Topeka Area Grooming Shuttle

FOR JENNIFER WALKER, Certified Master Groomer and owner of Topeka Area Walker, taking her grooming skills on the road is not only about the convenience factor for pet owners, it is also about making what could be a traumatizing experience for furry friends into a more positive one.

In business for over a decade, Walker has several routes around Topeka and one in Auburn.

While she works out of her storefront on 4000 SW 21st St. once a week, most of her business comes from her mobile routes.

“People don’t want to put their dirty animals in their cars,” she said. Her business model also caters to busy parents, elderly clients and people with multiple pets. One of Walker’s clients has four dogs and 16 cats.

Walker brings her RV to each of her clients’ homes and grooms pets from her vehicle, which is equipped with a bathtub, hydraulic table, high-velocity hair dryer, and heat and air conditioning. Completely self-contained, it also has a generator and 50-gallon water tank, so she doesn’t have to use her clients’ electricity or water.

“That’s part of the convenience factor,” she said.

Going to each pet’s home makes the grooming experience less stressful for pets, eliminating the need for them to be in a cage surrounded by other barking dogs for several hours.

Cats, who tend to especially dislike being in unfamiliar environments—or around dogs—particularly benefit from getting groomed close to home, Walker said.

Many pets actually get excited when they see the RV pull up.

““They run in,” Walker said. “They look forward to that one-on-one time.” ”

That one-on-one time includes a bath, conditioner, fluff-dry, brush and comb, and a haircut. Walker’s technique varies from breed to breed, which is where Walker’s chops as a Master Groomer comes in. Terriers, for example, should not have their hair cut and require a technique called hand stripping instead.

Walker organizes her routes according to how often pets are groomed, offering two, four and six week intervals. Seeing pets on a regular basis allows Walker to spot irregularities, like bumps or bites, that can go unnoticed by owners. When that happens, Walker lets them know so they can make a vet appointment.

Walker said she has run into some disadvantages with her mobile setup, particularly in very cold weather. However, the cold weather heightens the convenience factor for clients, which Walker said, is great for business.