Woof Gang Bakery has become a beloved part of Austin’s pet scene, blending homemade treats, gentle grooming, and genuine community care. We sat down with the owner to hear how personal loss sparked a passion that now serves dogs and their families across Austin and Georgetown.
How did you come to own Woof Gang Bakery here in Austin? What drew you to this work, and what has kept you passionate about it for more than a decade?
I was a stay-at-home mom for 25 years before opening my Georgetown store in May 2023. The opportunity to acquire the iconic Woof Gang Bakery in Austin, founded in March 2011 as the first location in Texas and renowned for its homemade dog cakes and cookies, was a natural extension of this passion in September 2025. This store holds a special place in my heart and truly embodies the spirit of Austin’s pet-loving community.
I first became interested in animal well-being and nutrition after losing our 6-year-old Maltese, Bitty, in 2015 to a seizure disorder, and watching another dog, Zeke, diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at age 5. I began changing everything about his diet and eliminated toxins in his environment. Zeke went on to live an additional 7.5 years, fully restored to the vibrant dog he had been. It was a true miracle. To this day, we will not use certain products in our home or yard due to the toxicity they can cause in pets.
What’s the story behind the Lamar location and the decision to open in Georgetown as well? How do the two spots complement each other or reflect the neighborhoods they serve?
Both stores are completely unique and cater to very different customers who unite in the fact that they are all pet lovers. The Georgetown store is much larger and home to 9 full-time groomers and serves a large retirement community. The Austin store has the cool Austin vibe and is home to 4 full-time groomers and a bather. We offer a true spa experience where we use calming music and aromatherapy to soothe the dogs’ senses and provide a calm and relaxing grooming experience.
Do you have pets of your own? If so, how has that personal connection shaped the way you approach grooming, product selection, or customer care?
I currently have two dogs. Pippa is a 9-year-old bichon frise/shih tzu mix. Piper is a 5-year-old poodle/shih tzu mix whom we rescued. She was extremely neglected and required extensive medical intervention the first few weeks we had her. They are the joy of my life and bring my husband and me much laughter and love on a daily basis. They are pampered pooches and go with us everywhere we are able to take them. We actually choose our restaurants based on whether they have pet-friendly patios or rooms where the pups can be part of what we do.
How would you describe your guiding philosophy around grooming and pet care — especially the emphasis on love, kindness, and making the experience feel personal rather than transactional?
Pet parents are trusting me with their fur-babies, which is a huge responsibility. I firmly believe each and every pet should be treated with love, kindness, and patience. My groomers are highly trained, with most holding higher certifications in breed-specific cuts, senior dog grooming, CPR and first aid, and AKC Safety in the Salon. We understand grooming can be stressful for some dogs, so we operate by appointment and give each dog the love and care they deserve. If a dog becomes stressed, we offer breaks, lots of belly rubs, and kisses until they are ready to proceed. Both my teams are huge animal lovers, which makes it easy to stay personal rather than transactional. The dogs become family to them, and it shows when the dogs return for grooming and can’t wait to see their groomer.
What guides your choices when selecting the foods, treats, and products you carry? Are there any Austin or Texas makers you’re especially proud to support, or nutrition principles that matter most to you?
I look for organic, non-GMO, limited-ingredient foods and treats made in the USA. Most dog foods are made with less than quality meat, which is why they use high-heat extrusion that strips nutrients, especially A, C, E, and B-complex vitamins. Chemical byproducts from high heat are linked to chronic inflammation and accelerated aging. My philosophy is to feed my pets the same way I feed myself. My personal choice for my pups is the local Austin brand A Pup Above, one of the only human-grade certified dog foods on the market. They use healthy proteins, fresh non-GMO veggies, add bone broth, and cook it sous vide at low temperature to retain vital nutrients. We also carry Nulo and Bones & Co, which are local to Austin. We support small businesses and carry other trusted brands such as Fromm Family Foods, a fifth-generation family-run business, Vital Essentials, and Saint Rocco’s.
Custom cakes and special-order treats seem to bring a lot of joy — what’s the story or process behind creating those, and why do you think they resonate with pet families?
Our custom cakes are baked on site using dog-safe and organic ingredients whenever possible. The recipe is essentially a peanut butter banana bread with a yogurt-based frosting. The cakes are fan favorites and resonate with pet families because pets become fur-babies who are considered like children to many owners. Pet parents, especially in Austin, tend to be health conscious, and it brings them joy to know they can offer their pets a special treat that is also healthy and safe.
What brings you the most joy in running these two locations day to day?
I love connecting with my customers and the pups. Nothing brings me more joy than to see the pups run into my arms as they enter the store and then run to me to give kisses, say goodbye, and show me how amazing they look on the way out. My Georgetown customers have become family and have supported and encouraged me to keep spreading the Woof Gang love as I expanded into Austin. My Austin pet family is growing quickly, and we are looking forward to adding another groomer and increasing our grooming capacity. I also have a third store under development in Leander.
Another area that brings me great joy is knowing I have created a safe, welcoming, and prosperous work environment for my staff. I have been blessed to offer medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as a 401K. Many of my employees had never had these benefits before, and it brings me great joy to know they and their families are protected medically and able to plan for their future retirement.
“Pet parents are trusting me with their fur-babies, which is a huge responsibility. I firmly believe each and every pet should be treated with love, kindness, and patience. The dogs become family to them, and it shows when they return for grooming and can’t wait to see their groomer.”