Katie Fisher brings a decade of experience and a catalogue of fresh ideas into her new White Horse Pike storefront.
By Matt Skoufalos | October 11, 2019
Katie Fisher at Doggie.Designs in Oaklyn. Credit: Matt Skoufalos.
When Monster Pets of Audubon closed this August, groomer Katie Fisher decided to strike out on her own.
After three-and-a-half years there, and another six or seven among Monster Pets, PetSmart of Moorestown, and Jake’s Dog House in Marlton, Fisher has built up a considerable following.
She chalks it up to her ability to work well with almost any kind of pet.
“My specialty is handling,” Fisher said. “I’ve always worked at places where we took the dogs that other salons turned away. That’s what I’ve been good at.”
She’s built her salon, Doggie.designs, upon that principle, and with her own values at its front and center. As its sole proprietor and only groomer, Fisher wants to offer a calm, quiet environment to help put pets and their owners at ease.
Larger groomers may offer block scheduling, in which multiple animals are seen at the same time; she won’t. Fisher’s storefront includes a waiting lounge, where owners can be close at hand to reassure their pets as needed.
“My goal is an open environment where everybody can see what’s going on; where they trust that I know what I’m doing,” she said.
Katie Fisher at Doggie.Designs in Oaklyn and neighbor dog Lunchbox. Credit: Matt Skoufalos.
Fisher wants to educate owners about their pets’ needs, whether related to the kinds of hairstyles that are most appropriate for their breeds, skin conditions, or just what their behavior may indicate.
She is safety-certified by the American Kennel Club, and also participates in continuing education to keep her skills current.
“Usually I talk to people about what their dog’s lives are like and what they do,” Fisher said.
“I try to educate people on the effects of a haircut on their dog, and let them make a choice,” she said. “Other than that, I try to give dogs a quiet environment and a quick groom without stressing them out too much.”
Doggie.designs features shampoos from Earthbath, which markets its “products as non-toxic, paraben and sulfate-free, phthalate-free, and phosphate-free.”
Fisher offers discounts for first-timers, and plans to offer monthly specials as well. For a bath, haircut, nail clipping, and ear cleaning, a session can run between $60 and $90 depending on the size of the dog. (Cats are also welcome.)
Doggie.designs is located at 519 White horse Pike Oaklyn. For hours and to book an appointment, call 856-617-1667.
