Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Calvert.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been working in the animal industry for 25 years. My journey began with horses, but after a broken leg shifted my path, I found my calling in the rescue and veterinary field. Over the years, I’ve worked with nearly every type of creature in the U.S.—with the exception of cattle and venomous snakes.
In 2021, I became a state-permitted wildlife rehabilitator and quickly realized I needed a larger space to continue growing. When I inquired about an empty veterinary clinic for rent, the cost seemed out of reach. But the property owners were incredible—they introduced me to other local business owners and encouraged me to use my grooming skills to open a pet spa, with the back of the building dedicated to my rescue work. That vision became reality when Prairie Tails Spa opened in 2022, thanks to the encouragement of my mentors and the support of the community.
Building a business from the ground up hasn’t been easy. From navigating city regulations—like installing a $17,000 interceptor tank— to spreading the word about our services, there were moments I worried we had taken on too much. But each challenge taught me something invaluable.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from running a business, operating a rescue, and raising two teenagers at the same time is that you can’t pour from an empty cup, and community truly is everything. This journey has allowed me to give back to others, build connections I never imagined, and create something meaningful.
Today, Prairie Tails Spa has two employees and proudly partners with a local elementary school. Together, we teach kids about animals, community, and compassion—helping inspire the next generation of animal advocates.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been easy. When we first opened, I was in a toxic relationship, and when that ended, my entire world shifted. Then, in October of 2024, my apprentice—who had truly become family to us—died by suicide. That loss changed everything.
Every setback since then has felt heavier, every bump in the road harder to face. When you’re the one in charge, there isn’t always someone to lean on, and carrying it all can feel overwhelming.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Prairie Tails Spa is built on the belief that grooming is essential—but it should never be something an animal fears. In the wild, animals groom each other not just to stay healthy, but also to build trust, strengthen bonds, and reinforce their sense of community. We bring that same philosophy into every appointment.
We specialize in the “odd” and unconventional. We love grooming cats, caring for the beaks and talons of birds and reptiles, and working with rehabilitation cases where animals are so fearful they’ve reached the point of needing medical sedation. Our goal is to help these animals build trust and reduce their stress over time, making grooming a manageable—and even positive—experience.
Our motto is the Three C’s: Clean, Comfortable, and Cute.
Clean comes first because it reflects an animal’s overall health and well-being. Sometimes, achieving this means doing things that may cause short-term stress, but are necessary for their care.
Comfortable comes next, because both physical and emotional well-being are at the heart of everything we do.
Cute is the finishing touch—because everyone loves seeing their pets look and feel their best.
Grooming shouldn’t be something an animal hates. Sometimes it just takes a little more time, patience, and understanding to get them there.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been animal crazy. I grew up like many of us did in the ’90s—running wild outside until the streetlights came on. As a teenager, I spent my days working with horses, running with my dogs, and cuddling my great-grandma’s cats. She’s the one who passed down so much of my love and heart for animals.
Pricing:
- Full grooms start at $62 dollars
- Pricing depends on coat, condition, and frequency
- We offer 10% off for those who book 6wks or less
- We offer same day appointments
- Nail trims are $17
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prairietailsspa
