Exploring Life & Business with Tali David of Tali Tails Dog Grooming and Daycare

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tali David.

Hi Tali, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a deep love and connection with animals. I grew up surrounded by dogs, cats, and even a parrot, and for a long time I thought I’d work with exotic animals or become a veterinarian. Life, however, doesn’t always go according to plan.

In my early 30s, I found myself divorced and unsure of my next steps or how I was going to support myself. During that time, I began working various jobs and adopted three dogs from the East L.A. Animal Shelter over the course of four years. Those dogs truly helped me through a difficult chapter of my life—they gave me purpose and a reason to get out of bed every day.

Somehow, that path led me to a job as a dog bather at a large pet corporation. It wasn’t easy at first, but I stuck with it and learned about different dog breeds, coat types, and proper bathing techniques. After a year, I enrolled in dog grooming school, where I began learning how to groom and style dogs.

I started grooming from home on my outdoor patio, charging minimal rates while I practiced and continued learning. People quickly responded to the no-cage, calm, and friendly environment, and my business began to grow. To gain even more experience, I went to dog grooming academy & worked at several independent grooming shops, where I learned both what to do—and what not to do.

Some of what I witnessed at these shops wasn’t easy, and it solidified my promise to myself: one day, I would open a grooming shop where dogs are treated with patience, respect, love, and compassion.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has played a role in getting me to where I am today.

As my home-based grooming business grew, one of my clients introduced me to The Maiden Community, an online group that supports small businesses. Through that connection, I met Kim Maiden, the owner, who brought her dog to me for grooming. We clicked immediately, and I eventually became the groomer featured on her site. That exposure brought in new clients and gave me the confidence to open my first storefront.

I opened my first shop in Canoga Park during COVID with just enough funds for light renovations and two months of rent. At the beginning, it was just me and one other groomer—I opened and closed the shop, cleaned, and managed everything myself. To my surprise, business took off. Clients loved our cage-free environment and doggy daycare play area.

Four and a half years in, we were blindsided by a zoning issue and forced to close our doors within two weeks. I put everything in storage, hired a lawyer, and felt like everything I’d worked for had disappeared. I wasn’t ready to give up, though — I spent weeks searching for a new location and referred my clients to mobile groomers I trusted so their dogs would be cared for.
When I finally found the perfect space, I remodelled it and worked closely with Animal Services to make sure it was safe and built correctly for the dogs. In about two months we received our permits and reopened. The grand opening was a success and so many clients returned — I’m incredibly grateful for the support from our community and to all of my clients who have supported my business and have also become dear friends. Seeing the dogs thrive in the new space has made my journey worthwhile. The shop is bright, calming and is more than double the size. The dogs have so much space to run around and play.

What felt like a nightmare became our greatest opportunity.

Today, with the dream team I so wholeheartedly trust behind me — Maria Arreola, Martha Cuevas, and Jasmine Senobari — we’re stronger than ever and ready to give every pup the love and care they deserve. 

We’ve been impressed with Tali Tails Dog Grooming and Daycare, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We offer cage-free dog grooming as well as a fun doggy daycare experience.
Every dog is treated as if they were our own and we want them all to feel
special, comfortable and treated with compassion.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a fun, curious, and playful child. While academics didn’t always come easily to me, I naturally gravitated toward creative expression. I loved art and could spend hours painting, drawing, and getting lost in the process. Creativity became a place where I felt confident and at ease.
Spending time with my pets and close friends also brought me a deep sense of comfort and grounding. Animals, in particular, were a constant source of joy and companionship, and even at a young age, I felt a strong connection to them. Looking back, that blend of creativity, playfulness, and love for animals shaped who I am today and continues to influence the work I do.

Pricing:

• Small dogs:(under 20lbs) Tidy ups $65, full grooms $85
• Medium dogs: Tidy ups: $70-$80, full grooms $95-$115
• Large dogs: Tidy ups $95, full grooms $125-$135
• Small dog deshedding baths $65, Large $85-$120 +
• Doggy Daycare ranges from $15 to $35 per day.. We have different packages to choose from.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Tali-Tails.com
• Instagram: @talitailsdog
• Facebook: @tali david
• Yelp: https://Yelp.com/biz/tali-tails-dog-grooming-and-daycare-west-hills

Image Credits
Some of the photographs were taken by Rachel Rosenberg, Jason Fishman, Martha Cuevas & Tali David