Spa DEL Named Employer of the Year
The Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities recognized the Auburn, Alabama dog care business for its hiring of people with disabilities.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Jobs — General
Spa DEL, a dog daycare, boarding, grooming and training business in Auburn, Alabama, was named Employer of the Year for a Small Business by the Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. The honor recognizes the company's commitment to hiring people with disabilities.
Why it matters
The award highlights employers that expand job access for people with disabilities during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It also points to community training partnerships as one way small businesses can bring such workers into the labor force.
Trainees at Spa DEL typically complete two- or four-week training rotations through its Easterseals partnership. The source does not provide total headcount of disabled employees or hiring comparisons.
The players
Spa DEL
A dog daycare, boarding, grooming, mobile grooming and dog training business in Auburn, Alabama that operates as a community training site.
Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities
A state committee in Alabama that presents annual awards recognizing employers who hire people with disabilities.
Easterseals
A national nonprofit that works with community businesses to create training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
The details
Spa DEL serves as a community-based training site through a partnership with Easterseals, which works with local businesses to identify sites offering hands-on training. Managing partner Sherry White and general manager Caroline McCarville oversee the program, with McCarville introducing trainees to their duties and guiding them through tasks. One participant, Cierra Harris, now works as a pet care employee at the business.
Timeline
- November 2026: Governor recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the employer award is announced.
Market Landscape
The award is presented during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which spotlights employer efforts to expand job access for people with disabilities. Recognition of a small business like Spa DEL shows how local employers are participating in that broader effort.
Residents in Auburn seeking pet care, grooming or training can now see a locally recognized business that employs people with disabilities. Job seekers with disabilities in the area may find that community training partnerships offer a path to hands-on work experience.
The takeaway
Small businesses in Auburn and across Alabama can partner with training organizations like Easterseals to open entry-level roles to people with disabilities. Such partnerships give employers a structured way to train and hire qualified workers.
Further reading
Explore more Jobs — General stories from across the Auburn area.
More information
Find details on programs and services through the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Opelika Observer.
