Dewan found early success with petbar in Austin-Cedar Park, leading him to expand with a second location in Lakeline and a deeper investment in the brand’s long-term potential.
The boutique pet grooming brand offers personalized service and a desirable atmosphere that both dogs and their owners want to go.
Having carved out a niche in the evolving pet grooming industry, petbar delivers a boutique experience with a family-focused culture, creating a better experience for franchisees, clients and pets.
Dan and Ashley O’Loughlin built petbar to deliver joy for pets, trust for customers and a culture that supports franchisees as they scale with purpose.
Summer is prime time for travel, staycations, and weekend getaways — but while you’re packing your bags, don’t forget about your pup’s prep, too!
If your dog is heading to a boarding facility or staying with a pet sitter, a pre-boarding grooming session can make a big difference for their comfort, health, and happiness while you’re away.
Here’s why a groom before boarding is one of the best things you can do for your dog.
1. Clean Pup, Happy Stay
Dogs in boarding environments spend lots of time playing, napping, and mingling with other pups. A fresh bath and brush-out ensures your dog arrives looking and smelling great — and keeps things more pleasant for staff and furry roommates alike.
Benefits of pre-boarding grooming:
- Removes dirt, allergens, and loose hair
- Helps your dog feel more comfortable and confident
- Reduces matting and tangles during their stay
2. Prevent Matting & Skin Issues While You’re Away
Dogs with longer coats are more likely to experience matting during boarding, especially with increased activity and summer humidity.
A professional groom or bath:
- De-tangles their coat before mats form
- Allows us to check for skin irritations, fleas, or hot spots
- Helps maintain coat health while you’re away
If your dog has any developing mats, it’s better to take care of them before boarding — not after.
3. Trimmed Nails = Safer Play
If your dog will be socializing with other dogs, make sure their nails are trimmed. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort or accidental scratches during play.
At petbar, we are happy to trim your dog’s nails anytime — so your pup is ready to play safely and comfortably.
4. Freshen Up After Their Stay
Planning a post-boarding spa day is also a great idea. After several days of play and potty breaks outside, your pup might come home a little… ruff around the edges.
We recommend:
- A gentle de-shedding treatment
- Ear cleaning and paw pad check
- A fresh bath to remove any kennel smell
Paw-some Tip: Schedule Early
Summer is one of the busiest times of year for grooming and boarding. We recommend booking your dog’s grooming appointment at least a week before you travel to ensure you get your ideal date and eliminate stress before your trip.
And if you’re a member, be sure to plan your bathing sessions around your travel schedule for extra convenience.
A fresh bath or groom helps your dog feel their best, look their best, and stay comfortable while you’re away. Whether it’s a quick weekend trip or a week-long vacation, grooming before (and after) boarding is the ultimate travel prep.
Book your pre-boarding groom or bath today and set your pup up for a clean and cozy summer stay.
When summer humidity rolls in, so do the tangles — and for many dogs, matting becomes a real (and uncomfortable) issue. Matting not only affects your dog’s appearance, but it can also cause skin irritation, infections, and discomfort if left untreated.
At petbar, we’re here to help your pup stay clean, cool, and matt-free all summer long! Here’s everything you need to know to prevent matting during hot, humid weather.
Why Does Humidity Make Matting Worse?
Warm weather means more outdoor play, swimming, and sweating (yes, dogs sweat through their paws!). Add humidity, and your dog’s coat retains more moisture, which causes tangles to form more quickly — especially in high-friction areas like:
- Behind the ears
- Under the collar or harness
- Armpits and groin
- Around the tail and hind legs
Keep Up with Regular Brushing
One of the easiest ways to prevent matting is through consistent brushing — even if your dog just got groomed!
How Often?
- Long-haired breeds (like Doodles, Shih Tzus, or Yorkies): Daily or every other day
- Short-haired breeds: 1–2 times per week, especially after outdoor play
Use a slicker brush to gently detangle surface matts, and follow with a comb to reach deeper layers.
Paw-some Tip: Pay special attention after walks, pool time, or rainy days.
Bathe with the Right Products
Humidity and dirt can lead to buildup that traps moisture and leads to matting. Summer baths are a must — but only if done properly.
- Use a moisturizing or detangling dog shampoo to keep the coat smooth
- Follow with a leave-in conditioner for extra protection
- Always dry completely — moisture left behind can tangle and matt fur fast
Visit to try our self-wash stations that include special shampoo, conditioner, towels and professional dryers for your pup!
Don’t Skip Professional Grooming
Regular grooming is your best defense. Our professional groomers at petbar can:
- Spot early signs of matting
- Safely remove small tangles before they become painful matts
- Give a summer cut to reduce risk altogether
Most dogs benefit from professional grooming every 4–6 weeks, especially in the summer months.
Try Self-Wash Stations Between Grooms
Did your pup just get back from the beach or dog park? Our self-service wash stations are a quick, easy way to rinse off sand, dirt, and allergens before they cause coat problems.
Bring your pup in for a quick bath, and leave the mess with us — we’ve got towels, dryers, and grooming tools ready to go.
Watch for Signs of Trouble
If your dog is scratching more than usual or you feel hard, tangled patches in their coat, they may be developing mats. Don’t try to cut them out yourself — it can easily lead to injury.
Instead, bring them in for a professional assessment. We’ll let you know the safest and most comfortable option for your pet.
Keep Your Dog Happy, Healthy & Mat-Free
Matting can quickly turn into a painful issue during summer — but with regular care, brushing, and grooming, your dog can stay comfortable and looking their best.
Book your next grooming appointment today or let our professional bathers give your pup a bath and brush. Sign up for our membership and save money on baths all year long. Let us keep your pup cool, clean, and carefree this summer!
