About Us

My name is Yanet Castillo, and I am the proud owner of Jauja Pet Grooming.
Originally from the Dominican Republic, I graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo. In 2016, I embarked on a journey to the United States to pursue my dreams. It was both an exciting and challenging decision—I arrived alone, without family, to begin a new chapter in my life.
In the early years, I took on various jobs, including house cleaning, child care, and elder care. My life changed when I started working as a dog bather in a pet grooming spa. From the very first day, I knew I had found my passion. Being surrounded by dogs brought me true happiness, and I realized that working with them was my calling.
In my home country, I had two beloved dogs, Jauja and Gordo, who were like family to me. Jauja was a gift from a dear friend who explained that her name symbolized love, happiness, trust, and prosperity. She said, “If you keep Jauja in your heart, you’ll never feel alone. Jauja is a happy place.” Although Jauja passed away before I could bring her to the U.S., her memory and meaning inspired me deeply. Gordo, my loyal Shih Tzu, accompanied me to this new chapter of my life. He became my closest companion and even my model as I practiced grooming techniques.
After five years of hard work and perseverance, I was finally able to open my own pet grooming salon in Glenville. However, life’s journey is often bittersweet. In 2024, Gordo underwent a routine neutering surgery, but tragically, he passed away during the procedure. Losing him broke my heart. He had been by my side through every challenge, offering unconditional love and support. The most painful part was not being able to be there for him in his final moments.
Despite the grief of losing Gordo, his love and spirit continue to inspire me every day. He taught me to approach my work with compassion and to treat every dog as if they were my own.
This is the foundation of Jauja Pet Grooming. My salon is more than a place for grooming—it’s a space filled with love, joy, and care, just like Jauja represented for me. Here, we don’t use cages. Dogs are free to run, play, and enjoy their time, leaving happy, relaxed, and wagging their tails. For me, the greatest reward is not in what I charge, but in seeing how beautiful the dogs look and how overjoyed their families are.
Thank you for trusting me with your furry family members. Jauja Pet Grooming is my dream realized, and I am honored to share it with you and your pets.