Good Neighbor Podcast: Fort Collins
Bringing together local businesses and neighbors of Fort Collins. Good Neighbor Podcast hosted by Nick George helps residents discover and connect with your local business owners in and around Fort Collins, Colorado.
Is your business serving the residents of Fort Collins? Then, we need to talk! Visit gnpFortCollins.com to schedule your free interview.
Good Neighbor Podcast: Fort Collins
E56: Transforming Pet Care: One Mobile Groom at a Time
Ever wondered why a woman named Kitty specializes exclusively in dog grooming? That's just one of the charming contradictions you'll discover in our heartwarming conversation with founder Kitty Gallegos. Kitty's Dog Spa, a mobile grooming service bringing professional care directly to pet owners' doorsteps.
Kitty shares her fascinating journey from traditional salon owner to mobile grooming entrepreneur, drawing on 23 years of grooming experience, including 15 years owning her salon and mobile business. What began as a simple love of dogs evolved into a mission to provide stress-free, convenient grooming experiences. "Grooming is more than a haircut," Kitty explains. "It's a way to make dogs feel safe, loved, and well-cared for, right where they're most comfortable."
Throughout our conversation, Kitty debunks common misconceptions about dog grooming, emphasizing that all dogs—regardless of breed or coat type—benefit from regular professional care. She details how mobile grooming eliminates common stressors like car rides and unfamiliar environments, making the experience particularly valuable for anxious, senior, or special needs pets. Beyond professional insights, Kitty candidly discusses overcoming serious personal health challenges, demonstrating the same determination and compassion that defines her approach to animal care.
Whether you're a busy pet parent in Northern Colorado seeking convenient grooming solutions or simply curious about how traditional pet services are evolving, this episode offers valuable perspective on an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership. Connect with Kitty through her website at https://www.kittysdogspa.com/ to learn how she's transforming dog grooming one mobile visit at a time in Severance, Timnath, and Windsor.
This is the Good Neighbor Podcast, the place where local businesses and neighbors come together. Here's your host, Nick George.
Speaker 2:Welcome to the Good Neighbor Podcast. Are you in need of a dog spa? That's the cat's meow. Well, there might be one right around the corner. Today, I have the pleasure of introducing your good neighbor, Kitty Galagos, with Kitty's Dog Spa. Kitty, how's it going?
Speaker 3:I'm doing good, thank you. Thank you for having me on.
Speaker 2:No problem, we're excited to hear all about you and your business. Tell us about your dog spa.
Speaker 3:Okay, kitty's Dog Spa is a mobile dog grooming service that brings professional, stress-free grooming right to your doorstep. We pamper pups with love, care and convenience no cages, no car rides, just one-on-one attention and happy, relaxed dogs. I started a salon 15 years ago and then I transitioned to mobile grooming almost two years ago.
Speaker 2:Wow, how did you get into the business when it wasn't mobile?
Speaker 3:I always knew I wanted to work with dogs. I got into this business because dogs have always brought joy and comfort into my life and I wanted to give that back. Grooming is more than a haircut. It's a way to make dogs feel safe, loved and well cared for, right where they're most comfortable.
Speaker 2:What are some myths or misconceptions in your industry?
Speaker 3:The common misconception is that only certain dogs need grooming, but the truth is, all dogs can benefit from regular baths and grooming, no matter their breed or coat type. Grooming supports skin and coat health, reduces shedding and can even help health issues early. Another common misconception is that grooming is light or simple work. In reality, it's physically demanding profession that requires strength, focus and patience. We're on our feet all day, lifting dogs, handling sharp tools and providing calm, attentive care to ensure each pet feels safe and comfortable. And when it comes to mobile grooming, many people don't realize how much value and convenience it brings. We offer one-on-one attention in a quiet, cage-free environment right at your doorstep. That level of personalization care takes time and preparation, and we carry all the equipment a traditional salon does. We're on wheels. That's why mobile grooming often costs more, but for many pet owners and their dogs it's worth every penny.
Speaker 2:Who are your target customers? I know it's got dogs right in the name. Are there other animals that you do and, as far as people go, who are your target group?
Speaker 3:No, I only groom dogs. Even though my name is Kitty, I strictly groom dogs. I target the working, busy pet owners who want convenient, high-quality grooming for their dogs, especially those with anxious, senior or special need pets. I attract clients through word of mouth, my website and by showing the calm, personalized care I give every dog I groom.
Speaker 2:Outside of work. What do you do for fun?
Speaker 3:Outside of work, I love to spend time in the mountains, being outdoors and just enjoying nature. I also spend a lot of time with my own dogs. They're a big part of my life and keep me grounded and happy, Whether it's hiking, relaxing outside or just hanging out at home. I'm happiest when I'm with them and in the fresh air.
Speaker 2:Nice. Have you ever thought about doing your own podcast?
Speaker 3:I have not. I'm not very good at public speaking. That's like one of my worst fears.
Speaker 2:I used to feel that way too. I get it, but you're excellent at it when you let go for sure. Thank you. Let's switch gears. Can you describe a hardship or a life challenge that you overcame and how it made you stronger? What comes to mind?
Speaker 3:I faced some serious health issues that made me very sick and challenged me in ways I never expected. It took time finding the right doctor and getting the right support to start healing. That experience taught me no matter how tough things get or how powerless you feel, you can fight through anything by staying strong, by staying determined and reaching out for help. I was able to overcome these challenges and now I'm healthier and more grateful than ever and ready to take on whatever comes next.
Speaker 2:Kitty. Please tell our listeners one thing they should absolutely remember about Kitty's dog spa. Please tell our listeners.
Speaker 3:one thing they should absolutely remember about Kitty's Dog Spa it's that we bring personalized, stress-free grooming right to your doorstep in Severance, timnath and Windsor, because every dog deserved to be pampered in a calm, caring environment. And how can our listeners learn more about Kitty's Dog Spa? If you want to learn more about me and the care that I provide at Kitty's Dog Spa, visit my website, kittysdogspacom. You'll find details about my service, my story and how to contact me to book an appointment.
Speaker 2:Awesome. Well Kitty, we really appreciate you being on our show and we wish you and your dog spa the very best moving forward. Appreciate you being on our show and we wish you and your dog spa the very best.
Speaker 1:moving forward I appreciate that, thank you. Thank you for listening to the Good Neighbor Podcast. To nominate your favorite local businesses to be featured on the show, go to gnpfortcollinscom. That's gnpfortcollinscom, or call 970-438-0825.