Erica Salvemini

A lot of people say they love all animals, but Erica really means it! She grew up with cats, dogs, rabbits, turtles, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils and lizards. With a passion like that it was of little surprise to family and friends when she ditched a marketing career to pursue a 600-hour certification to become a master pet groomer. Erica founded Just 4 Paws Pet Spa in 2004. It started as a mobile service and expanded to become a highly sought after pet spa store front where furry customers from throughout the region would come to be groomed with love. As a Reiki Master Practitioner, Erica works with pets that are anxious, aggressive or suffering from a chronic illness to offer gentle, non-invasive care through this healing methodology. In addition to beautifying dogs and even a fair number of rabbits, cats are one of her specialties. Pet parents, many who call her "the cat whisperer," travel quite a distance to have her work on their frisky felines' coats. Erica is also a host groomer for the reality show "Animal House," which helps save or create animal shelters in communities around the country. She has also proudly provided much needed grooming for rescue dogs featured in Today Show "Pet Makeovers" and for years collaborated with Hartz Mountain Corporation as the company revamped its grooming products and tool sets. Erica's volunteer efforts also include providing love and spa therapies to needy shelter pets at the Animal Care & Control Center in NYC. Erica is also the proud and grateful mother to two beautiful boys, Liam & Alexander. Their family also includes Mimi, a 5-year-old "fluffy" (but not fat) cat.