I have been a Professional Pet Stylist since 2000. I am a member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America, the International Professional Groomers, National Cat Institute, and the Wisconsin Association of Professional Pet Stylist. I am an Award Winning Stylist with several placements at National Accredited and Sanctioned Dog Grooming Competitions. I completed my Certified Master Groomers exam in Oct. 2007 and received my CMG. I  finished my Wisconsin Certified Master Pet Stylist Certificate in May of 2008. I received my National Dog Groomers Certified Master Groomer Certificate in Iowa October 2009. I am presently studing for my ISCC Master Pet Stylist Merits.

I attend several annual trade shows and seminars. I am also an AKC Handler. I show several different breeds at AKC shows in the Midwest, including my own American Cocker Spaniels.

 
Before I was a Pet Stylist, I was a Veterinary Technician for 10 years. I was going back to school to finish my Animal Science Degree when I met my husband , Jim. After the birth of my daughter, Shannon, I wanted to be available more. She was a preemie. So, I starting finding out more about Grooming. Unlike Hair Stylists , a Groomer need not go to school or be certified in any way to open a grooming facility. I knew Petsmart would send me to school so I applied and became their Grooming Manager after a year. I knew there was a lot more to learn ,so I started taking a lot of seminars at my grooming school and at the trade shows. Then Sean was born, another preemie, and the Groom Shop moved home.

Darby's Doghouse was born. Over the past 4 years here in Kenosha, I really wanted to become the best groomer I could. So. I started taking lessons with one of the Top Groomers in the United States. When you Compete in Dog Grooming Competitions you receive points and the top 10 are placed on Groom Team. Groom Team travel to different countries to compete.  I began competing in 2005 and have won several Awards, including Best All Around Groomer at the H.H. Backer show in 2008. I was pictured in the December issue of PetAge Magazine and also  a spot on TV.
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My Grooming Philosophy:
Use quality products to enhance the skin as well as the coat of your pet. This enables owner and groomer to work as a team to reduce shedding and matting. I believe a pet should be placed on a regular grooming schedule to achieve a healthy and happy pet. I groom most of my pets on a 4-8 week schedule. I give each pet individual, personalized grooming sessions. I feel this reduces stress, lessen time away from home, and makes for a happier pet. We use biodegradable Eco-friendly products to ensure a safer future.

As we have become busier from all of the referrals, I began to train an Apprentice, Nadine. After a year and a half of my training, I decided Nadine should move on, and we wish her well.

Katie is with us on the weekends, summers and during the busier Holiday periods. Katie is attending Parkside College and is in her Sophomore year for her Biology degree and plans to be a Marine Biologist. Katie organizes the salon and is a big help to me.

Nina came on board in February and is my right hand. She is excellent with the dogs and is planning to go to school for Veterinary Science. She is also my computer expert.

Colleen was just hired and has a year of grooming under her belt. She is helping with some of the easier trim pets and is enjoying Darby teaching her new things.She has a charming personality, is maticulous and is great with the pet.

Sandy is a competition friend of Darby's and takes appointments a few days a week while her own business grows in Illinois.

Since I only cater to a certain amount of pets each day, I ask that clients to pre-book their appointments before leaving; this enables me to have a secure spot for your pet. Otherwise, I may be booked up to 2-3 weeks in advance, so please call ahead. But, I guarantee we are worth the wait, and you and your pet will be happy.

I have loved animals since I could remember.
I am blessed to have such wonderful clients with wonderful fur babies.
Thanks to my clients for helping me achieve the goal of opening the Doghouse.

Hours are:
Monday - Saturday
8:00 am - Close
 
Thursday ~CLOSED
 
Sunday
For our Feline Friends by appointment
 

Contact Information
 
Want more information about our services?  Give us a call

262-652-7175

~ Darby