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Life & Work with Sarah Walling of Sugarland University Commons

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Walling.

Sarah Walling

Hi Sarah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
It all started with the love of animals since I was a little girl. I wanted to be a vet. As I grew older, I ultimately decided to become a nurse. Nursing was okay, but nothing like helping animals. People can help themselves, but when it comes to animals, that’s obviously not the case. I missed working with them (the animals), mostly dogs. But you want to know how I got to where I am today… My late husband had a severe stroke February 15, 2022. He died February 17, 2022. Since that day, I have not worked as a nurse since. I was a complete mess. I had no idea what I was going to do. The trauma of it all (the stroke, surgeries, death, funeral, etc.) had me not wanting to step foot back in a medical field as a nurse. I thought hard on what I would do next, and going back to school now to be a vet just wasn’t in the books for me. So, I researched opening my own kennel/grooming facility. Turns out there is a very low percentage of new businesses like that that are successful and last more than 5 years. This is when I came across Splash and Dash Dog Groomerie & Boutique. I called and spoke to the Founder/Owner/CEO, Dan Barton, of Splash and Dash and the rest is history! 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Lol Life is a struggle. I have taken life by the reins. Between the Lord and I, there is nothing you cannot accomplish. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Some services we offer: 

Spa Treatments-Our unique spa treatments are the perfect way to help your dog feel relaxed and settled. Let them try a cleansing bath or an invigorating aromatherapy treatment. 

***Signature Monthly Membership-Let us help with unlimited monthly baths starting at just $39.97. This is the service that made the Splash and Dash family famous. 

Safety First Dog Grooming-Whether your pup is looking for a simple haircut or some showroom styles, our staff is carefully trained to provide your dog with a safe and enjoyable experience. 

Come to us for all your regular grooming needs, including baths, haircuts, and nails. 

Dog Dental-We can keep your pup’s pearly whites sparkling and their breath fresh. 

When you visit a new salon or get a pedicure at a new spa, you’d never settle for a dirty, smelly, and unsafe environment. That’s why, unlike 99% of mom-and-pop groomers, our spaces are specifically designed to provide a great experience for both you and your dog. 

-Safe 

-Slip-Free Tethering 

-We keep your pup safe and secure during bath time with a simple and humane slip-free bathing tether. 

-Self-Locking Doors 

-Self-Latching Kennels 

-Easy-Access Ramps 

-Convenient 

-Instant Alerts 

-Receive an instant SMS alert the moment your pup is finished. They’ll be happy to see you but not happy to leave. 

-24/7 Online Booking 

-Extended Hours 

-Eco-Friendly 

-Water Conservative 

Our baths and grooming equipment use Hydrosurge water conservation technology so that we can keep your dog clean without the waste of other groomers. 

Recycled Toys 

Recycled Products 

Special Features 

Our Goal is to Revolutionize the Way We Think About Pet Care: 

Features that Set Splash and Dash Apart from the Rest 

Keep ‘em clean with zero hassles (monthly membership) 

Offer Premium Food Choices 

Human Quality Treats and Chews with Less than 7 Ingredients 

Fresh Modern Spaces (No Wet Dog Smell) 

Human Quality Spa Treatments 

Introduce Eco-Friendly Toys and Accessories 

Invest in Technologies to Keep Dogs Safe 

Use advanced Tech for a Better Customer Experience 

In process and/or upcoming: 

Pet Taxi Home Pick-Up and Drop-Off 

Dog Food and Treat Delivery 

Sell Mix-n-Match Dog Food for Better Nutrition and Better Variety 

Implement Software to Immediately Spread the Word if You Lose Your Dog 

Splash and Dash was born because I wanted to provide a better pet care experience for my favorite furry family member. 

Let us help you do the same! 

Dan J. Barton 

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
2015 inc 500 America’s fastest-growing private companies, Splash and Dash for Dogs. 

Rank: #296 

3 years growth rate of 1550% 

I think the statistics speak enough about the growth! 

The global pet grooming services market size is expected to grow from $6.90 billion in 2022 to $7.45 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9%. 

Yes, animal groomer jobs are in demand. Animal groomer demand is projected to grow 28% from 2018 to 2028. 

Contact Info:

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