Taos is a pretty small place, but there are several choices of places I could take my dogs to get groomed. I choose Avalyn's Paw Spa not only because they do a good job bathing, styling and clipping my dogs, but most importantly because Cyril Martinez (the owner) runs her shop with the utmost integrity, kindness and compassion of any business I've run across. Cyril always puts her clients' welfare first (4-legends, but also the 2-legged owners), and it is evident from the moment you walk in her shop; she has a custom made iron gate - actually a gate, a fenced entry area and then ANOTHER gate - just to ensure no dog ever could accidentally escape her shop. Her employees have always been very kind to my animals and I have never had any concerns about my animals' welfare in their care. When I first checked out this shop I was also happy to see that they do not use any heated cage dryers there as they can be quite dangerous. The owner also was a vet tech for many years, which also assured me that she knew what she was doing while handling my dogs and has the knowledge to recognize signs of illness that I might miss. They use high quality products that keep my boys feeling, looking and smelling great when they walk out the door. Plus, Cyril just blows me away with everything she does to give back to our human and our animal communities in Taos, from donating back-to-school supplies every year to needy children to taking in and finding homes herself for homeless animals. She routine offers to groom for free stray animals that people find; she actually did that for me a couple years ago when I found a neglected & dumped dog one day. Just the other week she invited our local animal shelter in to hold an adoption event in which 7 dogs were adopted out! Seriously, this is the kind of business that makes our community a better place. I'll be taking my dogs here as long as Cyril runs this shop. read more

I cannot recommend Cyril and her staff enough! I brought in my two Aussies for their first grooming EVER, at ages 2 and 3. After trying to maintain their long coats myself, I finally got tired of following behind them to pick up tufts of hair! My 3 year old dog has been traumatized by some pretty awful vet visits(the poor thing can't catch a break!), so she is extremely fearful of being in an animal facility of any kind. This is the reason I have tried to avoid bringing them in to be groomed professionally for so long! As one might imagine, the whole thing ended up being a huge chore! She helped my younger dog adjust to the sound and feel of the clippers, and she spent the rest of our experience jealously whining from the "all done!" kennel! She encouraged me to be very hands on with both dogs, and it really helped ease their anxiety. The older of the two was an absolute handful! Cyril refused to give up on my dog, even when she was biting, scratching, and trying to run. She was patient, calm, and I always felt as though she had the situation in control. When my dog seemed to get too stressed, she held her and talked calmly to her; by the end of the de-shedding process, my dog was calm and beautiful! I will never take my dogs anywhere else, and I would recommend the Paw Spa to ANYONE! read more

I don't know where to start as a review because I have so many wonderful things to say about Cyril and her crew. We have 2 Cocker Spaniels and they are both comfortable when we have to leave them to get groomed. Our oldest dog feels very safe and loved there and that is so important to us because we have had experiences when we would have to go pick her up before she would get groomed because she would get sick to her stomach and make a mess. Cyril has her shop set up where they dogs are able to roam around while waiting to be picked up by their owners instead of being locked inside of a kennel. Cyril also will help the dogs that are at the local shelter to give them a good grooming so they look nice and neat for possible adoptions. In fact, Cyril posted a picture of a dog that was a resident of the animal shelter and we feel in love with her. I am happy to say because of this and my friend Karina tagging me in the photo we were able to connect with the precious LeeAndra and we are officially the proud parents of this sweet girl. Cyril is always willing to work with us in scheduling grooming appointments and our dogs always come home happy, smelling fresh and looking beautiful! Thank you Cyril and crew, you are all amazing! read more

