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City of Clearwater EDA

Business Spotlight: Oodles of Doodles Pet Spa

Tail-Wagging Transformations in Clearwater, Minnesota


Looking for a full-service grooming salon for your precious pooch? Look no further! Located at 505 Walnut St N in Clearwater, Oodles of Doodles Pet Spa offers top-notch services that will leave your furry friend looking and feeling their best. Established in October 2020, this beloved fixture in the community has quickly become the go-to destination for pet owners seeking expert care and attention for their four-legged companions.


Top-Notch Grooming Services

At Oodles of Doodles Pet Spa, every client receives star treatment. A comprehensive menu of services offers everything from regular baths to specialized treatments like de-shedding, hypoallergenic baths, and even targeted solutions for fleas and ticks. Their expert groomers provide a variety of haircuts, whether that’s a short summer cut or a long winter fluff. Additional services include nail trims, nail filing, teeth brushing, anal gland expression, ear cleaning, ear plucking, face washing, and sanitary trims.


A typical workday begins with preparations for grooming sessions, as well as returning voicemails or answering e-mails, followed by a flurry of activity as clients arrive for their spa day. The Oodles of Doodles team stays busy between appointments with reception duties, laundry, sweeping the floors, and cleaning everything in-between. The owner reminds us that “working with dogs means there’s always something to do.” From bathing and blow-drying to grooming (and some playtime), the team do their best to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for every furry guest.


A Loyal Clientele and Talented Team

Oodles of Doodles boasts a loyal clientele, many of whom have been with the business since it began. Owner, Madison Borst, states “We have the best customers ever! A lot of our customers have been with us from the start and are now considered part of the Oodles of Doodles family.” Borst and her staff continue to pamper their returning clients’ dogs as well as meet new ones every week. Serving approximately 100-130 dogs per week, Madison and her team of four employees take pride in providing personalized care and attention to each furry visitor. When the business first opened, Madison struggled to find staff to assist with services and other roles, which left her working non-stop daily with her golden retriever, Ruger, by her side to stay afloat. “There was a time when I thought I took on too much and wasn't sure what I was going to do, and now here I am with 4 of the best employees I could ever be lucky enough to have. They are talented, dependable, hardworking, and so caring. Being able to work with dogs every day is great but being able to work side by side with Karina, Ari, Sam and Lindsey makes it a dream come true. I'd be lost without them not only at Oodles of Doodles, but life in general,” Madison states.

 

From Imagination to Doggie Destination

The journey of Oodles of Doodles began as an idea sparked over a cup of coffee between Madison and her mother, amid the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Madison described the idea of starting a business at this time as “terrifying”. However, her support system kept growing and everything fell into place within a few months of that initial idea. With a background in veterinary technology and a passion for working with animals, the owner found her calling in the world of dog grooming. Prior to the pandemic, Madison had been a manager of a dog grooming salon in the Metro area and really enjoyed the experience. She recognized a gap in grooming services within the City of Clearwater and was determined to fill it. Serendipitously, a vacant commercial building at 505 Walnut St. N. was available. Although she never envisioned herself as a business owner, as she crafted her business plan and launched Oodles of Doodles, she realized it was the perfect path for her.


Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the business evolved from a one-woman operation to a thriving team of grooming experts. Inspired by her love for dogs and the unwavering support of her community, the owner continues to pursue her passion for providing top-notch grooming services. “I will forever be thankful for the people who believed in me, the people who pushed me to keep moving forward, and the people who have been by my side from the start!” Madison states. She also shared advice to new business owners: celebrate every accomplishment and learn from every setback. It is not always an easy path, but it is worth it.


Awards and Local Connections

Oodles of Doodles has garnered recognition within the surrounding community, receiving the prestigious Platinum Award through the St. Cloud CommunityVotes, where individuals nominate their favorite businesses, people, and services in the area. Oodles of Doodles has won the award for two consecutive years – 2022 & 2023. Beyond accolades, the business has much support from the Clearwater community. When asked what Madison enjoys most about operating a business in Clearwater, she describes the relationships she has built with her customers and their companions within our small community. She often sees customers while on walks with Ruger or when running errands at Coborn’s, taking the time to catch up with them and getting lost in conversation. Madison says, “I love that people have not only trusted me to take care of their dogs, but that they also have made Ruger and I feel so loved and welcomed. Clearwater is one of the best towns for people to come together and support each other. We couldn’t have picked a better community to be a part of!”

Owner with dog, golden retriever
Ruger and Owner Madison Borst

Meet Ruger, The Mascot

If you stop by, you are sure to meet Ruger, the inspiration for the business’s logo and who Madison labels as her best friend. He is not only a joy to have around but also a favorite among customers, who frequently ask, “Where’s Ruger?” the moment they walk in. In case you meet Ruger, Madison has shared a few fun facts: he enjoys playing fetch by himself, he has a knack for stealing socks, he always claims the front seat on car rides, and he loves mashed potatoes. He also loves to swim but hasn’t quite mastered the doggy paddle. Despite being the mascot, Ruger has a dramatic aversion to bath time. But no matter what, Ruger will always be looking his best by wearing a bandana out of the 35 in his collection. Fearlessly, Ruger has also beaten cancer twice. For Madison, being able to bring Ruger to work every day adds an extra layer of joy and companionship to the spa, making him an integral part of the spa’s daily operations.


Visit Oodles of Doodles

At Oodles of Doodles Pet Spa, it's not just about grooming dogs – it's about fostering connections, spreading joy, and celebrating the special bond between humans and their furry companions. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for pampering pets, Oodles of Doodles has been a paws-itively great addition to the City of Clearwater’s local business community. If you have a pooch in need of pampering, Oodles of Doodles welcomes new clients. Call, e-mail, or visit the Oodles of Doodles location to get on their books. Their staff, and Ruger, would be happy to meet you.

 

Oodles of Doodles Pet Spa Information:

Address: 505 Walnut St N, Clearwater, MN 55320

Business Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm

Phone Number: 320-558-1134

 

Check out some their customers:



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