When Marni and David Denenberg were looking for a franchise, they wanted to focus on helping animals. “We’re passionate about dogs and were immediately aligned with Scenthound’s mission to provide routine hygiene and wellness care so dogs live longer, happier lives.” she says.
The first part of the shop name, “SCENT,” is an acronym for skin, coat, ears, nails, and teeth. “Regular bathing, brushing, ear cleaning, nail clipping, and dental care are critical to a dog's comfort and well-being, and are essential to maintaining their overall health. This applies not just to breeds needing haircuts - all dogs require routine care to stay clean and healthy,” Marni points out that about 80% of dogs will have periodontal disease by the age of 3 if they haven't had routine cleaning of their teeth.
Two years ago, the couple opened a location in Denville, and a year later, opened another in Morristown. “You walk into a very modern, clean, and attractive ‘scenter’ with an education wall and functional, proprietary products supporting dog health.
Scenthound divides its services into three parts: bath, haircut, and blow-dry, so you only pay for what your dog needs. Dog owners can choose one of three reasonably priced Monthly Care Club memberships - Escentials, Escentials Plus, and Unlimited - but non-members can request services too.
A popular membership is the Escentials Plus, which includes a double bath, ear cleaning, nail clip and teeth brushing, as well as a nail grind and access to a virtual veterinarian 24/7! For dogs bathed several times per month, Scenthound offers an unlimited membership. And another option is a shedding membership for dogs who shed all year-round. “We have an app so people can easily book appointments online, scroll down to review the service menu and then click on the services desired,” she says.
Scenthound also offers blow-drying, haircuts, dental plaque reduction treatments, gland expression, flea/tick treatments and more. The deep condition treatment replenishes and moisturizes both skin and coat, resulting in an extra soft, healthy finish, and the blueberry facial cleanses and exfoliates, which is especially popular for dogs with wrinkled faces.
“All of our services are solution oriented to ultimately have a happy and healthy pup,” says Marni. This begins with selecting from veterinary grade shampoos exclusive to Scenthound. There’s an everyday nourishing shampoo, a hypoallergenic shampoo, an odor neutralizing and a hydrating oatmeal shampoo to address different skin and coat conditions. All are soap, sulfate, and paraben free, and pH balanced for dogs.
Scenthound’s product line, Houndswell, also addresses dogs’ specific needs. Paw Balm is for keeping paw pads, noses and elbows soft and moisturized, Skin & Coat Supplement addresses common skin issues such as hot spots, sunburn, heat rash and allergies, Hemp Calming Aid helping dogs manage stress, nervousness and hyperactivity (while free from grains, corn and soy), and many more wonderful products are available for purchase.
Marni and David strive to provide the same care at Scenthound as they would want for their own dogs. “We have two-year-old Shea, who’s a rescue from Big Dog Rescue Project,” says Marni. “She looks like a golden retriever with short legs. In her free time, she spends time visiting seniors in an assisted living facility. She loves it, and they love her.” They also have an 11-year-old boy named Melo. “He's a mixture of about 14 breeds, but he looks kind of like a corgi. We adopted him from the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter.”
Services are recorded by a video surveillance system and iPads are utilized next to each tub and in the grooming room to note pertinent observations about the dog’s skin, coat, ears, nails and teeth. This information is later shared in a report card with the pet parent.
The couple also chose to partner with Scenthound because of their Clean Start program. Across the country, Scenters help care for pups in need by donating basic hygiene services to local shelters. “Our dedicated team is proud to participate and helps dogs who are matted and dirty become cleaner and more comfortable and ready to meet a forever family.”
Scenthound, Marni says, seeks to help change how dog parents think about caring for their pups by educating them on the importance of basic hygiene and providing personalized, convenient service. “Our goal is to put the well-being of each dog that comes into one of our Scenters first and create a safe, loving environment with a knowledgeable staff to give all pups, and their parents, the best possible care.”
Scenthound.com/Morristown
Scenthound.com/Denville
“All of our services are solution oriented to ultimately have a happy and healthy pup.”