Dirty Dogs

For hundreds of pet owners in and around Highland, NY, “Dirty Dogs” is not a problem they share; it’s a solution.

Founded by pet groomer Lynn Edwards and her business partner Joe Tomanelli, Dirty Dogs has been helping its canine clients look their best for the last five years. Originally operated out of a single van, the company now owns a 3,400 square foot retail pet center with a grooming shop and 14 employees. “And it’s all ours!,” exclaims Edwards, who soon plans to launch an e-commerce site featuring more than 15,000 pet products.

Not having a lot of money to devote to advertising, Dirty Dogs has relied on word of mouth for most of its success. “We always wanted people to stop our customers in the street and ask them, ‘Where did you get your dog groomed?,” says Edwards. And word has spread, for which she credits Dirty Dogs’ dedicated staff, unique products, and even its live-in cats. “We aim to provide a shopping experience for our customers,” she adds.

What’s in the future for Dirty Dogs? Edwards and Tomanelli continue to dream big, as they plan to open an additional location in a nearby mall, and hope to eventually franchise the business. Who knows—someday pets all around the country may look as good as the ones in Highland, NY.