Alexandra Lauch grooms Ivy.
Harrisburg pet owners shouldn’t be afraid of the “ruff” summer heat this year.
A fresh haircut is just a walk away, as Unleashed Grooming Company recently opened in Strawberry Square.
Veteran Alexandra Lauch discovered her pet care career while deployed in Afghanistan with the National Guard, continuing her education when she returned home in 2011. Now, with more than 12 years of experience at five different salons, Lauch took the next step and opened her own business last February.
“Before we opened, there was not a pet grooming service within walking distance of Harrisburg city,” she said. “Once we found this location in the Shops at Strawberry Square, everything started to fall into place.”
Lauch and her fellow groomer, Amanda Mumford, pride themselves on making their salon a healthy, safe environment for pets to enjoy pampering and be unleashed, literally. While other groomers use crates to contain clients before and after appointments, Lauch has an open-floor policy that alleviates the normal stresses of grooming services.
Gray Harvey and his two golden doodles, Fletcher and Rideau, live in Midtown and love that Unleashed Grooming is a quick walk from his house. Rideau was previously afraid of the hair dryer and did not enjoy going to the groomers.
“Lexi took the time, over several visits, to help acclimate him to the sounds and equipment, and now he doesn’t mind it at all,” Harvey said.
Lauch said that she appreciates that some pets have a hard time with the tools of the trade, like nail trimmers, bathing and blow drying.
“These sounds can be alarming, especially for rescue animals who may have had a difficult past,” she said. “That’s why we make our clients feel as comfortable as possible before, during and after their appointments by allowing them to roam around the salon and get to know one another.”
Since opening day, Unleashed Grooming Company has served more than 100 clients from small to large dogs, cats and more. Grooming packages vary from basic to premium products, ranging from $40 to $120 based on the breed and size.
“All of our haircare products are hypoallergenic and range from affordable to premium options with varying scents such as our signature rose,” Lauch said. “We also have medicated and scent-free options for pets with sensitive skin types.”
Services include baths, blow drying, haircut, nail trimming and ear cleaning. Additional services such as de-shedding, flea and tick treatment, teeth cleaning and more are available.
Don’t have time to wait around for your furry friend? Unleashed Grooming Company offers express service where they block time to solely focus on your canine, so they are ready when you are. Lauch and Mumford also keep owners informed and updated throughout the day by sending before and after photos.
Harrisburg resident Mary Balchunis is thankful that Unleashed Grooming Company opened near her house. Balchunis rescued a mini poodle, who was previously nervous to go to the groomer.
“Lex and Amanda do such an amazing job making Ellie feel comfortable and taken care of,” Balchunis said. “They created a dog-friendly environment that keeps us coming back. Ellie always looks beautiful with her haircut, bow and collar.”
Unleashed Grooming Company is located at 3 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, in the Shops on 3rd, part of Strawberry Square. For more information, visit their Facebook and Instagram sites. To book an appointment, call or text 717-440-8597.
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