Indies Only: Wags To Whiskers Helping Dogs Live Healthier Lives

Janelle Pitula opened in her hometown to empower pet owners with knowledge and help dogs and cats live healthier, fuller lives.

Wags to Whiskers is a full-service pet center that offers natural food products, full service grooming, self-serve bathing, a dog playroom and resources.

Pitula’s dog, Tally, had all various health problems. Pitula said when she changed Tally’s diet to more natural foods, her health immediately turned around.

“I learned that the difference between natural pet food and commercial pet food was immense and can completely change a pet’s life,” Pitula said.

Offering natural pet food was Pitula’s main motivation for starting her business. Pet grooming was a natural add-on, she said, since a good groomer will watch for signs that a pet has problems.

Wags to Whiskers provides self-serve tubs. Customers bathe their dog in an elevated tub with all supplies provided. Pricing starts at $13 and adopted pets are offered one free self-wash.

Pitula opened Wags to Whiskers in Plainfield in 2005 and Oswego’s location opened in 2008. A lifelong Oswego resident, Pitula said it was always her intention to open her store in her hometown.

Pitula donates pet food to the Kendall County Food Pantry and arranges adoption drives with Kendall County Animal Control.

“I try to keep pets in their homes through donations to the food pantry. This also works to keep animals out of animal control,” she said.

Wags to Whiskers sponsors free seminars including: pet First Aid, CPR for dogs and essential oils.

Wags to Whiskers has an indoor play room available to rent for training or exercise purposes. Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, playtime is free with a donation to the food pantry.

Dawn Gaynor first visited Wags to Whiskers in November 2010 in search of a certain food she believed would provide a healthier option for her 200 pound mastiff.

“Jon (employee at Wags to Whiskers) suggested another manufacturer which has served him wonderfully. There’s been a noticeable difference in his coat and even the vet comments on how healthy he is,” Gaynor said.

Gaynor has also used the groomers and self-serve baths.

"Sometimes he was hard to get into the tub and he weighs more than me," Gaynor said. "He can walk right into the tub, is comfortable in the environment and we leave the mess there."

“As a first-time dog owner, I often call them or stop in with my questions. They talk me through it and help me understand…The staff is wonderful and not pushy - that’s why I’ve stuck with them,” Gaynor said.

Customers are often surprised by our reasonable prices, Pitula said.

“Many think holistic pet food will break the bank, but our food starts at $1 per pound and can make such a difference in a pet’s life.”

Dogs don’t need to smell and cats don’t need to vomit. These are not normal behaviors and usually have to do with their food, Pitula said.

Wags to Whiskers, 1057 Station Drive,  is open Monday – Friday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Closed Sunday. Call (630) 636-9437 or check out their Facebook page.