Old Mill Dog Spa: Personalized Care Powered by Easy-to-Use Grooming Software

When Old Mill Dog Spa opened its doors in August 2024, it was rooted in a deeply personal mission.

Inspired by two English Bulldogs, Lola and Stella, the spa was founded on a simple but often overlooked truth: Dog grooming isn’t one-size-fits-all. After struggling to manage their dogs’ persistent skin issues, their owner discovered that improper grooming techniques, especially those not tailored to specific coat types, were part of the problem.

That realization sparked a major life change, leading her to leave her corporate career and become a professional groomer.

Today, Old Mill Dog Spa operates with that same purpose at its core: Delivering tailored, thoughtful care so every dog can feel comfortable and thrive.

A Growing Team with a Shared Passion

Since opening two years ago, the pet grooming business has quickly established itself within the Toronto community. Groomer Natasha “Tash” Delicat has been part of that journey from day one.

“I have been with Old Dog Spa since their opening," she said. "It has been an absolute pleasure working here servicing our amazing community and clients.”

With a team of four employees, the spa has built a collaborative environment centered around both expertise and compassion.

“Being able to make such a wide variety of dogs feel their absolute best on a daily basis... Young or old, we see dogs from so many walks of life," Tash said. "Knowing we are able to provide comfort to them means the world to us all here.”

This dedication shows up in every aspect of the business, from specialized coat care and in-depth consultations, to self-serve wash stations and a rewards-based membership program designed to give back to loyal clients.

Building for Scale from Day One

Even as a new business, Old Mill Dog Spa had growth in mind from the start, and that meant having the right systems in place. From the moment they opened, they chose Gingr as their dog grooming software solution.

The team’s familiarity with the platform helped them hit the ground running. “Staff members had prior knowledge of the platform,” Tash said.

But it wasn’t just familiarity, it was functionality that made Gingr indispensable as the business began to grow.

Seamless Scheduling & Staff Onboarding

As new groomers joined the team, Gingr made it easy to integrate them quickly and efficiently.

“Gingr was easy to upload and navigate the schedules of new groomers, which made integrating these staff members seamless, allowing us to begin generating bookings for these employees much sooner,” Tash said.

This ability to onboard staff without friction meant the spa could expand its capacity faster without sacrificing organization or client experience.

Real-Time Visibility & Better Care

For a grooming business that prioritizes personalized care, having the right information at the right time is critical.

Gingr’sfacility calendar has become a central tool for the team.

“The facility calendar allows all of us here to see which dogs are coming in, when, and any allergies or grooming notes that need to be brought to attention,” Tash said.

This shared visibility ensures that every dog receives attentive, informed care, which is aligned with the spa’s mission of tailoring services to each individual pet.

Easy for Staff & Accessible Everywhere

Ease of use has also played a major role in Gingr’s impact on day-to-day operations.

“Gingr's accessibility has made it easy for our staff members to become comfortable gradually operating the software themselves,” Tash said.

Whether on in-house devices, tablets, or phones, the platform is always within reach. Tash said the team appreciates how easily customizable and accessible their services are on the Gingr app.

"Being able to access Gingr from our in-house devices is also extremely helpful," she said.

This flexibility allows the team to stay efficient and responsive, no matter where they are in the facility.

Elevating the Client Experience Through Personalization

At Old Mill Dog Spa, grooming is more than just a service. It’s a personalized experience designed around each dog’s unique needs.

From the very beginning, their approach has centered on education and collaboration with pet parents. Through complimentary consultations, the team takes the time to understand each dog’s lifestyle, coat type, and any underlying concerns before tailoring their grooming plan.

This thoughtful process not only improves outcomes for the dogs, but also builds lasting trust with clients; this is something that’s core to the spa’s philosophy.

Their offerings reflect this commitment to flexibility and care. In addition to full-service grooming, the spa provides self-serve dog wash stations for pet parents who prefer a hands-on approach, along with add-on services like nail trimming, ear cleaning, and sanitary care.

Combined with a membership program that rewards ongoing visits, Old Mill Dog Spa has created an experience that feels both premium and approachable, meeting clients wherever they are while ensuring every dog leaves feeling comfortable and cared for.

A Foundation for Continued Growth

In less than a year, Old Mill Dog Spa has grown into a trusted name in the Toronto community, offering specialized grooming, self-serve wash options, a membership rewards program, and even a grooming academy to support the next generation of professionals.

With a strong mission, a passionate team, and the right tools in place, they’re well-positioned for continued expansion.

And with Gingr powering their operations behind the scenes, they’ve built a foundation that supports both exceptional care and sustainable growth.