When I called Cyril to see if she could work with my 15 yr old matted cat, her reply was "Yes and I would like to try and get her in today to make her more comfortable even if I have to stay late." I personally loved that response. Cyril also mentioned that she would like to clear out the dogs prior to our getting there to lessen the anxiety for "Kitty". By the time we arrived Kitty was already not herself from the stress of riding in the car. Cyril managed the shaving of Kitty with her acumen and grace and said that Kitty would let us know when she had had enough...which she did. Cyril offered another session to complete the process, but she had moved the process to where I could manage and gave instructions on how to avoid this from happening again. Cyril is full of Heart, authentic as the day is long, and professional above all. Her space is filled with light and love and I would recommend her to EVERYONE. read more

THE BEST customer service I've ever experienced. I was on a cross-country trip in my old van, when it broke down in Taos (luckily for me). I was stuck in a pricey hotel while my van was being repaired, and I wanted to get my new little buddy (a recent rescue dog) groomed for the trip home. Well, when Cryil (the owner) heard about what I was paying for my hotel room, she immediately got on the phone, and got me a great deal on a local hotel, saving me more than the price of the grooming. And Cyril is the most likeable person I've ever met. I usually don't warm up enough with my dog groomer to give her a hug, but I felt so comfortable with her, that we hugged just like brother and sister. A heartwarming experience overall. Oh, the prices? Extremely reasonable....but being treated like family: Priceless read more

I needed to get my miniature dachshund "Bailey" nails cut. Searched Yelp for groomers around my area and found Avalyn's Paw Spa to have the best reviews. I called to set up an appointment which was easy and owner replied back via text message confirming my reservation. Business is really clean employees very knowledgeable and helpful and friendly. There was no wait and she took Bailey to The grooming table and as I held him she cut his nails. I was worried that being the first time in a groomer that he would get nervous but he was fine with getting his nails cut. I highly recommend this business and when I went to pay she said no charge does he was so cute. So I went ahead and tipped her nicely for that generosity. I will be making future appointments with them definitely in the future. read more

We love taking our 3 girls to be groomed here. We have never had any problems with any services. We always believe that if we have a problem with any service that was done then ee have to tell Cyril immediately. She is a kind, honest person who always takes so much care and love with our girls. Has some mishaps happened while they were groomed....Yes, but our girls are not easy to wrangle. But, they always look so beautiful. I have read a review about dogs getting out and all I can say is when you drop off you must be very careful of other dogs roaming inside. Cyril has a new gated entrance that I think helps add a layer of security when dropping off and picking up your furry loved ones. I hope you give Avalyn's Paw Spa a try. Cyril really is the sweetest!! read more

We were living in Taos for four months for the ski season with our new puppy, Buddy. Of course we were nervous about taking him for his first puppy cut, but Cyril was was great and Buddy loved it. We took him for a few cuts and a groom and it was always great that he could just hang out longer and have play time with the other dogs. And Cyril and her team were so great with him that when I would get there to pick him up he wouldn't want to leave. And since his visits bath time at home has been much easier. We also use a dryer on him and he sits so patiently now when drying him. She also sent me pics to have of his first haircut experience! (He really needed a haircut...her pic of before, my after...) Proud daddy here! read more

I took my Aussie, Rusty, to Avalyn's Paw Spa today for a grooming session. Rusty is 12 and Cyril took to him instantly - she is a wonderful dog owner herself as Bailey can attest to. Rusty met Bailey and they played for a while before Cyril took Rusty for his bath and grooming. Cyril cut and groomed Rusty just as I had asked her to. Not too much off of his feathered front legs and a clean up to his long haired Aussie backside. Rusty looked great when I picked him up later this morning. I highly recommend Paw Spa. Nice quarters, great parking and fair prices. Rusty and I will be back. read more

My dog, Patches, was poorly treated by her previous owner and is very hesitant around new people and places. We needed to get her nails trimmed and she wouldn't let us do it. I called Avalyn's paw spa; they got us in right away (Even plugged us in at the start of a Monday). Avalyn really knew what she was doing and how to handle Patches fear. They let us stay with Patches the whole time. This was important for all three of us. The way they handled Patches and the other dogs there was impressive and professional. I highly recommend this shop on Reed St. AVALYN's PAW SPA!! read more

