Little Ark Grooming Shop Pampers and Primps Neighborhood Pooches

By Jonathan Farrell

Mr. Petey and Simon were just about ready to jump in the water when this reporter stopped by. Their fellow bathing companions filled the room and were startled by the knock on the door.

A bathhouse, on the 700 block of 14th Street? Not quite. The Little Ark Grooming Shop has been a place of bathing and pampering for its clients, of the canine and feline variety that is, for over 20 years.

Owner Barbara Wood and her staff attend to about 15 to 20 dogs and cats a day.
“It can be demanding, yet it is the love of animals that pulled me into this business,” she said.

Mr. Petey and Simon’s fellow bathers were wagging their tails and meandering about freely. Their fur was clean and soft after a bath of doggie shampoo followed by a warm water rinse. Maintaining a clean large area open for the pets to move about, the-four-legged clients were content and eager to play.

“Allowing them to move about and not stuck in a cage, keeps them happy,” said staff member Kim McCormick.

McCormick noted that at other pet grooming salons she had work at, “keeping them locked up in cages only made them more agitated and lonesome. This way by letting them move about freely, they feel more at home,” she said.

Feeling at home seems to be the goal of the Little Ark Grooming shop. Neatly kept, swept and decorated with an array of doggie toys, items and treats, a replica of the RCA mascot greets people at the shop’s front window.

Perhaps this is why so many have been bringing their pets to the Little Ark for years.
“They do a terrific job,” said Thad Partridge, “and I am thrilled to have a place where I know they are loved and cared for,” he said.

Partridge considers it the best thing he ever did for his dogs.

The Humane Society of the USA notes that it is important for pet-owners to inform groomers of their pet’s special needs, in advance. And that, “groomers are not miracle workers,” matting or mange of fur is a common problem. It is also the pet-owner’s responsibility in the maintenance.

Currently no pet grooming licenses or special certification is required by law. Yet, some like Stephen, a consultant with Petgroomer.com, speculate that will change as the demand for quality groomers and their certification is predicted to soar in the next decade. Others like the National Dog Groomers Association offer extensive information and support for groomers.

Wood and her staff have over 30 years of experience bathing and grooming pets. They ask that pet owners make sure all vaccinations and health records are up-to-date before scheduling and appointment. “The fee we charge can vary depending upon the size of the dog or cat,” said Wood.

The Little Ark Grooming Shop is located at 748 14th St. between Market and Sanchez streets. Open six days a week. For details call 415-626-7574.

Copyright 2007-2008 Castro Courier