Submitted by Waggerz Groom Room
For nearly a decade, Waggerz Groom Room has been a trusted name in pet grooming in the 40/42 area of Johnston County. Now, owner Tabitha Huff has brought her passion for animals to downtown Selma with a second location—one that blends historic charm with a deep commitment to compassionate pet care.
After moving to Selma, Huff fell in love with the town’s welcoming atmosphere and the cozy charm of its local coffee shop. Inspired by the downtown vibe, she saw the perfect opportunity to expand her business. “I love this space and hope we’re here a long time,” Huff said. The new location occupies a building over a century old, which she carefully revitalized with fresh, bright colors while preserving its historic character. “We tried to keep a nod to the past while moving it forward.”
Beyond the fresh paint and inviting storefront, the heart of Waggerz Groom Room remains the same: a team dedicated to pets, especially those with special needs. “I never planned on being a boss, but I have been blessed with the best staff and am extremely thankful for them,” Huff said. “The second location was my idea, but they’ve run with it. We’re all in it for the dogs—they show up every day for the dogs, and it shows in what they are able to accomplish with them.”
Waggerz has built a reputation for working with animals that require extra care—whether due to medical conditions, anxiety, or behavioral challenges. Many of their clients are dogs that other groomers have turned away, sometimes requiring sedation or muzzles just for basic grooming. But Huff and her team take a different approach. “We believe that all dogs, regardless of age, ability, and behavior, deserve the same quality of grooming,” she said. By taking the time to build trust and work at the dog’s pace, they’ve helped countless pets overcome their fears.
Their expertise has led to referrals from veterinarians and loyal customers traveling from across the Triangle to seek out their services. “We approach each dog with respect. Every dog is worth that extra time,” Huff said.
Her own love for animals started in childhood, inspired by her mother’s habit of rescuing pets that no one else wanted. Now, she and her team continue that mission by giving every dog, no matter their challenges, a safe and compassionate grooming experience.
For pet owners looking to make their dog’s grooming experience smoother, Huff offers a few tips:
- Quick Drop-Off: Just like leaving a child at daycare, it’s best to say goodbye quickly and confidently. Dogs pick up on their owners’ anxiety, so staying calm helps them feel at ease.
- Desensitize Sensitive Areas: If your dog dislikes having their feet, ears or face handled, practice gently touching those areas at home to help them adjust.
- Introduce Similar Sounds: The noise of grooming tools can be unsettling. Using an electric toothbrush near your dog occasionally can help them get used to the vibration and sound.
With a growing client base and a heartfelt mission, Waggerz Groom Room’s expansion to Selma is more than just a business move—it’s a continued commitment to care for the dogs who need them.
For more information visit waggerzgroomroom.com.
