Meet Ana, your certified pet groomer

At Tails & Tubs Pet Grooming, I believe in exceptional care for every animal. Discover my journey, my passion for pets, and what makes my approach truly special.

View my article in The Voyage Dallas Magazine

During my path to starting Tails & Tubs, I realized the pet grooming industry lacked regulation, with many groomers being self-taught. It became incredibly important to me to complete an accredited certification program and seek professional training and experience. This journey not only honed my skills but also helped me find my voice, inspiring me to advocate for improvements within our industry.

Me, myself, and I

Behind the scenes of Tails & Tubs is just a woman chasing her dream and that woman is me, Ileana "Ana" Rivera. I'm 26 years old, I've been grooming professionally for 3 years, and I'm just getting started.

Ana's story

My love for dogs and cats naturally led me into the pet grooming world. My journey truly began with my Bedlington Terrier, NBPISS GCH Blenheim’s Living Legacy "Moon." I had a year-long mentorship with my breeder, focusing on grooming and handling show dogs, which ignited my passion for mastering the Bedlington show trim.

 

Beyond the grooming table

Beyond grooming in my salon, where I am happiest, you'll find me at my second favorite place to be: an AKC conformation event. I love showcasing my dog to represent the breed standard and advocate for the preservation of the rare Bedlington Terrier, as well as other ethically pure-bred dogs.

When I'm not immersed in the world of grooming or dog shows, I find purpose teaching secondary students at Rise Academy, a micro-school in my hometown. My dog Moon, known as "the school dog," often accompanies me each school day, bringing joy to the students.