Jon StojanCassandra Vonnegut describes herself as ‘a passionate woman with a profound love for animals and a commitment to elevate the grooming industry.’ With these words resounding in her mind, she founded Xclusive Pet Services, a mobile grooming company dedicated to fostering a happy, safe, and healthy environment where pets can thrive. From bathing, grooming, and waterless treatments to educating youth on the importance of animal care, Xclusive Pet Services exudes Cassandra’s passion for nurturing the owners’ relationships with their furry companions, ultimately helping customers gain friendships for a lifetime.
Xclusive Pet Services – Logo
Now a value-driven groomer on a mission to educate and serve others, Cassandra’s venture into the selfless realm of volunteering began in adolescence. Growing up, she would offer her time, attention, and help at a local veterinary clinic, attentively absorbing knowledge and honing her skills. In 2013, she received an associate’s degree and a grooming certification, symbolizing her commitment to expanding her expertise, mastering various techniques, and learning from the most respected voices in the industry.
Having started a family of her own, and educational accolades, Cassandra didn’t enter the professional grooming scene until 2020. With the world put on hold with the rise of the pandemic, her mindset and priorities shifted. “When the government deemed grooming ‘non-essential,’ many of my friends and family members were struggling to maintain their pets’ health, happiness, and hygiene. They knew I had the skills, so I was constantly being asked to help,” she reminisces.
Inspired by the struggles of animal owners, Cassandra purchased a mini school bus, turned it into a pet sanctuary, and began offering services to those in need, for the first time – professionally. At that moment, she pledged to leverage her career to leave an eternal impact on communities by offering affordable grooming and providing comprehensive education. Through life’s ups and downs, including losing her father and mental health struggles, Cassandra stayed true to her promise, always returning to serving through grooming.
Now, Cassandra enriches her grooming services by incorporating the kids from her community into the process. From showing them how to care for their pets’ coats to explaining the nuances of haircuts and the complexities of deshedding or nail trimming, Cassandra not only provides youth with a chance to make their first pocket money but also strengthens the bond between owners and their furry friends through the intimate act of grooming.
Named Xclusive Pet Services to showcase the founder’s commitment to personalized service and the exclusive, intimate process that brings pets and humans closer, the company stands at the forefront of a new era of animal care. Cassandra envisions a world where pet parents make conscious decisions, are intentional about their animals’ comfort and well-being, and choose to tap into the art of grooming on their own more often.
To fuel her mission, Cassandra is in the process of writing Grooming Is Essential, an impactful response to the government’s statement made during COVID and a comprehensive guide holding the promise of filling the awareness voids in the industry. With endeavors revolving around arts and crafts at a local culture center, she is also keen to form meaningful partnerships with investors and other value-driven entrepreneurs who share her vision of a more connected future.
In 2023, she moved across the country, excited to restart her life. Though what’s to come in this chapter is unbeknownst even to Cassandra, this people-centric woman knows one thing: grooming and animals will always be central to her story.
“Animals are not just toys meant to look pretty and entertain. They are living beings that feel and have physical and emotional needs. To create a world where all pets are happy, we need education, awareness, and empathy,” shares Cassandra. “That’s what Xclusive Pet Services is all about—building long-lasting relationships where love, respect, and care are paramount, one grooming session at a time.”