BROOKINGS – “I love to help people; it’s just one of my passions,” said Sarita Hartmann.
She’s chosen to help people by taking care of their pets at her new business, All Creatures Small and Great, located at 312 Main Ave. S. in Brookings, in a space she shares with Heartland Veterinary Clinic.
Hartmann does grooming for dogs and cats, but she also offers pet sitting and walking services, as well as a taxi service for pets who are coming to be groomed.
She came to Heartland in 2013 as a veterinary tech and noticed something.
“We got people requesting (grooming),” Hartmann said. “There was just the need in town for another groomer. People go all the way to Sioux Falls to get their dogs groomed. The need was there and I was good at it.”
Hartmann’s background made her well-suited to the task.
“I grew up on a farm and ranch in north central South Dakota and have always just had a huge love and passion for animals, so they’ve always been part of my life,” Hartmann said. “I’m kind of self-trained. I started grooming when I was a teenager because we had a poodle and ... there was nobody to groom him, so that’s when I actually started grooming.”
She got more advice when she decided to take it up professionally.
“I have some friends who groom here in town, and they gave me some tips and helped me. ... That was a huge help,” she said, adding, “Stephani at Tail Wagg’n ... Any time I have questions, she’s really great about answering them.”
Hartmann’s style of grooming encompasses so much more than just making the critters look pretty; she wants them to be healthy, too.
When furry customers come in, she has the humans fill out a form that covers vaccination history and allergies, as well as if the dog or cat bites, and how the owner wants them groomed.
In addition to cuts, trims, brushouts, baths and blow-dries, Hartmann offers toothbrushing, ear cleaning, and an anal gland expression.
“What’s great about working at the clinic is if I have any medical concerns, I can tell the vets and they’ll take a look at them and let the customer know of the concern. Usually it’s the ears and the anal glands and the teeth,” she said.
“Most people don’t even look in a dog’s mouth and don’t think about it. I do offer a toothbrushing service because it was requested,” Hartmann said, adding dogs’ teeth should be brushed a few times a week and should be cleaned a few times in their life span. The most common oral problems she spots are gingivitis and tartar build-up.
“Cleaning the ears is very important,” she said, which is why she does it as part of the grooming process. Infections are the most common problem she finds.
“That’s one thing nice about being a groomer, is being able to recognize all the needs and having the knowledge that I do, recognize when there might be a concern or a need,” she said.
Hartmann wants her furry clients to be comfortable, too.
“Grooming’s not like going to the spa for dogs or cats. It’s stressful,” she said, adding that getting bit is just “one of the natures of the business.”
Clients having potty accidents is common, too.
“They’re in a different environment and it can cause stress. I don’t have a problem with it, I just clean it up,” said the farm girl.
“The challenging thing is trying to keep it as stress-free as possible,” she said. That’s why she offers aromatherapy, music and massage.
“And there’s lots of praise and treats, if allowed. I always ask if it’s permissible to give treats because some dogs are allergic,” Hartmann said.
Owners are welcome to stay with their pets, and personal toys and blankets are encouraged.
“I really like to focus on doing what’s best for your pet, treating them with tender loving care,” Hartmann said.
And she always has help nearby.
“The staff here helps me any time I need it; really invaluable to be in this setting,” Hartmann said. Sometimes she needs an extra set of hands or just someone to pet and distract an animal while she works.
When it’s all over, Hartmann fills out a grooming report on what she did and how the session went.
“As far as I know, I’m the only one who does that. I think that’s really a nice thing to have. That way they know what I did and if there’s any concerns,” she said.
Hartmann does her grooming at the clinic but does offer house calls for animals who are elderly or can’t do stairs. She will also pick up pets, take them in for the grooming, and drive them home.
Other services Hartmann offers are pet-sitting and walking dogs.
Sometimes people can’t take pets when they’re traveling and a kennel isn’t an option.
“Some dogs do best at home,” Hartmann said. “When I do the pet sitting, I actually stay there a while, give them lots of love and attention and play with them and walk them, whatever their normal routine is. I feed them, of course, and give them any medicine they might need.”
Some owners have mobility issues due to age or medical issues like a broken leg, which can make it hard for them to walk their own pets. Hartmann will walk a dog for those who can’t.
She is excited to be starting this venture.
“It’s very rewarding,” Hartmann said, adding the best part is “just the love that you give and receive in return. I get lots of kisses, which I like.”
To book a grooming appointment, call Heartland at 697-5252; for other services, call Hartmann at 691-3899 or visit allcreaturessmallandgreat.com online.
Contact Jodelle Greiner at jgreiner@brookingsregister.com.
