I recently visited 4 Legs Spa in Union, NJ for the first time and let me just say—this wasn’t your average pet grooming experience. As someone who has never taken their dog to a groomer before, I didn’t know what to expect. What could’ve been an overwhelming experience turned into a fun and informative outing for both me and my two corgis Rafi and Toffe.
The Story Behind 4 Legs Spa
It began, as these things often do, with a very large dog.
Samson, a big golden retriever, belonged to the Rodriguez family, who are the owners of 4 Legs Spa. They found giving him a bath was always a struggle. The usual options were cramped, messy, and frustrating—for both the dog and the family. So, they decided to create something that worked better.
Last spring, Vanessa Bravo and her husband Juan Rodriguez opened 4 Legs Spa: a boutique pet grooming space designed with both practicality and pampering in mind. What started as an answer to Samson’s splash zone has become a haven for pet lovers seeking a more thoughtful grooming experience. On May 18, the family-run spa celebrated its first anniversary—a year marked by suds, snips, and a growing community of four-legged clients.
What Sets 4 Legs Spa Apart
This NJ pet spa offers unique services you won’t find anywhere else. It features both self-serve and automatic bathing cabins, making it incredibly easy to clean your pet with everything you need right at your fingertips. You can switch between automatic and manual settings at any time. It’s perfect for when you want to scrub in the shampoo and target those tough areas.
4 Legs Spa isn’t just for dogs; it caters to all pets. The spa uses specialized bathing cabins from a manufacturer in Spain. They were thoughtfully developed by veterinarians and engineers to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety. Not only are they the sole spa in New Jersey with these cabins, but they’re also the second in the country to offer them.
At first, Rafi and Toffe were nervous—one because they hate showers and immediately hide under the bed at the mere mention of the word, and two because they’re in an unfamiliar environment. But as the soft water cascaded over them, they relaxed. The dryer was gentle—nothing like the loud, harsh blow dryers that usually send them running for cover. At the end of it, both of my dogs were grinning ear to ear, looking shinier than ever. They felt soft, smelled incredible, and were wagging their little corgi tail nubs with excitement.
Pricing & Extra Services
Pricing is affordable—$30 for small to medium pets and $35 for larger ones in the XL cabin. The vegan shampoo is gentle and ideal for sensitive skin. What impressed me the most were the additional services that truly set 4 Legs Spa apart. For instance, they use Andiroba repellent during the washing process. This repellent is perfect for my boys, who spend a lot of time outside. It’s a natural, vegan formula that protects against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes—especially helpful since we live near the woods. The repellent lasts two to three weeks and is made with 100 percent natural ingredients that are safe for pets—even if ingested. Plus, it has moisturizing and healing properties, making it great for their skin too.
Another feature I loved was the ozone therapy they offer. The spa infuses ozone gas into the bathwater to purify and enhance each wash. It provides a deep clean while neutralizing odors, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation. It’s especially beneficial for pets recovering from surgery or injury, but it’s also a great way to boost your pet’s overall hygiene and comfort. This was particularly beneficial for my dog, Toffe, who had recently licked his paw raw. I noticed a difference almost immediately—it helped soothe and heal his paw. Rafi and Toffe also suffer from cracked paws, but after the treatment, their paws were noticeably softer, which I’m thrilled about.
A Space That Feels Like Home
From the moment I walked in, I noticed the care and thought behind every detail. The space feels clean, modern, and even Instagram-worthy, yet still packed with everything your pet could need. The store manager, Karena Bravo, is an artist and muralist whose artwork is displayed throughout the store, which really adds a unique and personal touch.
But it’s not just the design that makes this place stand out—it’s the staff. They were incredibly patient and helpful, especially since I had no idea what I was doing. They walked me through the entire process, answering all my questions and making sure my boys were well taken care of. You can tell they genuinely love animals and want the best for them.
While you wait for your pet to dry, you can enjoy coffee or even ice cream from their cart. It’s stocked with both pet-friendly ice cream and regular ice cream, so you and your pet can enjoy a sweet treat together. They also offer a selection of products from small businesses, which gives the entire experience an extra special feel. You won’t find these items at your typical pet store or local Target.
Beyond bathing, 4 Legs Spa also offers grooming services like nail clipping, dental cleaning, ear cleaning and more. If you’re looking to spoil your pet, this place is more than worth the trip.
Membership Benefits
For those who want to make this spa experience a regular part of their routine, memberships are available with prices ranging from $90 to $123, depending on the plan. Members enjoy perks such as complimentary pet portraits for birthdays or adoption anniversaries, free pet ice cream on birthdays, discounted rates, and early access to events like pet spa parties and educational workshops.
Overall, my first trip to 4 Legs Spa exceeded every expectation. The modern design, natural products, and attentive service made the experience feel more like a treat than a chore. My boys were so happy and I’m already looking forward to our next visit.
To learn more about memberships or book your own pet’s spa day, visit their website here.
Alondra Cabrera is the Editorial Assistant at New Jersey Digest. She recently graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in Communication and Media Studies. During her time at school, she discovered her passion for journalism and content creation. In her free time, she loves to create and edit videos for her corgis, Rafi and Toffe, and indulge in culinary adventures with her friends. Alondra also enjoys traveling, cooking, and working out. She is excited to embark on her professional journey in media and looks forward to contributing her skill and creativity to her role here at New Jersey Digest.
