Candace Hoover, right, owner of Suds in the Bucket Dog Grooming & Spa in LaPlace, stands with receptionist Heidi Reuther.

Candace Hoover hugs mini Aussie/cavalier Sam Cancienne after treating her to a spa day.

LAPLACE — Pampered pups can receive luxurious services from haircuts and baths to pedicures and facials at Suds in the Bucket Dog Grooming & Spa, a new business located at 528 E. Airline Highway in LaPlace.

Candace Hoover, a hairdresser turned dog groomer, said her love for animals inspired her to open LaPlace’s only full-service dog spa. The business officially opened on August 24, and Hoover has enjoyed every minute.

“I used to be a hairdresser many years ago, and I had to stop because I had small children and it was too many long hours. Now that the kids are older, and being a huge animal lover, I decided to take some classes and do some shadowing,” Hoover said. “The transition has been great. I already have prior experience, so I knew how to use the tools. I love that I get to meet all of the different breeds that come in, some that I’ve never even heard of before, like a bulldog-poodle mix. I love hearing people share stories about their dogs.”

As a dog owner, Hoover realized a need for more grooming services in the St. John the Baptist Parish area. This need has increased in the past year, especially with Petsense remaining closed from Hurricane Ida. Another respected local business, Scarlet’s Pet Grooming, recently closed its doors as the owner takes time to focus on her growing family.

Business has been booming in the weeks since Suds in the Bucket opened in LaPlace, with bookings already extended through parts of October.

Grooming is generally recommended every six-to-eight weeks for certain breeds, while puppies may need to come more frequently. Suds in the Bucket accepts dogs as young as eight weeks old. All dogs who come into the shop must have an up-to-date shot record.

The Suds in the Bucket Bath Package includes a bath, blow dry, nail clipping and ear cleaning. The Spa Package includes the basic services in the bath package and takes it a step further with a haircut, paw buttering and a blueberry facial. Every pampered pup ends the appointment with a bow or bow tie and a designer perfume.

“With both our Spa Package and our Bath Package, we wash the dog twice. The first wash is to loosen debris and the second is to clean it all out. Then we do a really heavy conditioner,” Hoover said. “After the spa or their bath, we like to have a small photoshoot.”

There are also options for a la carte services including but not limited to nail clipping, teeth cleaning and nail polish.

Receptionist Heidi Reuther said Suds in the Bucket is welcoming to both clients and dogs, and the business stands out with top-of-the-line products. Hoover has selected shampoos for specific breeds. There is truly something for everyone, whether a furry friend needs a serious de-shedding or a shampoo to overcome the strongest odors.

Hoover said the dogs enjoy spa services like paw buttering, the canine equivalent of a manicure and hand massage. They also seem to love the relaxing feeling of blueberry facials.

“With the facials, they are always falling asleep either in the bathtub or on the table,” Hoover said.

As the business grows, Hoover also plans to give back to the community.

“I was born and raised here, so it’s very special to me. I plan to do some giveaways for free grooming and spa treatments,” Hoover said. “I plan to support Carnival Ball for our schools. I also want to do a school supply giveaway next year.”

Suds in the Bucket is open from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 504-874-7952.