Ashley Brown enjoys changing a dog’s appearance.
His 5-year-old business, Pup.E.Tails, was voted the best pet grooming by Illinois Times readers in the 2022 Best of Springfield contest.
“I just love the atmosphere of it — just seeing what you can do with their hair,” Brown said.
The Curran resident was trained by his mother, veteran groomer Carrie Brummett of Loami, who now works with him at Pup.E.Tails.
Brown previously operated the business, which only serves dogs, in the 100 block of West Laurel Street in Springfield. Pup.E.Tails moved about three years ago to its current location at 315 Chatham Road, Suite 116, in Springfield.
Brown says her customers and their dogs enjoy the “open-cage” setup at her shop, where dogs can roam free before and after grooming sessions. .
The business charges $40 to more than $100 for a session, depending on the size of the dog. The business also offers doggie day care.
Brown, 30, said she takes care to talk thoroughly with customers to make sure they understand what grooming services their dogs will receive and what the grooming involves.
Dog owners want to make sure their dogs are safe and don’t go through emotional trauma, and communication helps to ease any concerns they may have, he said.
Brown says she loves dogs, having two dogs at home – a goldendoodle named Penelope and an American bulldog named Cash.
