Pet Groomers & Dog-Friendly Businesses in Michigan

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Galen Kauffman

Michigan’s pet-loving communities have created a thriving ecosystem of businesses dedicated to keeping your Golden Retriever happy, healthy, and well-groomed. From locally-owned pet supply shops that know your dog by name to professional grooming studios that transform your muddy adventurer into a show-stopping beauty, the Great Lakes State offers exceptional resources for Golden families.

Whether you’re seeking premium food and supplies, professional grooming services, or simply want to enjoy a coffee while your Golden socializes, Michigan’s pet-friendly business landscape provides everything you need to give your furry family member the best possible care.

Premium Pet Supply Stores: Where Quality Meets Convenience

Chow Hound Pet Supplies – West Michigan’s Family Legacy

Since 1989, Chow Hound Pet Supplies has set the gold standard for premium pet care in West Michigan. Founded by brothers Greg and Tyson Keane, this family-owned chain began as the first store in the region to focus exclusively on high-quality pet food and supplies rather than traditional pet shop livestock.

With nine locations across Grand Rapids, Holland, Grand Haven, Standale, Wyoming, and Jenison, Chow Hound has built its reputation on the motto “Where Pets are Family.” Their knowledgeable staff provides personalized advice and guidance to help pet parents make the best choices for their Golden Retrievers’ unique needs.

What makes Chow Hound special for Golden owners:

Premium food selection: Carefully curated brands that support Golden Retrievers’ nutritional needs throughout all life stages
Self-serve dog wash stations: Available at all locations from 9 AM to 8 PM daily, complete with raised tubs, premium shampoos, professional blow dryers, and towels
Community partnership: Active collaboration with local Humane Societies, offering adoption space for cats and small animals
Expert guidance: Staff who understand breed-specific needs and can recommend products for common Golden concerns like shedding, joint health, and skin sensitivities

The convenience of their self-service wash stations has become a customer favorite, allowing Golden families to maintain their dogs’ beautiful coats without the mess at home. The raised tubs save your back, while professional-grade equipment ensures your Golden looks and feels their best.

Pet Supplies Plus – National Quality with Local Convenience

Founded right here in Redford, Michigan in 1988, Pet Supplies Plus has grown into a national chain with over 720 stores across 36 states, while maintaining strong roots in its home state. Michigan residents enjoy access to multiple locations throughout the state, including stores in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Livonia, Jackson, White Lake, Monroe, and numerous other communities.

This locally-born chain understands Michigan pet owners’ needs, offering:

Redford Naturals house brand: High-quality, affordable nutrition options
Comprehensive grooming services: Available at many locations
Convenient neighborhood locations: Making it easy to find supplies close to home
Seasonal and weather-appropriate products: Especially important for Michigan’s varied climate

Their widespread presence throughout Michigan makes them a reliable choice for Golden families who travel frequently within the state or prefer consistent shopping experiences regardless of location.

Professional Grooming Services: Keeping Your Golden Looking Their Best

Paws Grooming Studio & Spa – Canton’s Premier Destination

Located at 300 S Lilley Road in Canton, Paws Grooming Studio & Spa represents the gold standard in professional pet grooming. With over 100 years of combined experience among their styling team and a 98% customer recommendation rate, this full-service salon treats every Golden Retriever as if they were family.

Specialized services for Golden Retrievers:

Breed-specific styling: Understanding of Golden coat types and seasonal shedding patterns
All-breed expertise: Skilled stylists who work with both dogs and cats
Customized care plans: Tailored grooming schedules based on your Golden’s lifestyle and coat condition
Stress-free environment: Patient, experienced groomers who make even anxious dogs comfortable

The salon’s reputation extends throughout the metro Detroit area, with many clients gladly making longer drives for the exceptional care their pets receive. Groomers Marie, Kenzie, and Valerie are particularly noted for their skill and rapport with dogs, while owner Alissa Hill maintains the highest standards of service.

For Golden Retrievers, regular professional grooming isn’t just about appearance – it’s essential for maintaining coat health, preventing matting, and identifying potential skin issues early. Paws Grooming Studio’s experienced team understands these breed-specific needs and provides comprehensive care that keeps your Golden comfortable and looking magnificent.

