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Small Business Success Story: Canine Cosmuttology

Gabby Phinney offers a paw-sitive grooming experience for furry friends.

Dogs are considered man’s best friend and this quickly became clear during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a report from Shelter Animals Count, the adoption rate for dogs increased by 9% in 2020.

To help meet the growing needs of families in her community, award-winning dog groomer Gabby Phinney launched Canine Cosmuttology to provide home grooming services. A graduate of The Whole Pet Grooming Academy, Phinney earned the second-place First Time Competitor’s Award at Intergroom, the second-largest grooming competition in the world.  

She shares lessons from her entrepreneurial journey and insights on how she helps dogs have a paws-itive experience.  

What do you want people to know about your small business?

Canine Cosmuttology is a luxury dog grooming service that provides a calming spa-like experience for pets in the comfort of their own home. We use all-natural professional products with a holistic approach to grooming, specializing in rehabilitative and fear-free grooming.

The dogs get to be in the comfort of their own home with the sights, smells and sounds they are already used to, thus avoiding an overstimulating environment that could trigger anxiety. Our service area includes Idaho Falls, Ammon, Rigby, Shelley, Firth and Blackfoot. 

Pet adoptions spiked last year when the pandemic started. How have dogs provided comfort to your clients in these stressful times?

As a house call dog groomer, I see the value my fur clients provide to their loving humans in many ways. The pets in my care are often a relief of stress and even depression. They give my clients a reason to socialize and be trusting in a world so shattered of trust. 

It is also very clear to me that my clients want to be a part of their pets’ grooming experience, which most grooming salons do not accommodate. 

Why are your services an important part of keeping dogs happy and healthy?

Regular grooming promotes good circulation, minimizes shedding, helps with skin issues, and can promote good dental health. Regular nail trimming not only helps protect wood floors and furniture, but also helps minimize the risk of arthritis in dogs’ feet from overgrown nails. 

We specialize in rehabilitative grooming, helping dogs that had a rough past experience learn to love and trust their groomer again. The fact that their owner can be right there comforting them through the entire process makes the biggest difference in the happiness of our furry friends. 

What tips do you have for other small businesses seeking to grow?

One of the best ways to grow your small business is community involvement, which can help you connect with potential clients. Canine Cosmuttology accomplished this by dropping off gift baskets with coupons and dog treats to local veterinarians, volunteering at the Snake River Animal Shelter and meeting owners at the local dog park.

We also joined local Facebook groups to share helpful information and reach potential pet owners. It’s important to connect with other business owners in your line of work, since they will often have tips on how they got started and what did and did not work for them. Also, your local bank will have loads of helpful insights on how you can become the next successful small business in your area.

What was your experience working with Zions Bank and how did it help your small business?

My experience with Zions Bank has been nothing short of tremendous. Our banker, Jason Haws, was quick to help us get established and go the extra mile to find answers for our business-related questions. He even helped us get our first business loan for our beautiful van that carries our supplies from house to house. We highly recommend Zions Bank for your banking needs, whether personal or business related.

Looking to start or grow your own small business? Zions Bank offers online business tools including business templates, columns, videos and financial calculators. Our Business Resource Centers in Salt Lake City and Boise provide 1-on-1 counseling and group training for entrepreneurs.

Zions Bank’s team of relationship managers can help you find the right SBA loan* for your business. Apply for a business loan online anytime or visit a local Zions Bank branch to learn more.

*Loans subject to credit approval and SBA approval. Terms and conditions apply. See a banker for details.

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