One of Skaneateles’ newest businesses is not only unique but also has no address — in fact, you’ve probably already seen the large black van with a picture of a golden retriever puppy on the side somewhere in the village without realizing what it was.
Bailey’s Bubble Bus is a new local mobile pet grooming service that offers a totally self-contained grooming salon on wheels in the convenience of your driveway.
“It is really convenient. Some people don’t have any time to take their dog to the grooming salon, others have trouble transporting their dogs, and some dogs just have a hard time traveling and being away from their families. That’s where we come in,” said Courtney Rowe, Bailey’s Bubble Bus general manager.
The state-of-the-art van is fully equipped with a generator, water heater, air conditioner, fresh and gray water tanks and all the conveniences of a regular grooming salon. With it, Rowe, and owner Brendan Grillo, offer their four-legged customers the works: bath, blow dry, nail clipping, haircut, ear cleaning, some doggie cologne and a bandana or bow.
“Our van has all the bells and whistles. All I need is a doggie to pamper!” Rowe said.
Grillo and Rowe came up with the idea of a mobile grooming business after noticing a “real need” for such a service, and not seeing any other similar businesses in the area. They then researched state of the art grooming vehicles and found a place that specializes in producing grooming vans.
When it came time to find a name, Grillo wanted to name the business after his beloved golden retriever, and Rowe came up with Bailey’s Bubble Bus.
Bailey’s Bubble Bus pulled into its first driveway on Aug. 10, and services Skaneateles, Auburn and the surrounding areas. They only groom dogs at the moment, but may expand to cats in the future.
“People are very excited. A lot of people have said they really needed something like this for some time,” Rowe said.
“Many grooming salons keep your pet in a crate until they are ready to be groomed,” Grillo said. “Our service allows your pets to be pampered without the nervous emotions that come with being around several animals in an unfamiliar environment. Your pet feels great because it’s already at home.”
Rowe, who runs the daily operations of the bubble bus, said not only are her customers excited, but so is she.
“I love grooming all of the dogs we take care of. My favorite thing is when I have just finished grooming a dog and he or she runs right back into the van to continue playing with me. I truly have the best job in the world,” Rowe said.
For more information about Bailey’s Bubble Bus mobile pet grooming or to schedule an appointment, call 702-3746 or go to baileysbubblebus.com.
Jason Emerson is editor of the Skaneateles Press. He can be reached at skeanetelespress.com.
