Renee M. Kachenmeister, RVT | Owner & Groomer
A little about me and the services I provide...
Mema's Grooming is an insured professional IN-HOME salon located on Guess Rd just pass Latta Rd in North Durham.
All pets love visiting their Mema!
I offer all breeds full grooming services and specialize in anxiety, behavior, senior, and special needs dogs. I personally breed Maltepoos and Miniature Poodles because I absolutely adore doodles and poos of all ages, sizes, and crosses. I work with a local veterinarians to accommodate patients that require oral sedation, with many success stories of step down therapy to the point of not requiring medication anymore. I accept extreme matting cases/medical shave downs that do not require general anesthesia (signed waiver of liability required) and provide proper coat maintenance demonstrations and brush recommendations if needed to all of my clients – especially my new puppy parents. I also offer canine and feline overnight patient monitoring services to local veterinarians by vet request only (NO PARVO CARE).
I closed my 12 year grooming salon in Toledo, OH and moved to Durham at the beginning of the pandemic in April 2020. I have been an Ohio Licensed Veterinary Technician for 18 years and was the Lead Tech and Groomer at Angel Animal Hospital until we closed after Dr. Angel's retirement at the end of 2022. I tried grooming in a commercial salon for 6 months but it did not suite me nor my specialty clients in that hectic fast paced environment. My IN-HOME SALON was set up at the beginning of July 2023, and although I have many loyal regular clients that have stayed with me through this transition, I do have availability to take on several more!
So what can clients expect from me? While maintaining at least some level of professionalism, I try to always talk to and treat my pet parent clients as friends. We all deal with so much drama in today's society, so I always try to be a person that everyone knows they can talk to openly and without judgement. Have you gotten behind on your dog's grooming and they are a bit of a mess? It happens. I've shaved mats out of my own dogs a time or two as well! I am always willing to take a call for a pet related emergency or direct someone to affordable care or training options. I am a self-admitted COFFEE ADDICT and have several clients that always bring me some caramel coffee concoction and tease me unmercifully as I start sucking it down:) I have just as many clients that spend a few minutes catching up with me or playing with Miss Swinona Ryder, my pet miniature pig, as I do clients that are in a hurry and need a very quick check-in/check-out process. I want all of my clients and furry friends to feel like they are doing just that – visiting a friend. This keeps my job and their experience as stress free and fun as possible. All of my furry clients are treated like my own. Some need extra tenderness and understanding, some need me to be firm and commanding to keep them (and myself!) safe. Like people, all pets are different. Some are warm and friendly from the beginning and others need special care.
I still hold a current license from the Ohio Veterinary Licensing Board as a Registered Veterinary Technician.
I also hold several certifications, including Canine Behavior Specialist, Pet Reiki & Bodywork Basics, National Emergency Veterinary Responder Training, Pet First Aid & CPR Trained, Barbacide Certification, Barbacide COVID-19 Certification.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- I offer very competitive and transparent pricing.
- I do not have hidden "extra fees" like commercial salons.
- I do nail grinding (Dremel filing), ear cleaning (plucking if needed) and external anal glands (if needed) complimentary with all groom/bath services.
- I accept most forms of payment including cash, check, credit, Zelle, Cash App, Venmo.
- I do a maximum of 4 dogs per day to always provide fast and personalized service. Average 2-4 hour stay based on size and needs. Most clients are worked on straight through from start to finish to reduce time in kennels.
- I offer early drop off times if needed beginning at 7am at no additional charge.
- I offer after-hours (4pm) boarding if needed, also extended nightly boarding services to grooming clients only. (fee)
- I disinfect all floors, grooming table, kennels, shears, and clipper blades using veterinary products for client safety.
- I require all new clients to provide proof of current rabies and distemper vaccines at their first visit. Bordetella (kennel cough) is recommended.
- I offer nail trim only services by appointment and often offer same day availability.
- I DO NOT offer walk-in services.
- I DO NOT groom cats - bath/nail services only.
Grooming Hours
Monday through Friday 8am - 4pm
One Saturday per month is offered for those that cannot make weekday appointments, however those are premium spots that fill quickly and there is an additional $20 charge for Saturday appointments for that reason.
