After 23 years running a café in Sydney, a twist of fate, and a love for animals brought this Puerto Rico–born local to Sayulita. Today, Pawpy Love Spa pampers pups with heart, patience, and style.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what brought you to Sayulita?
In 2017 I owned a cafe in Sydney, Australia, which I had for 23 years. I had to close it due to problems with my landlord. At that same time, a friend I had met on my first visit to Sayulita two years prior was posting on Facebook about a restaurant he was opening on the beach. I reached out to see if he wanted help, and he offered me a job. A couple of months later, in December 2017, I arrived in Sayulita. Even though I lived most of my life in Australia, I’m originally from Puerto Rico, so Spanish being my native language was an uptick for sure!

What inspired you to start this business here?
Whilst working at the restaurant, I started looking after a friend’s dog, and eventually more friends’ dogs—all of which had beautiful fur. I was often stopped by other dog owners asking where “my dogs” were groomed. Most of them were taking their dogs to Puerto Vallarta, which is quite a ways away. I saw an opportunity for a business and decided to give it a go. On May 2, 2022, Pawpy Love Spa was born.

What’s something most people don’t know about your story or journey?
I had a long career as a café owner in Sydney before diving into the dog grooming world here in Sayulita. It’s been a beautiful pivot driven by love for animals and community.

What makes your business unique in Sayulita?
I really treat the dogs as if they were my own. I work by appointment, so my time with each doggie client is their time to be spoiled.

How would you describe the vibe or spirit of your place/product/service?
I wanted to create a space where the dogs feel as free and comfortable as possible and provide a positive environment and experience so that they actually enjoy being groomed. Because dogs, like humans, have a sense of pride. While some may not enjoy the process, most love the end result and leave the spa feeling saucy with wagging tails!

Is there a product, dish, or experience that’s especially close to your heart and why?
The entire spa experience is close to my heart—it’s about giving dogs a moment of joy and self-confidence. It’s also a deeply personal service that brings together love, care, and attention.

What does being part of the Sayulita community mean to you?
I really appreciate that Sayulita has such strong animal welfare advocates. Many of us do what we can for the street dogs and help locals who can’t properly care for their pets. But it’s important to keep educating the community about the importance of vaccination and sterilization to prevent disease and unwanted litters.

Do you collaborate with any local artisans, organizations, or causes?
I volunteer to groom two dogs a month free of charge for Wetnoses Rescue to help them get adopted. Unfortunately, they have transportation issues, so they can’t bring the dogs as often as I’d like, but I hope that changes soon.

How do you see your business supporting or giving back to Sayulita?
I’m also a softie for street dogs, so I tend to always have dog food or treats on me in case I see a hungry pup. Giving back is a daily part of the work for me.

What’s your favourite way to spend a morning in Sayulita?
I have a little pug, Taína, who I rescued here. We like going to the beach early in the morning before it gets too hot for her.

What’s one song, scent, or memory that captures Sayulita for you?
An afternoon at La Isla, where Taína and I can watch the surf and enjoy a margarita barefoot in the sand—those are the kind of memories that capture the magic of Sayulita.

Please share your community shoutout:
For a night out, I really enjoy the local vibes and good wine at Tropical House—disco tunes and all!

What’s next for you and your business?
We’re offering a 15% discount through the end of low season on our grooming packages. We’re always looking to pamper more pooches with love and style!

Any upcoming events, new products, or exciting plans to share?
Just continuing to grow our client base and expand our reach through community connections and heartfelt service.

How can people support your work—especially those visiting Sayulita for the first time?
You can read our reviews on Google and call us on WhatsApp to make an appointment.

What’s the best way to find you, follow along, or get in touch?
We look forward to pampering your pooches with our signature Pawpy Love 🐶💕

Pamper Your Pup at Pawpy Love Spa → https://www.sayulitalife.com/pawpylove-spa