Young Pet Groomer Opens The Barker Shop in Plum

Aubrey Fantuzzo's first job ever was at a pet shop. When she had some time, she'd watch the groomers do their work and talk to them about the process.

From then on, she was hooked.

Fantuzzo, a groomer for six years, studied pet grooming at Penn Foster Career School in Scranton after changing her career choice a few times. 

"I loved it, and I really stuck with it," Fantuzzo, 23, said. "This is what makes me happy."

She opened her own business, The Barker Shop, at 1014 Unity Center Road in November.

Though she is a Penn Hills resident, Fantuzzo said she knew Plum is where she wanted to open her business. She hopes to move to the borough in the future.

At The Barker Shop, Fantuzzo offers pet grooming services in a cage-free environment. Pets get a bath, brushed, a haircut, their nails done and they leave with a fragrance.

"Everyone gets a bow or a bandana," Fantuzzo said.

The young business owner takes pride in the business' personal service.

"I either have one dog here or a family of dogs," she said. "It's more relaxed and low key. Pets get stressed when they're in cages.

"I've worked at places with cages before, and though it wasn't an issue at the time, I realize how much more relaxed the animals are when they're not in them. They leave happier and the customer is happy, too."

Fantuzzo is planning an open house in January. For more information about the business, see The Barker Shop Facebook page or call 412-704-5184.