Walk past Spa Dog Organic Dog Spa on Commercial Street’s historic Gow Block and you’re likely be greeted with a waft of steam and essential oils. But don’t start dreaming about your next massage just yet. “Generally we keep lavender essential oils in a diffuser; it’s calming for dogs,” says Adam Coladipietro who owns the spa with his partner Hilary Barchash.
The fact that those lavender oils are 100 percent organic, along with every other product in the shop, is one reason owners flock from across the Lower Mainland to treat their pooches to a spa day. “Hilary and myself are both long-time animal lovers interested in sustainable living, so we decided to marry the two with our business,” says Adam, who works as a financial advisor by day.
Spa Dog patrons partake in a variety of grooming services — nail clipping, teeth brushing, shampoo, flea treatment and deshedding — with products from Adam and Hilary’s retail line, Black Sheep Organics. The pair mixes up their shampoos, cleansers and repellants in the spa’s back kitchen using ingredients that are sustainable for waterways, and healthy for groomers and dogs. “Some dogs lick their paws and bodies to clean themselves so it’s important to use shampoos that are free of chemicals, “ says Adam.
