From a one-woman operation to a 15-person team, Maryland Elite Dog Spa has become a trusted name in Pasadena pet grooming
When Tara Delp first picked up a dog brush at age 14, she didn’t know it would one day shape her life’s work. Back then, she was just a teenager spending her afternoons at a local boarding kennel – bathing dogs, sweeping floors, and soaking up everything she could about animal care. But that early spark grew into a lifelong passion, one that would eventually inspire her to open Maryland Elite Dog Spa, a thriving grooming business now known across Anne Arundel County for its high standards, caring team, and personalized service.
“I quickly developed a passion for grooming,” Delp said. “One of the groomers saw potential in me and took me under her wing. By the time I was 16, I had graduated high school and was already working full time as a professional groomer.”
That early dedication – and an instinctive understanding of animals – has carried Delp through more than two decades in the grooming industry. A Severn native, she spent her childhood surrounded by animals. Whether she was working with horses at her aunt and uncle’s auction or walking dogs for neighbors, animals were always at the center of her world. “My family always said I was ‘animal-obsessed,’” she said. “And they weren’t wrong.”
After years working for other salons, Delp decided to take a leap of faith. In August 2018, she launched Maryland Elite Dog Spa, blending her hands-on expertise with a commitment to quality care and client relationships. What started as a one-woman operation – with Delp grooming, booking, and managing everything herself – has blossomed into a growing enterprise with 15 employees and a loyal client base.
Those first few years weren’t easy. “Like most entrepreneurs, I learned as I went,” she admitted. “I was working 12-hour days, doing everything from grooming to bookkeeping. It was exhausting.” Her turning point came when she hired her first employee, Annalise, who helped ease the workload and introduced systems that allowed the business to grow sustainably.
Today, Maryland Elite Dog Spa operates a bustling salon in Glen Burnie and a fleet of mobile grooming vans that serve communities including Pasadena, Severna Park, Annapolis, Crofton, Elkridge, and beyond. The business now grooms nearly 1,000 dogs each month – a number that still amazes Delp when she steps back to take it in.
Offering both mobile and in-salon grooming was a natural evolution. “As our reputation grew, so did demand,” Delp explained. “Some clients wanted recurring appointments, while others needed flexibility. Opening a salon allowed us to serve both groups and train new groomers in a professional environment.”
Inside the salon, each pet receives a one-on-one experience with minimal crate time and flexible scheduling, including evening appointments. Meanwhile, the mobile units offer convenience for busy families or professionals – a service that’s become especially popular in recent years. “We show up, pamper your dog, and leave everything spotless,” Delp said. “It’s like having your landscaper or cleaner come by – we just quietly check a task off your list.”
Some clients appreciate the service so much that they even schedule “latch key” appointments, giving the team a code or key so their pets can be groomed while they’re away at work. “Clients rave about the convenience and personal touch,” Delp said. “They love that their dogs receive one-on-one care from the same groomer each visit. We’ve completely eliminated the stress of grooming – for both the pet and the owner.”
That consistency and trust are core to Maryland Elite Dog Spa’s philosophy. Delp is a National Dog Groomers Association of America Master Groomer, an elite certification she earned by passing a 700-question written exam and demonstrating four breed-standard grooms in front of industry judges – all in one session. Her team follows her example through ongoing education, regular workshops, and advanced certifications like Fear Free Grooming and Pet CPR.
“Every dog is different,” Delp said. “Some need extra reassurance, others prefer independence. We read their body language, move at their pace, and make sure every experience is safe and positive.”
For Delp, the real joy lies in the relationships – not just with the dogs, but with their owners. “We truly have the best clients,” she said warmly. “Their pets become part of the M.E.D.S. family. We celebrate their milestones, share their stories, and love them like our own.”
It’s that deep sense of care – paired with a sharp business vision – that has fueled the company’s steady growth. Delp plans to expand Maryland Elite Dog Spa with additional salon locations, a larger mobile fleet, and eventually formal grooming education programs to help raise the bar for professionalism in the industry.
Her biggest mission? To make dog grooming a regulated and respected profession. “Right now, anyone can call themselves a groomer,” she said. “That needs to change. We want to set the bar high and create safer, more consistent care for all pets.”
Over the years, Delp has learned plenty about running a small business – and about herself. “The biggest lesson? You can’t please everyone, and that’s okay,” she said. “Growth isn’t just about adding vans or staff – it’s about creating systems that support both people and pets.”
Still, it’s the everyday moments that make it all worthwhile. “Seeing a nervous dog relax, or an owner’s face light up when they see their pup after a groom – those are the moments that mean the most,” she said.
Dogs are pure-hearted. They’re honest about how they feel — and when you earn their trust, it’s the best feeling in the world.” — Tara Delp
Delp now lives in Pasadena with her husband and children, a community she says instantly felt like home. After several years in Baltimore, the family was drawn to Pasadena’s close-knit feel and family-friendly atmosphere. “When our kids were getting ready to start school, we wanted to be part of a great community,” she said. “We fell in love with Pasadena and can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
Maryland Elite Dog Spa is currently welcoming new clients. To learn more or book an appointment, visit www.marylandelitedogspa.com.
