Royalty Pet Grooming opens in Port Washington

Local News Royalty Pet Grooming opens in Port Washington By Larissa Fuentes … Comments Posted on October 27, 2026 Royalty Pet Grooming opened in Port Washington. Photo provided by Rachel DeMartin Royalty Pet Grooming opened at 109 C Main St. in Port Washington on Oct. 7, bringing a personalized approach to pet care to a community owner Rachel DeMartin said has embraced her business and its mission to make grooming a less stressful experience for dogs. DeMartin, who has more than 12 years of grooming experience, spent years operating an in-home grooming service on the North Shore before opening the boutique salon. Her business focuses on providing individualized care, particularly for anxious, senior and sensitive dogs. “I don’t want to groom as many dogs as possible, but I want every dog that comes in to have their experience and not be rushed out,” DeMartin said. “I want to make sure that your dog leaves as happy as they come in.” DeMartin began grooming about 14 years ago after her mother encouraged her to explore the profession through a local dog groomer. Her first grooming client was an approximately 12-year-old golden retriever who struggled to stand, so she worked on the dog at the owner’s home. Royalty Pet Grooming owner Rachel DeMartin (L.), her husband Alex DeMartin (R.) and their baby girl. After completing grooming school, DeMartin continued providing in-home services while earning a business degree from Molloy University. She worked seven days a week around her classes, traveling to clients’ homes throughout Manhasset, Roslyn and Sands Point. The business grew steadily, and within about five years, DeMartin had reached capacity and stopped accepting new clients for six years. About two years ago, she paused grooming after injuring her neck. During that time, she also welcomed her first child and began making handmade dog collars and leashes. An opportunity to open a salon in Port Washington allowed DeMartin to return to grooming while maintaining the personal attention that had defined her in-home business. The salon’s equipment, including adjustable grooming tables, also made it possible for her to return to the work without the physical strain of transporting equipment to clients’ homes. DeMartin said her goal is to create a calm environment where dogs receive attention throughout their appointments rather than spending long periods waiting in cages. Royalty Pet Grooming caters to the sensitivity of the dogs. Appointments are scheduled one-on-one and thoughtfully arranged to keep the salon relaxed, according DeMartin. If appointments briefly overlap, each dog has a private pen, and dogs are never left loose together. “Grooming is such a stressful thing,” DeMartin said. “My goal is to give them the best experience.” Royalty Pet Grooming offers full grooming, baths, mini grooms and other services. The business name, which DeMartin developed with her mother when she first started grooming, reflects her belief that pets should be treated like royalty. Alongside grooming, the salon sells handmade collars and leashes through DeMartin’s side business, Bob and Bean, named after the nicknames of her two dogs, Hudson and Isabella. She began making collars during the COVID-19 pandemic after buying a sewing machine and learning through online videos. What started as a way to create accessories for her own dog grew into a small business that she promoted at pop-up events across Long Island. DeMartin said she has received support from the Port Washington community as she establishes the business.  Originally from New Hyde Park, DeMartin said opening in Port Washington was a natural fit because many of her former in-home clients lived nearby. “Everyone’s always been so friendly, and it’s such a big dog community,” she said. “They treat them like family, which is what they are.” As she builds her clientele at the new location, DeMartin said she hopes to meet more local pet owners while staying true to her approach. “I want to run a happy business for puppies,” she said. About the Author Conversations Profile All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Schneps Media does not endorse the views shared by readers in our comment sections. 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