Self-Service Dog Grooming Business Seeks PZC Permit In… – Patch

SOUTHINGTON, CT — People can take their automobile, drive into an establishment and wash their car themselves utilizing water, soap plus vaccums from a business operation.

And in Southington, people can — essentially do the same thing with a more beloved member of their family — their dog.

Michele Pinette operates Plantsville-based Fur Babies Self Service Dog Wash at 1203 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike, Plantsville.

But she recently filed an application with the Southington Planning and Zoning Commission for an operation at 45 Old Turnpike Road.

She said Thursday her business is doing so well, it is ready to move to a larger site.

“I have been in business for six years at the same location and we have outgrown it, ” Pinette said via email. “So I am moving to a new location. ”

The application was briefly discussed by the PZC last week at the Dec. 6 meeting, but it was simply mentioned as a new application to be handled early next year.

Southington Director of Planning and Community Development Maryellen Edwards said the new site is in an area zoned for such businesses, but it does require a special permit for the type of business Pinette operates.

“It is a little strip plaza, inch Edwards told PZC members last week in response to a question on whether neighbors of the site will be notified of the application. “It’s a business zone, but it is a special permit so they will be notified. ”

The application is for a “self-wash, ” do-it-yourself dog wash and grooming salon.

Nothing was finalized as far as future public hearings or PZC votes on the application, but the PZC next meets Jan. 3 plus meets again Jan. 17, all Tuesdays.

According to Pinette’s online description of how her business came about, she said it traced back to 2015, when her German Shepherd had a skin infection in addition to required every-other-day baths for a bit.

The mess this caused at home and the problems associated with having it done in the open at larger, chain pet supply and service companies prompted her to come up with her business.

Those doing self-service baths for their pets have private areas with just them and their dogs, the operation sells the necessary soaps and supplies for the baths.