Additional Professional Grooming Options

Paws Pet Spa and Boutique 8 in Metamora offers specialized care for Golden Retrievers throughout Lapeer County. Owner Kristina has earned particular praise for her work with large dogs, including English Cream Golden Retrievers, demonstrating the patience and expertise needed for gentle giants who might be “really naughty” but respond well to experienced handling.

The Barkside Dog Grooming in Roseville provides professional styling services with over a decade of experience. Located at 19405 East 10 Mile Road, they’ve built a reputation as compassionate, experienced animal lovers who treat every pet with individual care and attention.

Throughout Michigan, numerous additional grooming salons specialize in Golden Retriever care, many offering mobile services for families who prefer in-home grooming or have multiple dogs.

Dog-Friendly Cafés and Social Destinations

Barkside Detroit – Where Dogs and Humans Unwind Together

Detroit’s West Village neighborhood is home to one of Michigan’s most innovative dog-friendly destinations. Located at 7960 Kercheval Avenue, Barkside combines a dog park, bar, and coffee shop into a unique experience where Golden Retrievers and their families can safely socialize and relax.

What makes Barkside special:

Indoor and outdoor play areas: 6,000 square feet of climate-controlled indoor space plus outdoor yards
Full bar and coffee service: Michigan-made beers, craft cocktails, wine, and specialty coffee drinks
Family-friendly programming: Trivia nights, dog yoga, puppy training classes, and breed-specific meetups
Safe socialization: Careful grouping by size and temperament ensures positive experiences for all dogs

Founded by Michigan State University graduates Cody Williams and David Oh, Barkside opened in 2023 and quickly became known as “Detroit’s favorite dog bar.” Their success has led to expansion plans, with a second location opening in Southfield at 15640 West Eleven Mile Road, featuring an even larger 7,000-square-foot outdoor area with special accommodations for small dogs.

Daily passes cost $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends, with membership options available for regular visitors. The combination of socialization opportunities for dogs and relaxation amenities for humans makes Barkside an ideal destination for Golden families seeking community connection.

The Pawz Café – Commerce’s Training and Play Center

While primarily a training and daycare facility, The Pawz Café in Commerce (3131 Haggerty Road) offers a different kind of dog-friendly experience. Their “Train and Play” daycare combines socialization with obedience training, making it an excellent choice for Golden owners who want their dogs to be well-socialized and well-behaved.

Services include obedience training, boot camps, daycare, transportation, and grooming – truly a one-stop destination for comprehensive Golden care. Their philosophy that dogs should “leave better than they came” aligns perfectly with Golden Retriever families’ desires for continuous improvement and positive experiences.

Premier Pet Resort and Boarding Facilities

All American Pet Resorts – Luxury Accommodations Across Michigan

All American Pet Resorts has established multiple locations throughout Michigan, providing premium boarding, daycare, and grooming services that treat your Golden Retriever like royalty. Their Michigan locations include:

Royal Oak (4227 Delemere Boulevard): The flagship location offers luxury suites, climate-controlled environments, and 24/7 webcam access so you can check on your Golden anytime from anywhere in the world.
Canton (7320 North Haggerty Road): Conveniently located for western suburbs families, providing the same high-quality care with easy access for drop-offs and pickups.
Rochester Hills (2736 Product Drive): Serving the northern suburbs with comprehensive pet care services in a state-of-the-art facility.
Lakeshore (20286 Cornillie Drive, Roseville): Strategically positioned to serve eastern Michigan families with the full range of All American services.

What sets All American apart for Golden families:

Cage-free luxury suites: Comfortable raised bedding and plenty of space for Golden Retrievers to stretch and relax
Customized playgroups: Dogs are grouped by size, energy level, and play style for optimal socialization
24/7/365 staffing: Your Golden is never alone, with trained Pet Care Specialists always on duty
Advanced cleaning protocols: Ensuring healthy, comfortable environments for all guests
Comprehensive services: Boarding, daycare, grooming, and specialized care all under one roof

Starting at $40 per day, All American Pet Resorts provides peace of mind for Golden families who want the absolute best care for their beloved companions while they’re away.

Michigan’s Dog-Friendly Brewery and Restaurant Scene

Craft Beer Culture Meets Canine Companionship

Michigan’s renowned craft brewery scene has embraced dog-friendly policies, particularly in cities like Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Many breweries welcome well-behaved Golden Retrievers on patios and in designated indoor areas, creating social hubs where beer enthusiasts and dog lovers intersect.

