Roman & Co Pet Spa Enjoying Early Success One Year After Opening Its Doors

One year after opening to the public, pet grooming business Roman & Co. Pet Spa has never felt more welcome into the community and seen early success.

Janeine Sali, Roman & Co. Pet Spa co-owner giving bichon shih tzu Muffin a shave. Sali named the businses after her German shepard, Roman. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

After one year in business, co-owner Janeine Sali and her partner Ryan Brown have consistently seen bookings back up for weeks and sometimes months for pet grooming.

“It's been quite the journey. They say the first year is always the hardest year of business but I found for us that it's just been lovely,” explained Sali. “The amount of outpour from the community and other groomers has been just wonderful in helping us.”

Sali and Brown quickly gained a positive reputation being named a platinum winner in the 2023 Community Votes Peterborough. They were named the top pet grooming company in the city.

“It was really surreal,” explained Sali. “It's been really wonderful. We've met a lot of nice people, new clients so all-in-all, it's been good.”

The couple opened their business in early July last year, occupying the former Mr. Brock Barber Shop located at 221 Brock St. The pet spa offers grooming (nail trimming, de-shedding, etc.), cleaning and bathing for dogs. This is Sali and Brown’s first business that they’ve owned together. While the experience has not always been easy for the couple, the positives have always outweighed the negatives.

“Problems can always be about the building or scheduling conflicts but you just kind of get used to it,” explained Sali. “There are always challenges and struggles for any small business but it's been a really wonderful journey.”

Sali had named the business after her German Shepard, Roman. The spa is open five days a week by appointment only and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

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Grand Opening of Pet Spa For Local Couple In Downtown Peterborough

Local couple and co-owners Janeine Sali and Ryan Brown had their grand opening of Peterborough’s newest animal paradise, Roman & Co. Pet Spa on Tuesday.

Co-owner Janeine Sali, grooming cockapoo Ellie, the business’s first-ever client in their grand opening on Tuesday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The pet spa offers grooming (nail trimming, de-shedding, etc.), cleaning and bathing for dogs only. Cat services are available in the future at an undisclosed date according to the couple.

Roman and Co. highlighted the importance of supporting local as they collaborated with several small businesses.

They sell products from Pip & Penny Co., a small business that makes pet bandanas. Pip also sells bowties and scrunchies for dogs and quilts and catnip pouches for cats online.

The spa sells gourmet dog cookies from Douro-based business HappyNess Cookies.

Sali had the business idea during the height of the pandemic but put plans into motion roughly two months ago.

The new entrepreneur said she could have made a career in several different paths with her love of animals but decided a pet spa was the best option.

“I really love the satisfying feeling of making a dog look good but making them feel comfortable," said Sali. “You really get to know them as an individual when they keep coming back. They become like one of your own.”

@ptbo_canada Meet Peterborough’s newest pet spa, @RomanCoPetSpa! Locally owned by couple Janeine Sali and Ryan Brown! Bring in your dog or cat for some grooming and/or a wash! #ptbo #ptbocanada #pet #pets #petlover #petsoftiktok #dog #dogsoftiktok #cat #catsoftiktok #smallbusiness #petspa #downtown #peterborough #supportlocal ♬ Hound Dog - Elvis Presley

The business took over the previous Mr. Brock Barber Shop located on 221 Brock St. The building has been a barbershop since the 1820s according to Sali. The spa is honouring the building’s history since its transformation such as keeping several relics and trademark items on display.

“I really want to keep a lot of the history alive,” said Sali. “We wanted to keep a lot of the things the same, keep all the antique stuff that was left here and a tribute month for all the people who were in here in past. It's an honour to be in this building.”

Sali had named the business after her German Shepard, Roman. The spa is open five days a week by appointment only and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

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