A former barber shop on Elmira’s westside is making residents look their best once again, albeit with a new clientele.
Betsy Johnson recently opened the Boop Snoots & Boogie Elmira Grooming Salon at 704 W. Gray St., catering to the Southern Tier’s four-legged friends.
Johnson has been a pet groomer at corporate chains in Horseheads and most recently in Binghamton, where she served as a salon manager. She was looking for an opportunity closer to home and decided the time was right to launch her own business.
Johnson said Boop Snoots & Boogie offers a personalized, one-on-one experience that is better for pets and their owners.
“It’s a lot better for the dogs. It’s quieter,” said Johnson. “I have a lot more room to do the things I like to do for the clients, as far as having everything included. It’s not a sales pitch every day. It’s more of a personal touch on the relationships with the clients as well as the dog. Being one on one with the dog is a whole different ballgame.”
Boop Snoots & Boogie offers a full array of services to keep dogs and cats looking their best, with bath and blowout packages that include shampoo, conditioner, haircuts, nail trimming and teeth brushing.
Johnson does not kennel animals during the process.
“I’ve noticed a lot of clients don’t really like to kennel their dogs. Especially if they’re not kenneled at home, they’re not used to doing it. It adds a lot of anxiety,” Johnson said. “From my experience working in corporate, a lot of dogs would scratch the kennels, dig and bite at the doors. It would increase injuries to their feet. That’s one of the biggest reasons I don’t want to do it.”
Johnson accepts dogs of all sizes, including large breeds that some groomers may shy away from.
“They’re actually a huge favorite of mine,” she said.
While dogs traditionally get most of the grooming attention, Johnson also accepts cats – which “is a needed service in this area,” she said.
Johnson said business has been brisk since she opened the doors last Saturday. She is currently open by appointment, with slots typically available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. during the week and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.
“I’m being flexible with customers because I know a lot of people want to do the afternoon appointments and weekends,” she said. “We’ve had a pretty quick turnout. I’ve been surprised how fast it has grown.”
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Johnson is looking to keep Boop Snoots & Boogie a small, cozy operation for the foreseeable future, but she is looking to add a retail section to the grooming salon. Johnson hopes to connect with local suppliers of products like pet treats, dog colognes and oral products, as well as recommendations for services like pet sitting.
“That way I’m giving more business to people who are in the area,” she said. “I have a small space and I think it’s perfect for me right now.”
To book an appointment, call 607-442-6058.
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