Experienced dog groomers Arie and Chris Escobedo have picked up some cutting-edge new tricks from Asia, and now they're bringing them to the pooches of North Beach. Their new shop Pupology, at Green and Columbus, aims to use a combination of newfangled grooming techniques and old-fashioned customer service to create a less stressful environment for both pets and their owners.
“We take a lot of ideas and influence from Japanese groomers, because they are on a whole different level," says Chris. "You need to go to college for four years to be a groomer. Their facilities are the best of the best."
"[In the U.S.], you can open up any location, buy a clipper, and call yourself a groomer,” adds Arie. “[Grooming] shouldn’t just be about the style and the look; the focus should be on the health and overall wellness of the dog.”
Pupology is currently the only dog groomer in San Francisco to offer microBATH, a cleaning method that uses no soaps or shampoos, only bubbles and plant-based enzymes. “This allows it to get beyond the skin surface,” says Chris. Arie compares the treatment to “sitting in a hot spring for 20 minutes. It’s very soothing for the pet."
Pupology client Maki in a microBATH. Photo: Arie Escobedo
“When we perform the microbubble treatment, we often see old soap that’s been resting in the pores come out,” says Chris. “A lot of allergies come from shampoos being stuck in the skin." The treatment, which was developed in Japan, can also increase the efficacy of treatments prescribed by vets for skin conditions. "It doesn’t heal problems on its own, it just helps.”
The bath also improves circulation, which can help dogs suffering from arthritis or joint pain. “We have had clients remark that their dogs display this new, perky attitude after having these baths," Arie says. “One of our clients told us that their dog has more spunk; he is like a puppy again.”
In addition to the high-tech baths, Pupology offers quieter dryers (imported from Sinagpore) and an open floor plan that allows dogs and owners to keep an eye on each other. Even the color scheme is dog-friendly: “We have blue walls surrounding the grooming and bathing areas and green walls in the fun areas,” Chris explains. “These colors have been scientifically tested to be more calming and soothing for dogs."
In addition to grooming, Pupology offers a selection of retail items, food, supplements and treats geared toward improving dogs' health. "Sometimes treatment needs to be provided from the inside out," Chris says.
North Beach locals appear to be pleased with the arrival of a much-needed neighborhood groomer, with Pupology earning high praise on Yelp. “After years of needing to go far out of my way to get my dog Dexter groomed, I was ecstatic to see Pupology open in the North Beach neighborhood," customer Adam Smith told Hoodline in an email. "For years, North Beach has lacked any grooming services, and Pupology not only fills this void, but does so while delivering excellent service."
Though Pupology is still brand-new, the Escobedos (who have a pooch of their own, Mowgli) already have big plans for the future. “We want to be the first non-commission-based groomers,” Arie said, explaining that groomers are typically paid on a 50 percent commission. The couple says commission-based work can lead to a lack of team effort, with groomers focusing more on a dog's monetary value than its individual needs.
“Our ultimate goal would be to create an employee-owned franchise,” says Chris. “A lot of people that we've met see grooming as a possible profession, [but] struggle with the business aspect of things. Ultimately, we want to educate people as much as we can.”
“The main purpose of our work is for the dog,” Arie said. “We wanted to try to make it obvious, and we hope that when you come in and you see us and meet us, you feel that.”
Pupology is located at 641 Green St.; hours are Tuesday-Friday 9am- 5pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, closed Sunday and Monday.
