Today we’d like to introduce you to Carina Ramos.
Hi Carina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
PinkDog® began with a belief I’ve carried from the beginning: working with animals is a privilege, and that privilege comes with real responsibility. I started in grooming because I genuinely loved the craft, but I quickly realized I cared just as much about how animals are treated—emotionally, physically, and ethically—as I did about the final look. That mindset became the foundation of everything I built: calm handling, thoughtful pacing, educated teams, and standards that protect the animal first.
Over time, PinkDog® grew into multiple locations and expanded beyond grooming into a broader vision of care. Growth taught me that building something meaningful isn’t just about expanding—it’s about protecting the culture and values underneath it. I’ve always been less interested in following trends and more committed to raising the standard, so pet care feels safe, structured, respectful, and truly professional—for the pets and for the people who love them.
Now, in Florida, I’m stepping into a new chapter that feels both exciting and very intentional. I see this phase as the “shaping” of PinkDog®—taking everything the brand has stood for and refining it into something even clearer, stronger, and more sustainable. We’re building thoughtfully, not rushing. New ideas are coming in layers—training improvements, quality systems, and a deeper focus on wellness, calm, and consistency—because I want growth that never sacrifices what matters most.
This philosophy is still evolving, but the direction is very clear: PinkDog® exists to do better—for animals, for clients, and for the industry. My goal is to keep building a brand people can trust, not just because it looks beautiful, but because it’s rooted in integrity, education, and care that never becomes careless. And what motivates me today is the same thing that motivated me at the beginning: the belief that excellence in pet care isn’t luxury—it’s responsibility.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not entirely — and I think the truth is, if you’re building something with real standards and real responsibility, it’s rarely “smooth.” Some of the biggest challenges have been the growing pains that come with scaling while protecting culture. It’s one thing to deliver exceptional care personally; it’s another to train teams to carry the same calm, safety-focused, animal-first approach every single day, across more than one location. That takes time, systems, and a lot of consistency.
Another challenge has been working in an industry where speed is often rewarded more than quality. I’ve had to make decisions that aren’t always the easiest in the short term—slowing down when a pet needs it, turning away services that don’t align with our standards, and prioritizing training and structure even when it would be simpler to “just get through the day.” But I’ve learned that protecting the animal always protects the brand in the long run.
And personally, leadership has been a big part of the journey. Building a business means being responsible not only for pets, but also for people—team members, families, clients, and the expectations that come with trust. There were moments of burnout, moments where I had to step back and rebuild, and moments where I realized growth required me to evolve as a leader.
This Florida chapter has its own challenges too, because it’s not just expansion—it’s refinement. I’m shaping PinkDog® into something even more sustainable and aligned, and that means being patient and intentional while we build the right foundation. The obstacles have never made me question the mission—only pushed me to create it more thoughtfully.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
PinkDog Spa & Resort is a high-standard grooming and pet care brand built on one core belief: working with animals is a privilege, and that privilege comes with real responsibility. We provide professional grooming—and in our resort model, we also offer a safe, structured environment where dogs can decompress, reset, and enjoy a change of pace. Whether a dog comes to us for a grooming appointment or a longer stay, our priority is always the same: calm, safety, comfort, and consistency.
What sets us apart is that we don’t treat grooming like a “quick service.” We’re very intentional about the emotional experience before, during, and after the groom. Whenever possible, we avoid keeping dogs crated for long periods, and instead focus on helping them release stress and energy in healthy ways—movement, gentle structure, and positive interaction. Dogs aren’t meant to be isolated all day; they benefit from appropriate socialization and new environments when it’s done safely and thoughtfully. For many pets, coming here becomes a positive routine—something familiar that supports confidence, not stress.
That’s especially true for puppies. When a dog starts visiting regularly—weekly, or every 3–4 weeks—and continues over time, the experience becomes part of their “normal.” They learn the sounds, the routine, the people, and the handling. And that matters, because grooming is intimate: it involves being touched, guided, lifted, and held still—things most dogs wouldn’t choose on their own. With consistency, trust builds, anxiety decreases, and the dog’s tolerance improves in a gentle, respectful way. Regular care helps prevent painful matting, reduces skin irritation caused by neglect, and allows us to spot changes early—like hotspots, dryness, sensitivities, ear issues, or coat shifts—before they become bigger problems.
It also gives us the ability to truly customize. A great haircut isn’t just about a photo or a trend—it’s about lifestyle, coat type, behavior, and personality. When we see a dog over time, we can create the best look for that dog: something that’s beautiful, practical, comfortable, and consistent. That’s rarely something that happens perfectly on the first visit, because every dog needs an adjustment period and every coat has its own story.
Finally, we take the health of skin and coat very seriously. We use high-quality, professional products formulated for dogs—because their skin has a different pH than humans, and what seems “gentle” to people (like baby shampoo, or dish soap like Dawn) can be harsh and drying over time. Our goal is not only a beautiful finish, but healthier skin, a stronger coat, and a dog who feels good in their body. That result does not come quickly, in one service, or “every now and then” service. It must to be consistent.
What I want readers to know is that PinkDog is not about being the biggest—it’s about being professional at pet care. We’re continuing to shape and refine the future of the brand, especially here in Florida, with stronger training, stronger quality systems, and an even deeper focus on calm, wellness, and consistency. Our mission is simple: to raise the bar for what pet care can and should feel like—for animals, for the people who love them, and for the professionals doing the work. At the end, they are our “children,” part of our family.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is a dog’s wellbeing—and making this kind of care feel as positive as possible for them. Grooming and boarding shouldn’t feel like something a dog has to “survive.” I want it to feel safe, familiar, and even enjoyable—like a healthy routine that supports them, not stresses them out.
That’s why I care so much about the full experience: calm handling, a thoughtful pace, time to decompress, and moments of fun before and after when it’s appropriate. Dogs need movement, social interaction, and good experiences in new environments. When they come regularly, it becomes part of their normal life—so they’re more relaxed, more confident, and easier to care for in a gentle way over time.
At the end of the day, what matters most is that families feel peace of mind and dogs feel good—clean, comfortable, cared for, and happy to come back. That’s the standard I’m building PinkDog around.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pinkdogspa.com
- Instagram: pinkdogspa
- Facebook: pinkdogspa
- LinkedIn: PinkDog® Spa
- Youtube: PinkDog® Spa & Resort
Image Credits
@carina_b.ramos @pinkdogspa
