Business Details
10 Years
experience
Your Trusted Pet Grooming Experts in Sequim & San Jose
At Sonny's Spaw, we are dedicated to redefining pet grooming through kindness, compassion, and a deep understanding of canine behavior. Founded in 2016 by Mary Kniskern, our business was built on a simple yet powerful promise: to treat every dog as if it were our own. With over 18 years of combined experience in dog training and grooming, our team specializes in low-stress handling techniques for dogs who struggle with traditional grooming environments. Our Sequim, Washington location offers full-service grooming and a state-of-the-art self-wash station, while our new California mobile grooming van brings our services directly to clients in the South Bay and Peninsula areas. All staff members are Fear Free Certified and trained in PetTech CPR and First Aid, ensuring the highest standards of safety and care.Marys expertise, gained through certifications from the Karen Pryor Academy and the Trainer Cooperative Care Course, informs our science-based approach to canine handling. We prioritize ongoing education, regularly updating our skills in stress reduction and grooming techniques to provide exceptional service. Our commitment extends beyond groomingwe aim to build lifelong bonds with every dog in our care. In 2024, Mary became a PetTech instructor, sharing life-saving emergency skills with pet owners. Whether through our mobile services or our award-winning Washington salon, we remain steadfast in our mission to make grooming a positive experience for every dog.
Services
Mobile Grooming
Self-Wash Station
Full-Service Grooming
Canine Behavior Consultations
Pet Emergency Training
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We specialize in low-stress grooming for anxious or fearful dogs.
- All staff are Fear Free Certified and PetTech trained.
- Mobile grooming services bring our expertise directly to your home.
- Our self-wash station offers professional-grade equipment for pet owners.
- Founder Mary Kniskern is a Karen Pryor Academy graduate and PetTech instructor.
Associations and certifications
- Fear Free Certified
- PetTech CPR and First Aid
What people say
Top-rated grooming salon
Compassionate staff
Fear Free Certified
Mobile services available
Lifelong bonds with dogs
Services
Mobile Grooming
Bring your dog to our mobile van or schedule at-home service in California. Our Fear Free Certified team uses low-stress techniques for a calm experience. Services include bathing, trimming, and nail care with professional-grade tools.
Self-Wash Station
Access professional equipment at our Sequim location. Features include electric tubs, high-velocity dryers, and grooming tables. Ideal for pet owners seeking hands-on care without full-service pricing.
Full-Service Grooming
Comprehensive grooming in Sequim with Fear Free Certified professionals. Services include bathing, haircuts, nail trimming, and ear cleaning using science-based stress reduction methods for all breeds.
Canine Behavior Consultations
Personalized sessions focusing on low-stress handling techniques. Led by Karen Pryor Academy graduate Mary Kniskern, these consultations help dogs overcome grooming-related anxiety through positive reinforcement methods.
Pet Emergency Training
PetTech-certified courses teaching CPR, first aid, and emergency response. Designed for pet owners to learn life-saving skills in a practical, hands-on environment led by instructor Mary Kniskern.
People
Mary Kniskern
Owner and Founder
Mary founded Sonny's Spaw in 2016 after 15 years in dog training and grooming. A Karen Pryor Academy graduate, she specializes in low-stress techniques and Fear Free Certification. She relocated to California in 2025 to launch mobile services.
Michele
Manager in Sequim
Michele joined Sonny's Spaw in 2019, bringing passion for canine communication. She focuses on transforming fearful dogs into comfortable clients through tailored grooming approaches and Fear Free methods.
Jessica
Groomer in Sequim
Jessica transitioned from veterinary aspirations to professional grooming in 2016. She emphasizes trust-building with dogs and earned certifications in low-stress handling to enhance client care at Sonny's Spaw.
Shayna
Groomer in Sequim
Shayna joined Sonny's Spaw in 2022 after rescue work. She specializes in rehabilitating dogs with negative grooming experiences, using patience and science-based techniques to create positive associations.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve Clallam County, Washington from our Sequim salon and the South Bay/Peninsula areas of California via mobile services.
Are your groomers certified?
All staff are Fear Free Certified and trained in PetTech CPR and First Aid for safe, compassionate care.
Do you offer mobile grooming?
Yes, our California location provides mobile grooming services directly at client homes for convenience.
What is the self-wash station?
Our Sequim location offers a semi-private self-wash with professional equipment, including a high-velocity dryer and grooming table.
How do you handle anxious dogs?
We use low-stress techniques and Fear Free methods to ensure grooming is a positive experience for nervous pets.