Photo by Susannah Moore
Alexandria has a lot of options when it comes to pet grooming but the newly opened Pawsh Dog Wash has a very different approach.
“I want to make sure people to know that they have a place to go where they won’t be judged, where they can afford it and where their dog will get the best care,” said owner Mary Phillips.
Pawsh Dog Wash is located in the West End of Alexandria at 4907 Brenman Park Dr. in Cameron Station. It is only a short distance from the popular Ben Brenman dog park.
Phillips was inspired to open her business after working in the pet industry and seeing many dogs who are reactive or have behavioral issues turned away from daycares and groomers. She has a passion for dogs who have been abused or have complicated backgrounds, similar to her own rescue dog, Norman.
Courtesy of Pawsh
Norman
Phillips’ passion for pets is evident not only from her business model but also her journey to opening in the first place. A year ago, after witnessing a number of grooming salons in the area that she felt were more about money than pet care, she dropped everything to start her own salon. She was initially was rejected by Cameron Station and some other locations for not being a feasible business.
A bit discouraged, Phillips took a cross county road trip with Norman to see how groomers with similar models to hers operate in different states. She learned a lot on her trip and came back fired up to try again. Her persistence paid off, and Cameron Station agreed to rent her the space. Work on the Salon started around the time that the COVID-19 pandemic hit but Pawsh Dog Wash finally celebrated its grand opening on Sept 19.
In addition to creating a safe space for dogs of every breed and cats, Phillips is passionate about making sure every pet has the opportunity to be cared for no matter what their owners can afford. As the salon’s website puts it: “Pawsh is here for your pet, not your money.”
The salon’s priority is making sure pets are comfortable and healthy without the added frills like pet facials and fancy styling products. Pet owners can choose from different bathing packages, grooming or a la cart services as well as a self-serve option.
Courtesy of Pawsh
Mary Phillips
Pawsh Dog Wash does not advertise as cage-free because everything is tailored to a pet’s individual needs. If they are comfortable with it , pets will be kept in veterinary grade cages but separate rooms are also available depending on their temperaments and comfort levels. Owners can also pay more to have their dog groomed without having to wait. The salon uses Earthbath pet shampoo products.
Phillips believes that clients will appreciate her salon’s friendly and accessible approach.
“I hope that honesty and that translucency between us and clientele is something they like. I want it to be a community place I want people to want to come in even when they don’t need to do anything for their dog just because their dog likes it and they want to say hi. I just want it to feel like you’re coming home to a friend’s house and your friend’s going to spoil your dog. I just want it to be a fun, happy place,” she explained.
Beginning in October, Pawsh Dog Wash will have breed-specific discounts every Saturday. Phillips hopes that this will allow owners of different breeds to connect and build a sense of community. They are also teaming up with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria to offer discounted or free services for shelter pets as well as for any low-income pet owners or owners financially affected by COVID-19.
Read more about Pawsh Dog Grooming and book an appointment for your dog or cat at pawshdw.com.
