Meet the groomer
The Fear-Free groomer behind Barkly’s
Vanessa Cordova
Fear Free Certified Professional · Groomer
Vanessa has worked with animals for nearly two decades. She trained as a veterinarian in Venezuela and has groomed dogs professionally for five years. As a Fear Free Certified Professional, she watches each dog’s body language and slows down when a dog is worried. She welcomes dogs from the greater Charlotte area and nearby towns.
- Trained as a veterinary doctor in Venezuela
- Professional groomer with 5 years of hands-on salon experience
- Extra experience with poodles, schnauzers, doodles, and small breeds. All breeds welcome.
Why Fear Free matters
Fear Free is a science-based certification that trains professionals to recognize and reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. It focuses on reading subtle body language, gentle positive handling, environmental adjustments, and desensitizing pets to grooming tools.
The result is a calmer, safer experience for the dog and greater peace of mind for owners. At Barkly’s every appointment puts your pet’s emotional well-being first, and the haircut never comes before the dog on the table. Vanessa won’t force a groom: if your dog gets stressed, she’ll take a break, skip a step, or finish on another day.
If your dog needs extra time, breaks, or a slower introduction to the table, dryer, or clippers, that is part of the plan, not an inconvenience. Just tell us when you book.
If Vanessa took good care of your pup, leave a Google review.
See recent grooms in our gallery and read our policies before you visit.