Avalyn's Paw Spa is awesome and Cyril is fantastic. We just brought a rescue pup there. He has been in a kennel for 3 1/2 year. Cyril could not have been more gentle and professional with him. He was so happy to be clean when he left that his eyes just lit up with pride. This is the second dog we have taken to Avalyn's. Our first dog, a Scottie, always had a good time there and so appreciated how fast Cyril got her cleaned up and back home. Cyril also is a true Taos champion--giving back to and investing in the community with never a bad word to say about anybody. read more

As a new resident of Taos, Avalyn's was recommended for grooming. This was the best pet salon/groomer I have been to in 3 states. Cyril was so accommodating, thorough, spending time to discuss my dog's needs. He was a mess, & she discovered foxtails embedded in 3 of his 4 doxie feet. (He picks up every big of debris w/ his wire coat). She was able to remove them & wash thoroughly as I was watching. She saved us a trip to the vet. His clipping was just what I asked for-to keep his wired hair dachshund look. I highly recommend this salon! She is tops! read more

I traded my dog guilt for dog pride at Avalyn's Paw Spa! Cyril came to my rescue when I came home from vacation to find my poorly groomed husky mix breaking out in hotspots. Thank you for your big heart and generous spirit Cyril!! I was so pleased I brought her my other 4 dogs most had not been to a groomer before. Now they jump right in the car to go for a bath and a brush to Auntie Cyril and we are the envy of the neighborhood. Her wonderful, knowledgable staff teamed together like a well oiled machine. Highly Recommend. You owe it to yourself!! read more

she's extremely unsanitary she abuses the animals when they do not cooperate she treats her staff horribly her shop stinks to high heaven and pee and poop everywhere being cleaned with an old nasty mop mixing all the germs she allows large dogs and small dogs to roam around the entire shop and get into/ tear up things left in reach. she yells and screams at your dog if they bark she over charged for bare minimum grooming over all cyril shouldnt be in this busines...... if you love your animals dont bring them here read more

Best groomer in town hands down. Apart from being an animal lover, Cyril is an animal advocate, an amazing and helpful member of our community and just a kind beautiful person overall. She is constantly helping our homeless pets find new homes, and grooming them beautifully when she has the opportunity. I don't know what products she uses on the dogs but they smell AMAZING when she's all done with them and their fur is beautiful and soft. Take your babies to see Cyril and you won't be disappointed. read more

Over the years I have tried most of the grooming services in Taos and I have to agree with the first poster here that having to wait months for an appointment is the worst! I have been using Avalyn's Spa for over a year and absolutely LOVE that I can get my doggies in quickly. I have a super old dog that is treated with such care and love - I am so thankful for this! Yes, the service is outstanding and I know our relationship will continue for as long as I have dogs! read more

This is the best place for your fur babies! I've never been more satisfied with service. My two boys just love their visits, they not only get excited when we arrive, but they're just as excited for pickup, when they're able to show off their new cut! Styles are fun, creative, and all around amazing! The staff is wonderful, gentle, kind, and so loving towards my fur babies ... 100/10 definitely recommend, I will be taking my babies there definitely. read more

I have taken my dog Shasta every 2 weeks for a "Spa day" to Avalyns Paw Spa, and cant say enough about how well she looks. Cyril takes such great care of her, and her assistants too! As a pet owner for many many years, and having dogs that need frequent grooming, I can honestly say that Avalyn's is by far one of the best groomers I've ever been to. I highly recommend taking your special pet to see her- you and your fur babies will love her too!! read more

Woohoo! But also bow-wow...and seriously, just wow. Yes, of course, the grooming was fantastic, but more than that, Cyril, the owner is the patron saint of Taos animals. She donates services, money, time and loads of energy to local animals and Stray Hearts. Rarely do you see so much altruism and entrepreneurship wrapped up in one woman. Just brought our new pet there and will surely be there again and again and again. read more