BELHAVEN — Melissa Anthony has always had a special place in her heart for animals. For most of her professional career, she has been working with domestic creatures, from dogs to horses, and that love has found an outlet in Coastal Pet Life, a new grooming service in Belhaven.

“My dad said when I was like three, we had a black lab named Max,” Anthony said. “He looked outside and I had a stethoscope, I guess trying to work on Max in his dog house. My whole life, I wanted to go to vet school.”

A newcomer to Belhaven, Anthony’s parents retired to the area 15 years ago. About a year and a half ago, she decided it was time to move closer to her parents, specifically to take care of her mother who suffers from multiple sclerosis.

“It was time for me to come and help and do what I could,” Anthony said.

With a long background in caring for animals, both in their physical health and grooming, Anthony saw an opportunity in Belhaven for a grooming business. In June, she took the plunge into starting her own business, setting up shop in Dr. Charles Boyette’s old office on Haslin Street.

“I worked as a groomer in a vet’s office in Mechanicsville, Virginia, for about six years,” Anthony said. “Then I would board horses and dogs and before they would leave, the owners would want them bathed and groomed, so I did that for about 11 years in Georgia.”

All told, Anthony has about 20 years of grooming experience. But for her, it goes beyond simple business and takes a personal touch. Being her own boss, she can slow down, take her time and get to know each animal and owner on a personal level.

“Grooming to me is more of an art,” Anthony said. “In a vet’s office, you have to get them in and out as fast as possible. Here, I feel like doing it myself, I can do a lot more personalized service and get to know the dog.”

Beyond the business element, Coastal Pet Life has had other, less tangible impacts on Anthony and her family. The shop has given her mother, Jane Minor, a renewed sense of purpose, according to Anthony. She comes to work two days a week to help her daughter.

“Whatever happens with my business, it’s been great for my mom,” Anthony said. “People like coming in and seeing a mom and a daughter working together.”