Now Offering Dog training classes
About Downtown Pups
Our Story
Downtown Pups began in December 2019 as a cozy grooming salon and boutique—and quickly became a local favorite. In the height of COVID, we were fully booked and bursting at the seams.
Thanks to 4.5 years of incredible community support, we outgrew our original space and moved just six doors down into a much larger facility, expanding our services to meet the growing needs of our clients.
Today, we proudly offer grooming, structured enrichment-based daycare, and boarding all under one roof. Our daycare is thoughtfully designed with small playgroups of 12 dogs or fewer, allowing us to focus on each pup’s individual needs. From confidence-building activities to personalized play sessions, we create a fun, safe, and engaging environment tailored to every dog.
At Downtown Pups, we treat your pets like our own and are committed to providing top-tier care, whether they’re here for a fresh haircut, a day of play, or a weekend stay.
The owners
Liz (left) and Kayla (right) first crossed paths in 2016 while working at a grooming salon—and it didn’t take long for a friendship (and future business partnership) to blossom. Bonded by a shared passion for dogs and big dreams for the future, the two quickly became business besties.
At the time, Liz was launching her homemade dog treat business, Royal Paws, with hopes of one day opening a full dog bakery and grooming salon. Kayla jumped in to help at events, and somewhere between cookies and bandanas, the dream of owning a business together was born.
They made a promise: One day, we’ll work for ourselves—and we’ll do it with dogs.
That summer, they signed the lease for their first brick-and-mortar shop. With no savings, no business background, and nothing but determination, they renovated the space themselves (and some help from family) and opened Downtown Pups—a grooming salon and boutique powered by passion and hustle.
Two girls. One dream. And a whole lot of dog hair. 🐾
Meet The Staff
Vanessa
Vanessa
Vanessa
With over 20 years of experience working with animals, Vanessa is the heart of our front desk and the first warm smile you'll see when you walk through the door.
As our morning receptionist, she keeps things running smoothly and makes sure every pup (and their human) feels right at home.
She has a soft spot for German Shepherds and Jack R
With over 20 years of experience working with animals, Vanessa is the heart of our front desk and the first warm smile you'll see when you walk through the door.
As our morning receptionist, she keeps things running smoothly and makes sure every pup (and their human) feels right at home.
She has a soft spot for German Shepherds and Jack Russell Terriers—and a serious talent for remembering every dog’s name on the wait list. Stop by and say hi—Vanessa is always ready with a cheerful hello and helpful hand! 🐾
Ariel
Vanessa
Vanessa
Our Jack of All Trades
Ariel has been part of the Downtown Pups family since 2020 and is our longest-standing team member. Balancing a full house, college, and work life, she truly does it all—with grace and a smile!
From assisting in boarding and daycare to helping at the front desk and even jumping in for baths, Ariel is an essential par
Our Jack of All Trades
Ariel has been part of the Downtown Pups family since 2020 and is our longest-standing team member. Balancing a full house, college, and work life, she truly does it all—with grace and a smile!
From assisting in boarding and daycare to helping at the front desk and even jumping in for baths, Ariel is an essential part of our daily operations. With a background in grooming, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every role she takes on. Although she’s retired her grooming tools for health reasons, her passion for pets hasn’t slowed down one bit.
Ariel is a cornerstone of the DTP team, and both our staff and clients are lucky to have her!
Morgan
Vanessa
Morgan
Morgan wears many hats at Downtown Pups—working part-time in boarding, daycare, and at the front desk—all while running her own training business, ARF Limits, right inside our facility!
She offers group classes, private lessons, and board & train programs, helping pups build confidence and learn valuable skills. Morgan’s energy is infecti
Morgan wears many hats at Downtown Pups—working part-time in boarding, daycare, and at the front desk—all while running her own training business, ARF Limits, right inside our facility!
She offers group classes, private lessons, and board & train programs, helping pups build confidence and learn valuable skills. Morgan’s energy is infectious, and it's easy to see why the dogs adore her and our clients can’t stop raving about her training expertise.
Whether she’s leading a training session or goofing off in the yard, Morgan brings fun, structure, and heart to everything she does. Keep an eye out—you’ll often catch her mid-zoomie with a pup or two! 🐾
Grooming Staff
Shawnna- grooming manager
Shawnna- grooming manager
Shawnna- grooming manager
With over 20 years of grooming experience, Shawnna brings expertise, leadership, and a true passion for pet care to our team. She’s been with Downtown Pups for 4 years and stepped into the role of Salon Manager in January 2025. Since then, she’s played a key role in growing both our grooming services and overall business.
Shawnna is highl
With over 20 years of grooming experience, Shawnna brings expertise, leadership, and a true passion for pet care to our team. She’s been with Downtown Pups for 4 years and stepped into the role of Salon Manager in January 2025. Since then, she’s played a key role in growing both our grooming services and overall business.
