A State-of-the-Art Pet Grooming Salon

The floor plan and features of a state-of-the-art salon have a purposeful design. The salon's design enhances safety, productivity, comfort, hygiene, client relations, supervision, quality, and retail sales. The salon of the future is capable of serving fifty or more clients and pets. It does this in about one thousand square feet and yields a six-figure gross revenue.

• Floors. The entire salon has a smooth, non-slippery vinyl floor covering. There are no pebbled surfaces that can trap soil in small crevices.

• Walls. Ceramic tile beginning at floor-level and extending to a height of six feet covers the salon's interior. This makes it easy to keep them hygienically clean and glistens with a sparkle sure to impress clients.

• Lighting. Warm fluorescent (or all spectrum) illuminates the interior of the salon and task lights focus on workstations and product displays. Spot lighting is around each workstation to prevent shadows.

• Air Conditioning. Central air conditioning moderates the heat created by blow dryers keeping pets and people comfortable. Circulation vents are there to cool the "hot spots."

• Electrical. The electrical system is capable of handling present and future demands for electricity. Emergency power generators are available for use during power outages.

• Security. A central alarm system alerts the police department when someone attempts unauthorized access. Security roll-type window coverings provide further protection.

• Central Vacuum. The central vacuum system with outlets in the bathing, trimming and reception departments simplifies clean up.

• Telephone System. The salon is serviced by a central telephone system capable of modular expansion for future needs.

• Washer and Dryer. Laundering towels during the business day is easy with the salon's washer and dryer. An overhead rack holds laundry detergent and sterilizing agents.

• Dog-run. The salon's interior includes a dog-run.

Client Reception Department

• Client Entry. Double doors serve the main entry. However, clients with fearful, ill, hyperactive, oversize, or troublesome pets may use the side entrance. Clients with cats may also enter by the side door to avoid altercations with dogs.

• Front Counter. A spacious, stain resistant, and non-slippery countertop permits service to two clients simultaneously. An attractive display exhibit holds promotional materials.

• Safety Gates. Safety gates flank both sides of the front counter. They open only toward the salon's interior. This prevents pets in the grooming area from entering the reception area, or worse, bolting out the front doors. When two or more clients are present, the two gates keep pets separated minimizing pet fights.

• Client Seating. Ample seating and current reading material is available for clients waiting for their pets. Coffee or tea is available from the Refreshment Center.

• Retail Display. Well-lit display cases with clear glass doors effectively reveal products and prevent pet hair from accumulating on them.

• Work Counter. A work area behind the front counter holds the filecard boxes, computer terminals, adding machine, and an electronic cash register with battery back-up. The receptionist and telemarketer share this work counter when performing their duties. An under-the-counter lockable storage area holds promotional and office supplies, medicated shampoos, and treatments prescribed by veterinarians.

Madeline's description continues on the next page.