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Our Mission

"Our mission is to offer comprehensive pet hygiene education to our local community, advocate for the cultivation of a robust and vibrant pet lifestyle, and bridge a service gap that has long gone unnoticed within our neighborhood."

Our Story

Allow me to introduce Tank, an eight-year-old English Bulldog warmly welcomed into the lives of co-founders Eric and Daniela in 2014. Tank's resilient journey, characterized by severe skin infections and weight issues, ignited a deep-rooted commitment in Eric and Daniela to explore holistic solutions, stemming from a profound appreciation for the harmony between conventional and holistic approaches. As Tank's recovery unfolded, the weekly ritual of bathing him within the confines of their apartment proved to be both arduous and physically taxing. Their dedication to Tank's well-being sparked the concept of a self-service pet washing business, resulting in the birth of Pawtanicals.

In May of 2018, during an ordinary walk with Tank and their beloved bulldog companion, Lola, fate led them to discover a vacant grooming store for lease. With the invaluable support of Daniela's sister and their accumulated savings, they secured the lease and initiated the construction process, culminating in a grand opening in July of that year.

Self-service pet wash salons were relatively unfamiliar on the East Coast, posing one of the initial challenges faced by Pawtanicals in its inaugural year. The essence of Pawtanicals' mission transcended from solely assisting dogs, to empowering dog owners with informed decisions about their pets' well-being and it also unveiled options previously unexplored. This mission expanded and deepened with the evolving seasons of their entrepreneurial journey.

As the second year unfolded, Pawtanicals progressed steadily, albeit not at the pace they had hoped for. However, an unforeseen challenge emerged in March 2020 with the onset of the pandemic, exposing the vulnerability of their existing business model. It became evident that their existing business model was untenable in the face of these new circumstances. Quick decision-making, a crucial entrepreneurial skill, came into play. Daniela enrolled in a pet washing certification course, while Eric spearheaded the redesign of their business model, demonstrating their adaptability and resilience in navigating unforeseen challenges.

In a bold pivot for survival, they temporarily suspended the self-service aspect of their business and introduced two new services, focusing on dog washing and cleaning without incorporating cutting or styling, primarily due to resource constraints. This journey was both humbling and daunting, taking into account the profound impact of the pandemic on individuals and businesses alike. This shift reshaped their mission once more.

Their adaptation proved to be successful, ushering in a new chapter in their business—one they continue to nurture, fully aware of the lessons each season brings.

What We've Achieved