Essential Grooming
& Wellness · Santee, CA

Our story

Family-run in Santee since 2010.

Pat has been grooming for 49 years. Her daughter Jessica grew up in her salon and runs it today. Between the eight of us there is more than a century of grooming experience, and every one of us treats your dog the way we treat our own.

Pat, who has groomed for 49 years, giving a fluffy chow a kiss on the nose at the grooming table.
2010
Grooming Santee
since
100+ yrs
Combined experience
in the salon
Dogs & Cats
All breeds,
all coat types
Family
Owned and run,
never a franchise
An apricot poodle on the grooming table with a hand-scissored rounded head and clean finish.
A goldendoodle standing on the grooming table inside the salon, with a groomer at work behind.

Why people drive across town

We finish every cut with pride.

With more than a century of combined grooming experience behind us, our salon is built on generations of knowledge, skill and a genuine love for what we do. That experience shows in every groom, from the smallest detail to the finished look.

We are knowledgeable in all breed cuts. Our team is proficient in finishing every groom by hand. Because when it comes to your dog, the details matter.

Meet the team

The people who will be holding your dog.

Eight groomers, one family, and more than a century of experience between us.

Jessica Dombroski, owner of Essential Grooming & Wellness.

Jessica Dombroski

Owner

Jessica has been in a grooming salon since she was a little girl. Her mom Pat took her back to the shop every day after school, and owning her own salon became the dream she carried for life. Between four kids, a husband of 21 years and ministry at her church, it seemed impossible — until 2021, when she took over Essential Grooming. Her goal was a safe, fun place for animals and staff alike, where people can practice their craft and their love for animals.

Pat, groomer of 49 years, giving a chow a kiss on the nose.

Pat

Groomer · 49 years

I am a semi-retired groomer of 49 years. I have been teaching Sunday school for 30 years and I do puppetry and balloon animals. I am a grandmother of four beautiful children and Jessica’s mom! I love greeting the clients and being able to help where needed in the salon. I am usually the first face they see as they walk into the salon and I love getting to know each and every one of them.

Paula, groomer at Essential Grooming & Wellness.

Paula

Groomer · Since 2006 · Cats too

Paula started her grooming career in 2006, learning from the ground up. She was taught the old-school style of grooming, so she is proficient in poodle and breed-style trims and full scissor cuts. She still has clients who started with her as puppies — now they are growing old together. Paula is also one of our cat groomers.

Jasmine, groomer at Essential Grooming & Wellness.

Jasmine

Groomer · Three years

Hello! I’m Jasmine and I’ve always loved animals and caring for them, so what better way to do it than at Essential Grooming! I’ve had the pleasure of growing my career and becoming a groomer for over three years here at Essential. I’m always excited to see my recurring and new pups come in!

Sarah, groomer at Essential Grooming & Wellness.

Sarah

Groomer · 10 years

Bubbly, sweet, silly and ready to make puppies of all types cuter than cute! She loves doing plush teddy bear cuts, donut muzzles, and full-hand scissors. Sarah’s favorite breed of dog is the Shiba Inu.

Victoria with two dogs in a sunny meadow.

Victoria

Grooming team

Hi! My name is Victoria and I’ve always loved animals and enjoyed caring for them. I love getting to know each dog and their personality and making sure they feel safe, comfortable and cared for. I’ve learned so much during my time at Essential Grooming and can’t wait to keep learning, growing and seeing more of your pups!

Kathleen, groomer at Essential Grooming & Wellness.

Kathleen

Since May 2024

Kathleen has been working and training at Essential Grooming since May of 2024! She’s finishing out her high-school career and trying to come to work every chance she gets! She loves being a friendly face to greet each pup and parent that walks through our doors, to help them in any way she can.

Nicole, groomer at Essential Grooming & Wellness.

Nicole

Groomer

Nicole is an avid dog lover who enjoys making “let’s go get a bath!” a favorite phrase in your pet’s life. She strives to create a positive experience from the very first interaction — puppies and seniors are some of her favorites to work with. Any coat type, any size, any temperament, she will do her very best to give your dog the shiniest coat and the happiest wagging tail!

What Santee says

Voted a Santee Favorite.

Essential Grooming & Wellness won Santee Favorites in 2023, and word of mouth has done the rest.

Santee Favorites · Winner 2023
A freshly groomed long-haired grey and white cat sitting upright in a lime green bandana.
Where every paw is essential.

Let’s get your dog on the books.

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