Mother and daughter share a passion, and now a business, for animals
It's Bath Time offers professional grooming and self-service washing
ZANESVILLE — For mother-daughter duo Summer Shaver and Cindy Birtcher, entrepreneurship is nothing new.
"It's in our blood," Shaver said.
After selling their Newark bakery, the two decided to start a new business venture involving animals. Both have dogs, and Birtcher also has birds and a pig.
It seemed like the right time to start It's Bath Time, a new pet care business that offers both professional grooming and self-service washing on Maple Avenue. It opened its doors Monday.
Shaver, who is the owner of the business, has been grooming dogs for 12 years, but the two collectively have a lot of experience in animal care.
Birtcher said they've always loved animals. The concept of self-wash and grooming in one place was appealing, she said.
"It's always hard washing your dog in the bathtub and killing your back," Birtcher said with a laugh.
Going from a bakery to pet grooming was an unusual leap, the two acknowledged, but it seemed like the right time to open a grooming service. Shaver said in her experience as a professional dog groomer, she's seen more people adopt pets during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The two also noticed another trend in the last year or so: a backup in grooming services. There's no shortage of pet care needs in the communitiy, Birtcher said.
The two said they have received a positive reception on social media, where they also post updates and describe their services. They offer grooming techniques like a full bath and brush-out, walk-in nail trims, teeth brushing and other pet-primping options.
Cats, dogs and small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs and piglets are welcome. They also clip bird wings and nails, a rarer grooming option outside of veterinarian clinics.
With positive feedback from locals and on social media, the two are excited to start a new adventure.
"So far (the community) has been super supportive," Shaver said.
For more information about It's Bath Time and the services it offers, visit its Facebook page. It's located at 1535 Maple Ave.
ecouch@gannett.com
740-450-6752
Twitter: @couchreporting