FUR-TASTIC PUPS DOG GROOMING

A SPA DAY FOR YOUR FURRY FAMILY MEMBER

Finding the right dog groomer for your furry family member can be challenging. Fur-Tastic Pups Dog Grooming owner and PPEC business member, Cassidy Atkins, strives to send her dogs home feeling great.

“I want the experience to feel like a spa day for the dogs,” she says. “I prioritize their feelings and their comfort.”

Her quaint shop located in Cecil, Ohio, specializes in dog grooming including nail trimming, bathing, and hair cutting. All dogs are welcome to see if her salon is the right fit for them. There is also a fenced in outdoor space for pups to get some fresh air.

However, dog grooming wasn’t the original plan for Cassidy. She was first introduced after being offered training while applying for a completely different job at a pet store. Having never owned a dog that needed grooming before, this was a new adventure for her.

After some research and deliberation, Cassidy decided to train under Master Groomer Kristi Parsons at Kristi’s Kanine Kuts in Defiance. There, she trained for her license by completing 750 hours of supervised grooming, learning dog breed knowledge, first aid, and CPR. Afterward, Cassidy worked with Kristi’s Kanine Kuts until Kristi’s retirement. This was the perfect opportunity to take a leap of faith to Cecil, where she started planning her salon. Cassidy and her dad renovated the business building, formerly a propane company across from Vagabond Village along US 127. They completed projects from building cabinets and adding fencing to working on the plumbing. The revamp was possible due to a loan and assistance from Paulding County Economic Development, Cassidy says.

“If it wasn’t for Paulding County Economic Development, it would have taken me several more years to start my business,”

Cassidy says. “They got me in touch with the right people that I needed to get the process started. They also helped me with funding for advertising like my signage, business cards, and logo design.”

As a PPEC member, Cassidy found the set-up process from Paulding Putnam to be smooth and seamless, and she appreciates the reliable service and friendly employees every time she calls the co-op. She may even take advantage of some of the rebate programs available in the future.

Fur-Tastic Pups officially opened in April of 2022. But Cassidy’s dreams have only started. “I want to fill up a whole wall in my salon full of certificates,” she says. “I want to eventually become a certified master groomer and continue learning.”

Ever since she was little, Cassidy had a love for dogs. One part of her job is seeing the variety of canines that come to the salon. Whether the dog is a poodle, Pomeranian, or Australian shepherd, her favorite part is “wrapping them up like burritos after their baths.”

The goal of Fur-Tastic Pups Dog Grooming? To give Fido and Fluffy a positive grooming experience – and make them cute while she’s at it.

“I really love my job. Earning your dog’s trust and making him feel safe and confident in me is key,” says Cassidy. “Treats definitely help!”

Those looking for a dog groomer are welcome to contact FurTastic Pups Dog Grooming by texting or calling 419-670-8802 or checking out their Facebook page. Fur-Tastic is located at 18114 US 127 Cecil, OH 45821.