About Bailey's Neighborhood Pet

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The History of Bailey’s Neighborhood Pet

About Bailey’s Neighborhood Pet

Bailey’s Neighborhood Pet was founded in 2000 as the first self-serve dog wash in Bellingham. What started as a unique idea has grown into a trusted local pet destination offering self-wash stations, professional grooming, natural pet food, and quality pet supplies.

Owner Ron Miller first discovered the self-serve dog wash concept while visiting Alaska and knew it would be a great fit for Bellingham. He named the business after his beloved rat terrier, Bailey. After retiring in 2015, Ron passed ownership to Bellingham local Brent Ahrens, who brought years of pet industry experience and a passion for helping pets and their families.

Your Local Pet Store for Supplies, Grooming & Self Wash

Today, Bailey’s Neighborhood Pet offers four custom-built self-wash stations, three full-time groomers, and a growing selection of natural pet food, treats, toys, and pet essentials.

We proudly serve pet owners throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County, including the Birchwood, Columbia, and Cornwall neighborhoods. Whether you’re stopping in for premium pet supplies, a professional grooming appointment, or a convenient self-serve dog wash, our team is here to provide knowledgeable service and a welcoming experience.

The Bailey’s Team

Our team is made up of animal lovers who are also pet parents themselves. We understand that pets are family, and we use our personal experiences and professional knowledge to provide thoughtful recommendations and dependable care.

With a mix of professional education and hands-on experience, our team focuses on educating customers while continuing to learn from one another. We believe transparency, honesty, and communication are essential to creating a positive experience for pets, pet parents, and our team.

Through weekly staff meetings, consistent communication, and organization, we work together to create a calm, welcoming environment where everyone who walks through our doors feels comfortable and cared for.

Our Mission

At Bailey’s Neighborhood Pet, our mission is to create a positive bonding experience between pets, pet parents, and our team. We strive to provide helpful information and quality products that support happy, healthy, and clean furry family members.

We are committed to creating a welcoming, family-oriented environment where every customer, both with paws and without, feels understood, valued, and connected. Integrity, compassion, and exceptional service are at the heart of everything we do.

Meet Bailey’s Groomers

Shelby

My name is Shelby and I’ve been a pet groomer since 2013. I’ve loved animals my whole life. My dad never said no whenever we begged for any sort of pets whether it be dogs, lizards, frogs, snakes, mice or hamsters. He said it would teach us a lot about love, loss and responsibility.

Through those opportunities I not only grew up loving animals but understood them from a very young age, especially “misunderstood” ones. I started my journey as a groomer three days after graduating high school, at American Grooming Academy in Temecula California, under IPG Master Groomer Angela Clark. I graduated with my Advanced Pet Stylist Certification and hit the ground running. I worked as a bather and groomer at a large scale kennel in Murrieta, which was where I found my affinity for misunderstood dogs with special needs using a gentle but firm touch. I worked with the dogs no one wanted to groom whether it be agression, anxiety, health problems, etc. and began building wonderful relationships with them and their pet parents. I then realized just how many dogs out there needed my help. In 2016, I attended a cat grooming workshop, got my cat grooming certificate and jumped right in. Cats in the grooming world are also misunderstood and most groomers don’t groom them because of how dangerous it can be. If you know me, you know I love cats! They were the only animal I was unable to attain as a child because my mother was so allergic. As soon as I wasn’t living at home anymore, the most wonderful cat came into my life and understanding them was so easy. You’d think I had been around cats my whole life! Grooming cats has brought me the same kind of fulfillment I get from those special needs dogs. There is something so special about giving animals a safe, supportive space to learn that grooming doesn’t have to be scary or upsetting. To even see these terrified or aggressive dogs begin to tolerate and even enjoy the process. Since working at the boarding facility, I’ve worked at many other salons, both corporate and small businesses. I eventually found my place here at Bailey’s Neighborhood Pet after making the move to Washington. I’ve continued to attend grooming classes and seminars over the years and intend to keep doing so.

Willow

Willow has been working with animals for fifteen years, has been grooming specifically for nearly a decade, and is our resident International Certified Master Groomer.

To gain this prestigious title, she underwent three years of written and practical testing and certified with a Bernese Mountain Dog, a Miniature Poodle, an Airedale Terrier, a Gordon Setter, and a Yorkshire Terrier. Willow especially loves doing Asian fusion styling and creative styling; grooming brings her the most joy when she can create a custom, whimsical, and stylish look for a dog to bring out their unique personality. In addition to her ICMG certification, Willow is also certified in pet first aid, holds a hair & skin specialization certificate from Dr. Cliff Faver, and has numerous style-focused certificates. Continuing education is integral to her grooming philosophy, and she looks forward to continuing to learn and grow with the incredible staff at Bailey’s.

Favorite food: Yakisoba

Ideal vacation: Camping in the Olympic National Forest

Hobbies: art, weight lifting, and D&D

Jessica

Jessica is a self taught groomer from Southern California. She has been grooming since 2008 and is particularly skilled in hand scissoring.

She is well versed in all breeds and coat types, but she especially loves the creative flexibility of a curly coat. Her passion and specialty is poodles!She has competed in dog shows with her Standard Poodle, Vivienne, earning her AKC Championship at the end of 2022. The two of them spend their free time outdoors, enjoying long hikes, lakes and beaches as well as training and competing in other dog sports, like agility and barn hunt.

Ashtin

Hello! I’m Ashtin, a passionate animal lover and professional pet groomer.

I started my professional pet grooming career in 2019 at Petsmart but I found Bailey’s in 2021 and made a move which has been so great for me. Bailey’s is my home away from home, and my coworkers feel like family. I couldn’t be more grateful for them!

My journey began many years ago when I was in the 2nd grade, we were tasked with making posters depicting our desired career path; for me that was being a pet groomer! Following this, growing up, I spent summers creating and posting flyers and business cards for an at-home pet spa, aiming to help neighbors care for their pets. Now years later, I am proudly living that dream by dedicating myself to make sure animals feel loved, well taken care of, and comfortable.

As a mom of 2, I have learned the importance of patience, love, kindness, care, understanding, and creating an environment where someone feels safe. This is what I strive for with each client. I enjoy working with dogs who need rehabilitating and a reintroduction to how grooming can be a fun and happy experience. Seeing them change from sad and disheartened as a result of past experiences to joyful and giddy when they arrive here is easily the most amazing feeling I’ve had in my career so far.

I enjoy all breeds but if I had to pick a favorite breed to work with it would be the Australian Shephard. I really enjoy doing outline trims, asian fusion, and creative grooming. I look forward to growing as a groomer at Bailey’s and learning more with all my clients.

Trusted by Pet Owners in Bellingham & Nearby Communities

See why pet owners in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Fairhaven, Whatcom County, and surrounding communities choose Bailey's Neighborhood Pet. Read reviews from local customers who trust us for premium pet supplies, grooming, self-serve dog wash, nail trims, and friendly, knowledgeable service.

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Come visit our pet supply store in Bellingham, WA specializing in quality food, treats, and supplies for cats and dogs. We offer quality, professional grooming.