New pet boutique offers delivery

Alice Marks had groomed dogs for several years in Iowa, but she didn’t think to use her skills locally until last year.

“I tried to get my dog in to be groomed, and I had to wait four weeks to get in,” she said.

That’s when she and her partner, Dori Cain, decided to open their own business.

A & D Pet Boutique opened on Nov. 18 in Austin, and the pet stylists are ready to serve the area.

“I’ve always wanted to work with pets, and this seemed like the most logical way to get started,” Cain said.

Marks and Cain used to work together in Albert Lea, but the duo decided to pool their money to open the business. It took more than a year to get things together after planning and online schooling for pet grooming, but the two are up and running with a few innovative ideas.

The two serve cats and dogs, but they also do a pick-up and delivery service for Austin residents.

“For people that can’t get out, we can go pick up the dogs and deliver them back to them,” Marks said.

Marks got the idea after styling a pet for a relative, and she realized there were probably many busy and elderly residents who would appreciate not having to transport their pet to be groomed. Marks and Cain also approached the Mower County Humane Society, so anyone who adopts a pet from that organization will receive a voucher for a free pet grooming at A & D.

The business partners found space in a former car repair shop, located at 603 10th Dr. SE. They completely transformed the interior, which includes a table and high chairs for customers who want to wait while their pets are groomed. There is also free coffee and snacks. For more information, call 507-481-4422.

A & D is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointments outside of that. The business offers bathing, clipping, nail trimming and ear cleaning, and has pet clothing and toys for sale.