Move From Main Street Hasn’t Hurt Just For Paws

There seems to be a perception in town that if your business is not on Main Street, it can easily be forgotten, or at least overlooked.

But one Safety Harbor business owner is proving to be the exception to that general rule. 

Alison Akers had originally opened her first grooming shop, Just For Paws, on Main Street about nine years ago. 

But when the economy went bad and rent got too high, she relocated to Ninth Avenue North, a decision she says she does not regret one bit. 

“We were on Main Street for about two years, but they kept raising our rent, so we found this place about five years ago,” Akers said of her and her business partner and fellow groomer, Patricia Visconti.

“I was afraid to leave Main Street. But I found a lot of people who live back in this area don’t ever go on Main Street; they use Ninth as a thoroughfare, and they pass by us every day.”

Since the relocation, Akers has only seen her business thrive. 

In addition to the nearly 800 dogs she says she services on a regular basis, she has added another groomer, David Conkle, and additional services, such as petsitting.

And not only does Just For Paws just groom Safety Harbor dogs, they service dogs of all sizes from all over the Tampa Bay area, including Largo, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs. 

“I used to be a customer of Alison’s, and after I went to grooming school, I came here and told her I had clients but I didn’t have a business,” said Conkle, who lives nearby in Harbor Woods Village. 

“Alison and Patricia were so accommodating to bringing me in. I mean, you go to school to learn the skills, but it’s different when you’re working with other people who are so knowledgeable in the business.” 

The trio emphasizes a stress-free environment for the animals as well as the owners, which makes bringing the pets to the groomer a more relaxing experience. 

And while they only groom dogs, they believe their love of the animals and their dedication to customers’ needs has only helped the business grow, despite being off the beaten path of Main Street.

“We’re actually centrally located in the town and the area,” Conkle said. “We just want to give people a fair price and good value for their grooming.” 

“I believe in this little town,” Aikers added. “I’m active in the community, I do a lot of volunteer work ... and I’m very happy where I’m at.”

Just For Paws

Address: 845 9th Ave. N.

Phone: 727-799-7297

Hours: Mon - Sat, call for appointment

Own a Safety Harbor business? Post in Patch's Local Voices section to let the community know more about you and your area of expertise.