Spa days often leave us feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to conquer the world. Now, thanks to Tailored Tails Veterinary Clinic and Grooming Spa, pets in Point Fortin and environs can enjoy those same feelings.
The new business was founded by veterinary nurse and groomer Rebecca “Becky” Edoo. The 28-year-old told Guardian Media that while she always had a love for animals, she never imagined she would end up in the veterinary field. In fact, her tertiary-level studies were related to human health, as she studied health and safety and phlebotomy.
“I actually started off working as an assistant to a veterinarian while I was still studying,” she said. “My dog had leptospirosis and, at the time, they were looking for an assistant. When I took him in for drips and they saw how I handled and dealt with him, they said, ‘The job is yours if you want it.’”
And she took up the offer.
“The doctor, who was a professor in surgery, had one-on-one sessions with me and showed me the ropes,” she added.
After around three years of training and experience, she was promoted to veterinary nurse, and by then she had fallen in love with the profession.
From dogs, cats and birds to snakes, manicou and agoutis, she cared for several animals for more than a decade. She took joy in being able to save lives, but also expressed empathy and sympathy for owners whenever there were sad moments.
“I got emotionally attached to a lot of our patients,” she said. “So in those sadder moments, I would actually come home and cry. I tried my best not to cry in that environment.”
She recalled a six-plus-hour surgery to repair a dog’s crushed femur, without any breaks—and it was successful.
Although the work can often take a lot out of them, she said those in the field truly feel empowered when they are able to bring relief to both animals and their owners.
But in addition to surgeries, vaccinations, dental work and other services, she also did basic grooming at the clinic from time to time.
Laughing, she admitted that her very first grooming was not her best work.
“Within six months of me working there, a dog came in for grooming. He was sedated and I was just handed a pair of clippers,” she recalled.
She decided to make it her duty to learn the craft better and began watching online videos.
“My husband is a barber as well, so he showed me how to do some of the fancy stuff and gave some tips and tricks.”
Eventually, some of her family members suggested that she open her own grooming business. She thought about it, then thought about it some more, and in early 2025, she began creating a solid plan to do so.
Expressing gratitude for her supportive family, she recalled that when she told her father about her plans, he said, “Jump in the car, let’s go.”
Confused, she asked where they were going.
He then said, “To look for a spot”—a space to rent.
This year, she left her job as chief veterinary nurse at the previous clinic to officially open Tailored Tails Veterinary Clinic and Grooming Spa at No. 7 Main Field Road, Point Fortin.
Her team also includes a doctor of veterinary medicine and another veterinary nurse.
She expected the business to take a few months to build a solid customer base, but the response left her shocked.
“I didn’t expect it to be so amazing,” she said with a smile. “So many people said they want to follow me on this journey. Others came and found me. I didn’t want to get too emotional, but it was really awesome seeing how many people supported me.”
The support was so overwhelming that the team performed a surgery on opening day.
“The AC wasn’t even installed yet! That came later in the week.”
People are still telling her how grateful they are for her over the years and how much they trust her with their animals.
She is used to people not wanting to leave their animals alone at the clinic, but now, clients are dropping them off and letting her know they will be back shortly.
“Having that level of trust really means a lot to me,” she said.
In addition to Point Fortin and environs, she has clients from Morvant, Gasparillo, Chaguanas, Mayaro, Caroni and even Icacos.
“They said, ‘Becky, we want you. We don’t want anyone else.’”
Pet owners can bring their animals in for baths, fur cuts and trims, nail trims and de-shedding, among other services, leaving them feeling—and smelling—brand new.
She said many people have also been thrilled to have a groomer in the area.
In addition to pet spa services, the clinic offers wellness checks, surgeries, vaccinations, diagnostics and laboratory testing.
Edoo hopes to eventually expand and create Point Fortin’s first veterinary hospital.
“Currently, the closest one is in San Fernando, so I really want to get one in the area. I want us to be able to do hospitalisation, boarding, X-rays and even aquatherapy.”
The spa and clinic boasts a team passionate about animals and committed to caring for pets with comfort and clarity.
“We keep tails wagging and owners confident every step of the way.”
