Squeaky Clean K-9's

Candice Snell

- Head Groomer/ Owner of SCK9's

After graduating top of my class at AB Dog Grooming School in 2004, I ventured out on my own; I moved to Drayton Valley and created the original Squeaky Clean K-9's.  I quickly learned that life was not school, and people actually wanted options to suit their lifestyle when it came to their beloved pets. As a small business, I needed to stand out and I felt this was a niche I needed to fill.  

After a couple of successful years in Drayton Valley, I moved to the big city of Red Deer. From there I met some fellow groomers and a 3rd generation US/Canada Master Groomer, named Carol Boles. She introduced me to the truth about the dog grooming world; and when seeing how "Dirty" the pet industry could be, I decided that Squeaky Clean K-9's would be better by using High Quality Products, offering Amazing Customer Service, and presenting Total Transparency. My goal is to I work WITH my clients, giving options as well as ideas to try and hopefully, in the end, solve problems and issues that others have previously disregarded. Red Deer was very good to me; my business exploded!  I won first place in a Top Three grooming business award, and was well known in the community; people loved me telling them the truth about their pet and their pet products.  

I then decided to follow my love interest (Chris), to Sundre, and rent out a small humble room in the back of the Sundre Pioneer Veterinary Clinic.  I learned So Much there.  I feel that because of this experience, I was able to help point customers in the right direction for treatments of their pets.  Soon, I was revealing issues that previous groomers failed to mention to their clients.  Pets were now seeking the veterinary treatment that was needed, to solve taxing issues that plagued them for so many years.  

After 3.5 years at the veterinary clinic, I desired a little more space and freedom.  I wanted to hire help and expand the Squeaky Clean K-9's empire.  I moved myself to my first brick-and-mortar shop, and could not have been happier! The future was looking bright!! Did I mention we won the Reader's Choice Awards for Sundre and area?  I am so proud of Squeaky Clean K-9's accomplishments.

After 8 years in Sundre, I wanted to put my family first and moved back home to my small town of Breton.  I miss Sundre dearly, but I do love the slower pace of life.  I still have many Sundre clients that come to see me for their haircutting needs and am starting to meet new people in my small town.  So I am getting a bit of good from both my worlds.  

In the end, I have been grooming in Central Alberta for all my career and have created a very loyal following.  I consider my following to not only be my clients but also my many new best friends!  Every single one of them has helped me grow as a groomer, both of us learning along the way; and because of that, I could Never Ever thank them enough.