Popular dog-friendly brewery destinations include:

Grand Rapids: Multiple breweries throughout the city welcome dogs, often providing water bowls and even special “pup cups”
Kalamazoo: Known for its dog-friendly craft beer scene with several establishments offering outdoor seating perfect for Golden Retrievers
Ann Arbor: University town atmosphere includes several breweries and restaurants that accommodate four-legged family members
Detroit: Growing number of establishments embracing pet-friendly policies in outdoor spaces

Most dog-friendly breweries maintain reasonable policies requiring dogs to be leashed, well-behaved, and accompanied by responsible owners. Golden Retrievers, with their naturally friendly and calm temperaments, are often particularly welcome at these establishments.

Seasonal Considerations for Michigan Golden Families

Winter Care Resources

Michigan’s harsh winters require special attention to Golden Retriever care. Many pet stores stock:

Paw protection products: Balms and booties to protect against ice, salt, and cold
Winter coats: While Golden Retrievers have natural insulation, older dogs or those with health issues may benefit from additional warmth
Indoor exercise equipment: Puzzle toys and interactive feeders to maintain mental stimulation when outdoor exercise is limited

Summer and Water Safety

With Michigan’s abundant lakes and water recreation opportunities, many pet stores offer:

Life jackets: Properly fitted flotation devices for water activities
Travel water bowls: Collapsible options for hiking and beach trips
Cooling products: Cooling mats, vests, and bandanas for hot summer days
Sun protection: Nose balms and UV protection for dogs with light-colored coats

Building Relationships with Local Pet Businesses

The Benefits of Loyalty

Developing relationships with local pet businesses provides numerous advantages for Golden families:

Personalized service: Staff who know your dog’s needs, preferences, and health considerations
Priority booking: Established customers often receive preferential appointment scheduling
Emergency support: Local businesses are more likely to accommodate urgent needs
Community connection: Building relationships within Michigan’s pet-loving community

Supporting Local vs. Chain Options

Michigan offers an excellent balance of locally-owned specialty shops and convenient chain stores. Many Golden families find success in combining both:

Specialty items and services: Local shops for personalized care and unique products
Convenience and consistency: Chain stores for routine supplies and travel convenience
Emergency needs: Having relationships with both ensures you’re never without necessary supplies

Making the Right Choices for Your Golden

Quality Considerations

When selecting pet stores, groomers, and service providers for your Golden Retriever, prioritize:

Experience with large breeds: Golden Retrievers have specific needs that experienced professionals understand
Positive reputation: Reviews and recommendations from other Golden families
Clean, safe environments: Particularly important for grooming and boarding facilities
Ongoing education: Staff who stay current with best practices and breed-specific knowledge

Budget-Friendly Options

Michigan’s competitive pet business landscape offers options for every budget:

Self-service facilities: Like Chow Hound’s wash stations for DIY grooming between professional visits
Package deals: Many groomers and boarding facilities offer discounts for regular customers
Loyalty programs: Accumulate points or discounts through consistent use of preferred businesses

The combination of quality care and reasonable pricing makes Michigan an excellent state for Golden Retriever ownership, with businesses that understand the importance of keeping pets healthy without breaking family budgets.

Looking Forward: Michigan’s Growing Pet Business Scene

Michigan’s pet business landscape continues to evolve, with new dog-friendly establishments opening regularly and existing businesses expanding their services. The state’s strong economy and pet-loving culture create an environment where innovative concepts like Barkside can thrive while traditional services like professional grooming continue to excel.

As the Golden Retriever breed continues to grow in popularity throughout Michigan, pet businesses are increasingly attuned to the specific needs of these gentle, family-friendly dogs. From specialized grooming techniques that manage seasonal shedding to boarding facilities that understand Golden Retrievers’ social nature, Michigan businesses are raising the bar for pet care quality and convenience.

Whether you’re a long-time Michigan resident or new to the area, you’ll find that the state’s pet business community welcomes Golden families with open arms, providing the resources and relationships that make dog ownership more enjoyable and manageable.

Ready to welcome a Golden Retriever into your Michigan family and explore all these wonderful local businesses? Discover your perfect companion through Golden Retriever puppies in Michigan and start building the relationships that will support you throughout your dog’s lifetime.

Galen Kauffman has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since 2012. He is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. Galen and his wife have four children and enjoy spending time together, traveling (including 4 years living overseas), exploring the outdoors, and building lasting connections within the Golden Retriever community.