Brittany Hanlon, owner of Brittany Hanlon Pet Grooming, has a love for animals and nature that isdemonstrated through her work and hikes with her family.
Hanlon has been grooming dogs, and cats from time-to-time, for 13 years. She began working in grooming when she was just 15 years old for her now mother-in-law. Hanlon started out washing dogs as a way to make extra money while still in high school. She had other jobs on and off but always went back to grooming due to her love of animals.
Hanlon has owned Brittany Hanlon Pet Grooming for three years. Since starting her own grooming business, she has worked out of her family’s home. However, starting in June, her business will move to a building on Route 20 in Chesterton near Westchester Animal Clinic. Though in a new location, Hanlon intends to keep the level of precision that she has always been so proud of.
Since dogs are far less anxious when in someone’s house, Hanlon has loved working out of her home. She expects that her new location will provide the same kind of comfort for dogs, especially considering the building is relatively small and she does not plan to take on a much greater volume of clients.
Her favorite dogs to groom are those with patterned cuts.
“I’ve always loved things that were more artistic. I feel like it’s a business that you get to be creative with,” Hanlon said. “I love to groom golden doodles; you can really do any cut on them. A full, round face and with their curly hair there are so many options.”
She also enjoys grooming poodles, schnauzers, and cocker spaniels. The poodles are fun because she gets to use different tools and round out the dog’s fur. Schnauzers and cocker spaniels are enjoyable for grooming their skirts. Hanlon also loves to work with a pet owner to decide what kind of style is right for their dog. No matter what animal, Hanlon is meticulous.
Hanlon has a miniature dachshund of her own. Her family also had a pug that recently passed who she described as the yin to her dachshund’s yang. The dachshund loves to escape and explore the neighborhood cul-de-sac through a channel he digs under the fence, while their pug was an adorable puppy who loved to cuddle.
Hanlon, her husband, and her son enjoy hiking together; however, the dogs were not meant for it. While Northwest Indiana is known for its dunes, the Hanlons prefer to travel for a more challenging trek. Hanlon’s favorite place to hike is the Smoky Mountains. Meanwhile, her son prefers Turkey Run State Park so that he can look at the ravines.
Hanlon and her husband have dreamed for years of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, an over twenty-six thousand mile hike that takes an average of five months to complete. While it is a tough hike, the Hanlons have a growing collection of hiking and camping gear which they are slowly mounting. Whether in her business or on a hike, Hanlon happily explores new adventures.