Where Every Dog Feels Safe, Calm, and Loved
One-on-one dog grooming in Lafayette, Indiana — specializing in rescue dogs, puppies, and dogs who need a little extra patience. No rushing. No forcing. Just gentle, certified care.
Not Your Typical Grooming Salon
Most grooming salons are busy, loud, and stressful. The Rescue Retreat is different — your dog is the only dog in the room, getting undivided attention and care tailored to their unique needs.
One-on-One Attention
Unlike larger salons, your dog gets individualized, one-on-one appointments. Being the only dog in the room helps nearly every dog have a better grooming experience.
Fear-Free Philosophy
Your dog will never be pushed through anything they aren't prepared to handle. We help dogs through their fears — not push them through.
Shorter, Manageable Sessions
We break up full grooming sessions into two or more shorter, more manageable appointments — especially helpful for dogs who find grooming overwhelming.
Understanding the Unique Needs of Rescue Dogs
Rescue dogs frequently come from backgrounds marked by abuse or neglect. As a result, they may have specific needs and sensitivities when it comes to grooming. Recognizing this, The Rescue Retreat creates an environment that prioritizes their comfort and well-being above all else.
I am a graduate of The Whole Pet Grooming Academy, trained as a Master Groomer Behavior Specialist, and a Certified Senior Pet Care Specialist. Every dog receives patient, personalized care — whether they're a calm regular or a nervous rescue who needs a little extra time.
Grooming Tailored to Every Dog
From full grooming sessions to training packages for grooming fears, every service is designed around your dog's comfort and well-being.
Full Grooming
Bath, haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning, and more — tailored to your dog's breed and needs. Split into shorter sessions for anxious pups.
Bath & Blowout
Gentle bath with premium products, followed by a careful blowout. Perfect for maintaining coat health between full grooms.
Senior Pet Care
Specialized grooming for senior dogs — extra patience, gentle handling, and accommodations for mobility and comfort needs.
Rescue Dog Grooming
Specialized care for rescue dogs who may have experienced trauma. Patient, gentle, and always at the dog's pace.
Puppy's First Groom
Positive first grooming experiences for puppies to build confidence and set the foundation for stress-free grooming for life.
Grooming Behavior Training
Affordable training packages to help dogs overcome their grooming fears — building positive associations at their own pace.
Grooming Visit Planner
Tell us about your dog and get a personalized grooming recommendation — including suggested appointment structure and next steps.
Plan Your Dog's Perfect Grooming Visit
Answer a few quick questions and we'll recommend the best approach for your dog. This is a planning tool — not a confirmed appointment.
What's your dog's name?
We'll personalize the recommendations just for them.
How big is your dog?
This helps us understand the scope of grooming needed.
What type of coat does your dog have?
Different coat types need different grooming approaches and schedules.
How does your dog handle grooming?
This is the most important question — it shapes the entire grooming approach.
Which services are you interested in?
Select all that apply — we'll tailor the plan to your selections.
Anything else we should know?
Share any medical conditions, behavioral notes, or special requests. Every detail helps us prepare the best experience for your dog.
Your Personalized Grooming Plan
Visit Summary
Your plan is a guide, not a submitted request. It is not transferred automatically to Cuddles; share the relevant details in the intake form.
Questions? We've Got Answers
Common questions about fear-free grooming at The Rescue Retreat.
To give each dog an appointment tailored to their unique needs, online booking is no longer available. Please text or call (765) 588-3121 to schedule. Once we connect, I'll send you an intake form to complete before your first visit.
A Meet & Treat is a free consultation where your dog can explore the grooming space, meet the groomer, and receive treats — with zero grooming pressure. It's all about building trust and positive associations before the actual grooming begins.
Absolutely — that's exactly what we specialize in. We never push a dog through anything they aren't prepared for. We can break grooming into shorter, manageable sessions and offer affordable training packages to help your dog overcome their grooming fears at their own pace.
Yes! We provide grooming services to all dogs, with a special focus on rescue dogs, puppies, and dogs that experience challenges with traditional grooming. Every dog receives personalized, one-on-one care regardless of breed or size.
Appointments are by appointment only. We offer weekend and evening availability to work around your busy schedule. Just ask when you call or text (765) 588-3121.
The Rescue Retreat operates out of a home studio in Lafayette, Indiana, off of 231 South — just 5 minutes south of McCutcheon High School. The full address is provided when your appointment is confirmed.
What Pet Parents Are Saying
My mini Australian Shepherd, Koda, had a wonderful experience with Dawn at The Rescue Retreat. She worked with him on his fears of loud noises (blow dryer) and with his dislikes of having his feet touched. In previous experiences with groomers, Koda would leave howling and crying from being so anxious and stressed. At The Rescue Retreat, Koda wasn't surrounded by other dogs, he wasn't kenneled for an extended period of time, and wasn't forced to endure grooming that he was terrified of. Dawn was professional, kind, knowledgeable, and so patient.
If you have a rescue dog, I highly recommend Dawn at The Rescue Retreat. My girl, Auri, had a rough start in life and wanted nothing to do with grooming. Dawn has been incredibly patient, letting Auri go at her own pace and helping her slowly build trust and confidence with each visit. Trust the process. After 8 visits, Auri is already tolerating longer sessions and making so much progress. I'm so grateful for Dawn's calm, compassionate approach!
We rescued our dog on a Friday and he was seen here the following Thursday. He did incredible and was so comfortable at The Rescue Retreat! Dawn had such great tips for taking care of him until his next grooming appointment and encouraged us to reach out with any questions. We already can't wait for his next appointment!
Ready to Give Your Dog a Stress-Free Grooming Experience?
Start with the Cuddles intake form and tell us about your dog's needs. Belly rubs are always free.