Salty Dawg Pet Salon challenges people to “Pet Differently” with an innovative approach to pet grooming: sourcing licensed hairstylists and barbers and providing an exclusive dog grooming training program to transition from styling humans to styling our furry companions.

“When people visit a salon, they expect a great haircut, style, and service, and they expect an experience,” says Salty Dawg co-founder and CEO John Kanski. “Why should your pet be treated any differently? At Salty Dawg, we create a safe, loving experience that leaves your pets feeling as beautiful as they look.”

After noticing that typical grooming shops took his Springer Spaniel behind closed doors and left her in an anxious state during her visit, Kanski founded Salty Dawg Pet Salon in 2018. Kanski, a Paul Mitchell School owner with locations across four states, teamed up with Winn Claybaugh, founder and co-owner of Paul Mitchell Advanced Education (the franchisor of 100+ cosmetology and/or barbering schools operating under the Paul Mitchell School brand), and Gary Ratner, a lifelong expert in the beauty industry with over 40 years’ experience in retail, real estate, store operations, and franchising.

Thanks to their robust experience in the hairstyling industry, the three co-owners offer ties to prestigious talent pools, giving Salty Dawg an array of options when it comes to finding pet stylists. Salty Dawg’s tailored training program caters to the stylists’ individual learning styles, allowing them to thrive. This approach, replicating that of the Paul Mitchell School network, has resulted in talented and prepared pet stylists who feel confident in their transition from human to pet clientele. This attractive program not only trains candidates but offers a successful career path.

“Salty Dawg’s unique approach to attracting and training stylists is certainly a key ingredient to our success, but what truly sets us apart is our culture,” Claybaugh adds. “We’ve built a culture of being nice, structured on meeting three basic needs: helping our customers and groomers feel safe, feel that they belong, and feel that they have a purpose.”

Claybaugh developed the “Be Nice” culture when he founded Paul Mitchell’s school division. It translated into a national phenomenon, leading him to become a bestselling author and speaker as well as the dean of 100-plus schools nationwide. Implementing his approach at Salty Dawg Pet Salon has ensured that the brand provides a welcoming community for customers and employees alike.

The brand is also committed to pursuing philanthropic endeavors. To date, Salty Dawg’s co-founders have been instrumental in helping the nationwide network of Paul Mitchell Schools raise more than $24 million for charity, including $700,000 for animal-related nonprofit organizations, donated through the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation. The primary animal-related recipients include American Humane Society, Best Friends Animal Society, and Morris Animal Foundation. “One of my fondest memories was working personally with Morris Animal Foundation trustee, board president, and spokesperson Betty White, as we raised over $520,000 for the animals she loved so much,” Claybaugh says.

Franchise Opportunities

With three locations currently operating in Georgia, Illinois, and Texas, and five more slated to open in the Chicago area, the grooming brand is actively seeking single and multi-unit franchise partners in 41 states. While they encourage those with franchise experience to apply, Salty Dawg’s approachable system is designed to accommodate first-time franchise partners as well. Above all else, Salty Dawg Pet Salon wants partners who embody the Salty Dawg culture and have a love for dogs.

For more information, visit https://saltydawgpetsalon.com/franchising.

Salty Dawg Pet Salon: Winn & Partners Launch Premium Dog Grooming Brand

Gail Fink