When it comes to entrepreneurship, community, and a love for dogs, Lia Valentino has it all.
As a Marin County native with deep family roots in the area, Lia is bringing her passion for pet care to Mill Valley with the opening of The Dapper Dog Salon—a boutique grooming experience designed to provide top-tier care for dogs of all breeds, especially the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels her family has adored since 1992.
A Family Legacy of Business & Community
Lia isn’t new to the world of business. In fact, she comes from a long line of entrepreneurs and professionals dedicated to serving the Marin community. Her father, Bob Valentino, who has owned Stefano’s Pizza for over 50 years, was recently named Businessperson of the Year by the Corte Madera Chamber of Commerce, and her family’s legacy includes dedicated professionals her mother, Sharon Valentino, a MFT and avid Mill Valley Arts Commission Chairperson, and her brother, Brandy Valentino, who was a well-known computer expert in the area.
“My family has always valued service, hard work, and community,” Lia shares. “Opening The Dapper Dog Salon is my way of continuing that tradition in a way that brings people and their pets together.”
A New Standard for Pet Grooming in Mill Valley
The Dapper Dog Salon is more than just a grooming business—it’s a place where pets and their owners feel welcome and cared for. Services include baths, haircuts, nail trims, and specialized care to ensure every dog looks and feels their best.
“Creating a comfortable and positive environment is just as important as providing top-notch service,” Lia explains. “We want every pup to leave looking dapper and every owner to feel confident in the care their pet receives.”
A Valentine’s Day Opening With a Personal Touch
The salon officially opened its doors on February 14th, a date that holds special significance for Lia.
“Being a Valentino, I used to write ‘Happy Valentino’s Day’ on my Valentine’s cards in school—and I still do!” she laughs. “It felt like the perfect time to start this new adventure.”
The salon operates Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with pre-booked appointments available on Sundays. It’s closed on Thursdays to allow the team to maintain the high-quality, personalized service clients expect.
Rooted in Mill Valley, Inspired by Passion
Located at 9 E. Blithedale Avenue, The Dapper Dog Salon is right in the heart of Mill Valley—an area Lia knows well. Over the years, she’s worked at beloved local businesses like Stefano’s Pizza and Milvali Salon, deepening her connection with the community she now serves as a business owner.
Her journey to opening the salon is built on a strong foundation of education and experience. With a background in business law from the University of San Francisco and a MBA from Dominican University of California, Lia has successfully balanced her career as a full-time realtor while pursuing her dream of launching a business dedicated to pets.
A Warm Welcome to Pet Parents
Lia’s goal with The Dapper Dog Salon is simple: to provide exceptional care for dogs while fostering a sense of community among pet lovers in Marin.
“I’ve spent years building relationships in this community, and I’m so excited to continue that with The Dapper Dog Salon,” she says. “We can’t wait to meet you and your four-legged family members!”
For more information or to book an appointment, visit The Dapper Dog Salon in Mill Valley and experience the difference of a grooming salon built on love, experience, and a lifelong passion for pets.