3916 Central Sarasota Parkway, Sarasota, Florida 34238, United States
Your Groomer Jessica McCollum
Jessica McCollum
I’m a Florida native who grew up surrounded by sunshine, salt air, and animals — so it’s no surprise I found my passion in grooming. I’ve spent years in the grooming world, and I truly love what I do. With a career shaped by hands-on expertise, continuing education, and a commitment to high-quality service, helping dogs feel comfortable, cared for, and looking their best is something that brings me real joy. I have a major soft spot for French Bulldogs and their hilarious, lovable personalities.
When I’m not grooming, you’ll probably find me outside-especially on the water. Whether it’s boating, paddleboarding, or simply exploring Florida’s beautiful coast. It’s where I recharge, reset, and stay connected to the place I’ve called home my whole life.
Meet Your Groomer Hazel Jacobs
Hazel Jacobs
Hi, I’m Hazel Jane! I was born and raised in the U.K and moved to Florida in 2000, where I graduated high school and started studying art in college. While in school, I got a job at a local pet store when the grooming department needed help. I stepped in—and instantly fell in love.
What started as a temporary gig quickly turned into a lifelong passion. I realized dog grooming was the perfect mix of my love for animals and my artistic side. So, I left college to follow my heart and have been grooming ever since!
I’m a self-taught groomer with over 22 years of professional experience here in Southwest Florida.
I’ve had the pleasure of learning from some incredibly talented groomers over the years and am always eager to keep growing, improving, and putting creative care into every groom I do, so I am super excited to join the Lavish Dog Spa team!
At home, I’m a pug mom to Odin, and have a 1-year-old panther chameleon named Morty
Meet Your Groomer Sara Hricovec
Sara Hricovec
Hi I’m Sara! I recently moved to Florida from Cleveland, Ohio. I have a sweet Jack Russel Beagle mix named Bonnie. In my free time I love to read and learn new recipes to cook! I’ve been a dog groomer for 4 years, but my passion for animals and caring for them started during my childhood. I started out as a bather in high school and found myself falling in love with being around the dogs. I was intrigued by the psychology of them and figuring out exactly what it was that made them afraid or happy. I studied dog grooming and got my certification from Paragon Pet Grooming School. I took online classes and worked as an apprentice as I learned the ins and out of the grooming world. Falling in love all over again with the creativity and ability to gain the trust of a dog and their owners. I’m so excited to be working in the Sarasota area and to continue to learn from Jess and the rest of her team. I can’t wait to meet you and your fur baby!
Meet Your Groomer Lorena Xharja
Lorena Xharja
Professional Pet Groomer & Certified Pet Aesthetician
My name is Lorena, and my journey with animals began in Albania, where I worked as a veterinarian before moving to the United States in 2016 to begin a new chapter in my life.
After arriving in the U.S., I started my career as a pet bather at a pet spa in Kirkland, Washington. I was fortunate to learn from talented master groomers, gaining valuable hands-on experience and developing my skills in professional pet grooming and care.
Over the years, I continued my education and established myself as a trusted and highly skilled groomer in the area. I specialize in breed-specific grooming and a wide variety of coat types, and I have extensive experience working with senior and geriatric dogs, difficult or anxious pets, and dogs who require extra patience and gentle handling.
For the past five years, I have also maintained K-9 CPR certification, because I believe that providing exceptional grooming goes hand in hand with understanding pet safety and well-being.
Being a veterinarian understand skin problems and taking care of coat and hair has been always my priority to combine both of my skills.
This is the main reason I certified with a professional veterinarian for pet aesthetician and treatment of all type of hair and skin.
What truly sets my work apart is the love and compassion I bring to every appointment. I don't simply groom pets—I care for them as if they were my own fur children. My goal is for every pet to feel safe, comfortable, respected, and beautifully cared for from the moment they arrive until they go home.
Animals have always been my passion, and caring for them is more than a career—it is what I love to do.
C.E.O.
C.E.O ava
C.E.O ava
C.E.O ava
Meet Ava, our beloved CEO — a three‑year‑old French Bulldog who took her role very seriously… except during her frequent nap breaks. She was always the first one at the gate to greet every pup who walked through our doors, unless she happened to be snoozing (which, to be fair, was most of the day). But no matter how deep the nap, she always woke up for snacks, cuddles, and all the attention she could get.
Update: Our sweet angel crossed the rainbow bridge on June 12, 2025, at just six and a half years old. Losing her has left a space in our hearts that can never be filled. She was the soul of our salon, the heartbeat of our days, and we miss her more than words can ever express.
Ebby
C.E.O ava
C.E.O ava
Meet Ebby, our newly appointed CEO and the most distinguished French Bulldog to ever grace the halls of Lavish Dog Spa. Recently adopted from Space Coast Frenchie Rescue, this handsome hunk may be about eight years old, but he’s stepping confidently into his new leadership role — even if the shoes he’s filling are very big ones. Ebby has already come a long way, learning the ropes with determination, charm, and a healthy dose of Frenchie attitude. And to say “ball is life” would be an understatement though treats come in at a very close second. — this man treats fetch like a full‑time executive responsibility.
Ebby is also a little socially awkward, so when he visits the salon, we take things slow to help him feel safe and comfortable. You’ll often hear his dramatic protests echoing through the lobby when you walk in — he believes in making his opinions known. He’s still learning to trust both people and other dogs, and we’re giving him all the time, patience, and gentle encouragement he needs. We know there’s a sweet, soft‑hearted boy in there just waiting to blossom. While he’s still mastering the finer points of spa management, he has fully embraced his duties: boosting staff morale and reminding us daily why rescue dogs make the best bosses. We’re honored to give him the loving home he deserves and thrilled to have him leading our pack.
The Salon
A Little About the salon (pictures to come)
At Lavish Dog Spa, we prioritize your pet’s comfort, safety, and happiness. Our mostly cage-free environment allows dogs to relax and feel at ease while they’re pampered. We work efficiently to complete each grooming session in a timely manner, always keeping your pet’s well-being front and center. Our goal is to create a calm, stress-free experience that feels more like a spa day than a chore. If your pet is senior or prefers not to socialize, we do have play pens in the grooming area. They can observe from the safety of their very own 3x3 area with a comfy bed.
