Happy Paws helping area pets look their best

SANDPOINT — When it comes to keeping your pets looking their best, Happy Paws has you covered.

A new pet grooming salon located at 1112 Superior Street, Happy Paws offers a convenient spot for nearby business employees and residents to bring their pet for a quick sprucing up. The business is owned by Kathryn Petrina, who has spent a long career working with dogs in grooming salons, shows and more. With more than 20 years of experience in making pets look great, she was ready for a salon of her own.

“I can do everything from show cuts to standard cuts for all breeds,” Petrina said.

Unlike many dog grooming businesses, pet owners can set up convenient appointments at Happy Paws. That sits better for many clients, who don’t like the idea of their beloved dog or cat sitting in a noisy kennel area waiting for a bath and a haircut. Owners can simply drop their pet off for their appointment and come back later when the grooming is complete. Alternatively, they can stick around until their dog or cat is ready to go with a snazzy new haircut.

With that level of customer service in mind, it’s a good thing that Petrina has a facility up for the task. She spent many weeks before her August opening date gutting the location, which sits just across from Lakeview Funeral Home. After renovating the interior, she set about installing pet-friendly equipment like a bath with two sets of differently-sized stairs leading up to it. That’s a big help, she said — especially for older dogs suffering from hip dysplasia.

The location is also well-positioned next to Bob Stoll’s veterinarian office. That makes things doubly convenient for individuals who wish to coordinate their pet’s grooming and health care appointments. In fact, Stoll himself has become an avid client and endorser of Happy Paws.

“She’s absolutely terrific at what she does, and she has such a passion for animals,” he said.

Petrina puts an effort into making her business as pleasant an experience as possible. Few dogs and cats enjoy bath time, but an environment without lots of barking and other noise helps cut down on stress for humans and animals alike. Likewise, all products used are earth-friendly, which is good for both the clients and the environment. According to Petrina, a soothing environment makes the experience better for everyone.

“I want to be able to enjoy what I do,” she said.