Business focus: Scrub, pamper pet at new shop

A new way to pamper your pets is available now in Spokane Valley thanks to longtime veterinarian assistant Margaret Ferrell.

She opened Bark’R Boutique – The Cat’s Meow on May 1 and offers full-service dog and cat grooming as well as self-service washing facilities for pet owners who prefer to do the scrubbing themselves.

Dog-washing facilities such as Ferrell’s have been gaining popularity across the country over the past decade as pet owners looked for ways to pamper their furry friends without risking clogged drains or chasing sudsy dogs across the lawn.

“It’s been a lot of years in my head, and now it’s a reality,” Ferrell says. “I’m a unique boutique. I want it to be a spa experience that is personal and fun and family oriented – a whole package.”

Response so far has kept her busy.

“I was expecting two or three appointments a day, but I’m already booking four or five a day.”

Ferrell, who has 14 years’ experience with animals working with veterinarians, including four years as a full-time groomer, equipped her pet salon with large raised tubs, new plumbing to handle loads of fur, and mostly quiet blow driers. The facilities are available for those who prefer to scrub their pets themselves. She also provides shampoos and conditioners. She also sells specialty items such as supplements and leashes.

Her fondness for animals is evident as she welcomes customers to her shop. She grooms with ease and says she’s comfortable handling all types of dogs and cats, even the feisty ones.

Grooming services are available by appointment and take about two hours for a small animal, two to three for larger ones. Pet owners can drop off their animals as she has facilities to keep them kenneled for a short time period. She charges $25 to $30 for small dogs; $35 to $40 for a golden retriever-size and up to $80 for larger dogs. Cat baths start at $25; cat grooming totals $40. Self-service prices range from $7 to $20.