the owner of Riverdale Grooming. “Our partnership with the ASPCA is a new exciting beginning which we hope will make an impactful difference for dogs and cats that desperately need to be groomed. Additionally, the emphasis on educating pet parents will make a difference in the community.”

With this new partnership, we were able to provide these dogs with matted coat removals and provide their pet parents with information and resources on how to properly maintain their pet’s coat and the tools to use.

“This partnership with Riverdale Grooming is laying the framework for our initial idea, bringing it from the abstract to the concrete,” said Riley, the ASPCA grooming specialist. “When a dog or cat becomes matted it causes a cycle where the owner then needs to find grooming prices that are in their budget, but the price increases depending on the severity of the matting. The owner may need more time to save up funds to provide the pet with grooming but in the meantime, the matting becomes even more severe. Our goal is to intervene in the cycle. Partnering with local grooming salons like Riverdale Grooming is the most impactful way to help as many pets and people as possible. Not just for one haircut, but for building a relationship with grooming and making it more accessible.”

But why is grooming so important? Riley explained:

“Grooming allows us to come to animal welfare with a whole health mindset. Through grooming, we can spot any abnormalities in their skin, teeth, ears, etc., and pass that information on to the owner. Regular grooming for pets creates a more intentional bond with humans, increases their quality of life and provides insight into any changes in their body or demeanor. We look at a pet’s coat and nails as an aspect of their overall health.”

Before the event, Riley saw a referral come through with a photo of a severely matted dog named Coco and knew they needed to get the dog in for a haircut urgently. When matting becomes severe, it can cause skin infections, painful movement (caused by dense hair mats and overgrown nails) and even strangulating hair mats, so Riley worked with their team to secure Coco an appointment at the event.

Coco before her matted coat removal.

Riley was able to remove Coco’s matted coat, allowing her more mobility and the ability to fully see again.

Coco during and after her matted coat removal.

“When her family came to pick her up, they were overjoyed with her new look and how much everyone adored Coco!” Riley said.

Riverdale Grooming is offering future follow-ups to the event attendees and discounted services on future visits to make sure they have access to a grooming salon.

We plan to have more grooming events with Riverdale Grooming in the new year and look forward to strengthening our partnership!