Delaware County Review

Located at 640 W. Schrock Rd, in Westerville, Dotties Pet Pawlor Grooming and Treatery has rapidly grown since its opening in 2021.

The business, which specializes in pet grooming and homemade dog treats, was founded by Ashlie Smith, a passionate pet lover with a background in veterinary medicine and a keen interest in animal care. 

Smith, originally from Cincinnati and a resident of Columbus since 2008, has created a unique space for both pets and their owners.

“I was in the vet med world for probably over a decade before transitioning to grooming,” Smith told the Delaware County Review. “Then, I actually taught my husband how to groom. My husband and I are partners, and I taught him at the last place we worked before we eventually left to open Dotties.”

Smith’s transition from the veterinary field to pet grooming was a natural evolution. After the passing of her grandmother, Dottie, in January 2021, Smith saw the opportunity to expand her business into something truly special. 

“My grandma, Dottie, passed away in January of 2021, and that’s when I started The Treatery while still working at the other place,” she said. “It just kind of snowballed from there, and we ended up going full-time with it.” 

What began as a small venture of homemade dog treats quickly gained traction. Smith started by making treats herself, selling them at the previous grooming shop she worked at and offering them as holiday gifts. 

“At first, I was making the dog treats myself,” Smith said. “We sold them at another place, and for Christmas, everyone got some. We also did a lot of events where we handed out the treats.” 

Now, Dotties Pet Pawlor focuses on custom treat orders and is looking to expand further by launching a website and offering subscription boxes. 

"We're trying to kick it off this year," Smith said. “It’s a whole new direction for us, but it's very exciting.”

In addition to providing grooming services for dogs, Smith also caters to a unique client base—cats. 

“I also do cats, which is a specialized field not many people tackle. I enjoy it thoroughly,” Smith said. 

As a former “Fear Free” groomer, Smith ensures that every animal she cares for is treated with patience and gentleness. 

"I’m patient and kind, doing what’s best for the dog without using excessive restraints," she said.

Smith’s veterinary background comes in handy, particularly when it comes to handling pets with special needs. 

“We do a lot of rehab work,” Smith said. “In my prime, I did a lot of behavior cases. With my vet med background, I work with dogs that have orthopedic or medical issues, including behavior problems. For example, we have a swing to help dogs that can't stand for long, which alleviates stress on their legs, especially with dogs that have poor leg structure.”

Giving back to the community is also central to Smith’s mission. Dotties Pet Pawlor frequently hosts events for pet rescues, with all proceeds going toward organizations like pet food pantries and animal rescues. 

“I love giving back to the community,” Smith said. “We do several events for rescues and fundraisers. All proceeds from these events, such as ‘Nail Trims with Santa,’ go to different rescues or pet food pantries that support the animal community.”

Dotties Pet Pawlor stands out for its cage-free grooming environment, where dogs are allowed to run and play while they wait for their grooming sessions. 

“No dog really likes being groomed, but we try to make it as fun and enjoyable as possible,” Smith said. “We have a large space, so we don’t crate the dogs unless absolutely necessary. They get to run around, play with each other, or enjoy toys while they wait.”

Despite the challenges of a competitive industry, Dotties Pet Pawlor has grown steadily through word of mouth and online reviews. 

“We stopped taking clients for about a year, but now we’ve got a little wiggle room, so we’re accepting new clients on a case-by-case basis,” Smith said. “I’ve been getting more cat clients because, as I mentioned, that’s a rare service.” 

Smith also pointed out the growing trend of new puppy owners, especially after the holidays. 

“We see a lot of young puppies, especially after Christmas, when many people get new pets,” she said. “We also see more cats. Plus, some places are closing down due to the economy or because they’re retiring, so we’ve got a good flow of clients from word of mouth and Google reviews."

In addition to grooming services, Dotties Pet Pawlor offers a range of customized accessories for pets, including ties, bow ties and floral arrangements for dogs. 

“We make all of our necklaces and bow ties for the dogs,” Smith said. “Our boys get actual ties or bow ties, and our girls get flowers. It’s just a little extra something we do.” 

The business also hosts themed photo sessions for pets, changing the decor for different holidays throughout the year.

With a growing reputation for quality service, personalized care, and a love for animals, Dotties Pet Pawlor is a true asset to the Westerville community.

Smith’s dedication to creating a welcoming, fun environment for both pets and their owners has been key to the business’s success, and the future looks bright for the small but thriving grooming business.