Shawnna is highly sought after—her schedule books out weeks in advance, and she is no longer accepting new clients. When she’s not working her magic on the grooming table, she’s training new staff, streamlining operations, and helping ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Her dedication, skill, and mentorship make her an invaluable part of the DTP family.
Caitlin- Dog groomer
Shawnna- grooming manager
Shawnna- grooming manager
Caitlin has been grooming for over 10 years and has been a proud part of the Downtown Pups team for the past 3. She has a soft spot for Australian Shepherds, Pomeranians, Bulldogs, and wire-coated breeds—but she’s truly obsessed with all the fluffy, kiss-giving cuties that come through our doors.
Her dream dog is a Leonberger (because the
Caitlin has been grooming for over 10 years and has been a proud part of the Downtown Pups team for the past 3. She has a soft spot for Australian Shepherds, Pomeranians, Bulldogs, and wire-coated breeds—but she’s truly obsessed with all the fluffy, kiss-giving cuties that come through our doors.
Her dream dog is a Leonberger (because the bigger the fluff, the better), and she’s known for completely melting over every adorable face she grooms. When she’s not working her magic on the grooming table, you’ll probably catch her mid-snuggle with a pup—and she wouldn’t have it any other way! 🐾💕
Alissa - dog groomer
Shawnna- grooming manager
Alissa - dog groomer
Alissa has been grooming for 6 years and brings both skill and creativity to the Downtown Pups salon. She adores Golden Retrievers and Poodles, and has a growing passion for creative grooming—especially fun dye jobs and stylish transformations.
Known for her calm and gentle demeanor, Alissa has a special way with young or nervous dogs, he
Alissa has been grooming for 6 years and brings both skill and creativity to the Downtown Pups salon. She adores Golden Retrievers and Poodles, and has a growing passion for creative grooming—especially fun dye jobs and stylish transformations.
Known for her calm and gentle demeanor, Alissa has a special way with young or nervous dogs, helping them feel safe and at ease during their groom. Her dream dog is a Rottweiler, but she loves working with pups of all breeds and personalities.
Whether your dog needs a classic cut or a splash of color, Alissa’s attention to detail and soothing presence make every visit a positive experience
Sara- Dog groomer
Ella- bather & Grooming assistant
Alissa - dog groomer
Sarah has been grooming for 11 years and brings both skill and heart to every appointment. She especially loves working with Miniature Poodles and Pomeranians—and her dream dog is a Mini Poodle of her own someday!
Sarah has been grooming for 11 years and brings both skill and heart to every appointment. She especially loves working with Miniature Poodles and Pomeranians—and her dream dog is a Mini Poodle of her own someday!
Known for her sweet personality and soft-spoken nature, Sarah creates a calm, comforting environment for the pups she grooms.
While she focuses on dogs at work, she’s proudly known at home as the resident crazy cat lady—proof that her love for animals knows no bounds! 🐾🐱
Tatyana- Dog Groomer
Ella- bather & Grooming assistant
Ella- bather & Grooming assistant
Tatyana has been grooming for 9 years and recently joined the Downtown Pups team, bringing years of experience and a love for the craft. Her favorite dogs to groom are doodles—she enjoys shaping their fluffy coats and giving each one a unique, polished look.
Her dream dog is a Corgi (short legs, big personality!), and she’s excited to be p
Tatyana has been grooming for 9 years and recently joined the Downtown Pups team, bringing years of experience and a love for the craft. Her favorite dogs to groom are doodles—she enjoys shaping their fluffy coats and giving each one a unique, polished look.
Her dream dog is a Corgi (short legs, big personality!), and she’s excited to be part of a team that shares her passion for pets. With a keen eye for detail and a warm personality, Tatyana is a great new addition to our grooming crew!
Ella- bather & Grooming assistant
Ella- bather & Grooming assistant
Ella- bather & Grooming assistant
Ella has been part of the Downtown Pups team for a year, working behind the scenes to keep our grooming salon running smoothly. Most days, you’ll find her in the back giving pups their baths and prepping them for their glow-ups.
She has a soft spot for Mini Poodles and Yorkies—and hopes to have a Mini Poodle of her own one day! With a gro
Ella has been part of the Downtown Pups team for a year, working behind the scenes to keep our grooming salon running smoothly. Most days, you’ll find her in the back giving pups their baths and prepping them for their glow-ups.
She has a soft spot for Mini Poodles and Yorkies—and hopes to have a Mini Poodle of her own one day! With a growing passion for grooming and a goal of becoming a professional groomer, we’re excited to support Ella as she continues to learn and shine.
Best of The Best Pet Services
We are thrilled to announce that we have been honored with the Best Pet Services award for 2022 & 2023 as well as nominations for 2024 & 2025! This remarkable achievement is a result of our unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch services for both our clients and their beloved pets. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our amazing clients for their continued support and votes. At Downtown Pups, we strive to elevate the standard of pet care year after year, and we look forward to providing exceptional service to you and your furry companions in the future. Thank you for making us your trusted choice for the best in pet services!