She received an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from Hudson Valley Community College and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from SUNY Oneonta.

Hunt is certified by the New York School of Dog Grooming.  She has worked as a professional pet groomer at Pet Spas of America in Latham, and Petcetra, also in Latham.  In 1999, Hunt opened The Animal House pet grooming salon in Cohoes, where she has built a very successful business in the growing community.

Hunt participated in her second grooming competition in November 2007 at the “New England Pet Grooming Professionals (NEPGP) Fall Festival” in Rhode Island.  She placed 2nd in the Terrier entry-level division for her skills in hand stripping her own Welsh Terrier, Cracker.  She also placed 4th in the sporting division for her skills in grooming an English Springer Spaniel, Jagger.  She has since competed in other competitions placing 1st and winning Best All Around Groomer in Division.

Hunt is one of few groomers in the Capital Region and outlying communities who are proficient in the skill of hand stripping.  She works with breeders, groomers and professional handlers from New York and Massachusetts to strengthen her knowledge of particular breeds.  She has used these skills to groom pets, as well as dogs used in the show ring.  She is also proficient in animal CPR.

Hunt is a member of International Pet Groomers, Inc., and the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce.  She participates in continuing education programs and national grooming competitions several times a year.  She is an avid reader of canine health and grooming information.  She also participates in community events in Cohoes and other communities/schools to educate pet owners about the importance and health benefits of grooming.  Hunt has used her grooming expertise to train other area groomers through apprenticeships and volunteering.  Hunt has completed her training in Animal Emergency Services and Animal Emergency Sheltering.   

In April of 2008, Hunt began a relationship with the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society.  She is now an official dog care assistant.  She volunteers her time to groom their adoptable pets on and off site, helping them to find their fur-ever homes more quickly.  She has also fostered many animals and found them loving, fur-ever homes.  Hunt also volunteers for the Animal Suport Project.

Hunt lives in Cohoes with her husband, Jeff; daughters, Andraya and Ellerie; son, Owen; and three dogs, Timmy (Bichon), Cracker (Welsh Terrier), Wallace (Cairn Terrier), and their new puppy Miso (Bichon/Poodle).

Thank you for the wonderful job you did grooming our Irish Terrier, Murphy.  Since most groomers don't know how to strip coats, we were lucky to find you.  Murphy was quite overgrown when we brought him in, as you know, but when we picked him up, he looked like a prince!  He doesn't know why we are fawning over him, but he is enjoying the attention.  He just looks beautiful!

I will let everyone I know about the Animal House, and assure you we will be bringing Murphy back in 6 weeks.  You are a terrier owner's best friend!  

Thanks again,

Leslie Roccario and Murphy