Dog owners looking for a passionate, affordable grooming business have an enthusiastic option in Accent Pets.
Christine Mott offers dog grooming, daycare, walking, spa services, shampooing and teeth-cleaning among a myriad of other pet services through her business. She's been offering these services to the Jefferson City area for around 13 years, having gotten her start in New Mexico nearly three decades ago after spending several years around a grooming shop during college.
She had a storefront presence on High Street for a while, and she has been operating out of her home during the past few years. While the setting has changed over the years, Mott said her mission has not.
"It's really therapeutic to be around the pets, and I just love doing it. I devoted my life to grooming because I love it," she said. "I do it for the love of the dogs and because I want to, not because I have to."
Mott offers one-on-one grooming and focuses on making the pets comfortable, allowing owners to stay with their dogs during grooming if they want. She said she uses all-natural products and does not crate or cage pets unless by request.
While the business had been fairly popular at the former location, with regular "Yappy Hour" events and Halloween parties, Mott still found business after moving the operation back home with regulars finding their way to her and building her reputation up through word-of-mouth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when other businesses were shut down amid tightened health regulations, Mott was able to reopen earlier with authorization as an essential business by the state, netting even more business during the various shutdowns.
While running a home-based operation isn't the same as running a store like she once did, Mott said the change didn't hamper her passion for the work or her mission to provide the best service that she can.
"I just try to cater to everyone as much as possible -- the dogs and their owners. I've never told a client no because I want to do everything I can for them," she said. "I try and make sure that each of my clients feels like they're my only one, and I think that makes me different."
Services are by appointment. Learn more about the business at accentpets.com, and get in touch at [email protected] or (573) 291-0206.
Know of any business happenings around Jefferson City? Let us know at [email protected] or 573-761-0243.