Studies show that pets can lower blood pressure, ease depression, and provide a sense of purpose. This realization gave new meaning to the name Pet-a-Cure and ultimately led Erin Mishler to follow her passion for animals. Her first grooming client, a former homecare patient’s toy poodle named Angel, played a special role in inspiring this new chapter.
Q: Why does the business exist?
A: The original vision for Pet-a-Cure began more than 30 years ago with a desire to help elderly and disabled pet owners continue providing the best possible care for their beloved animals, even when grooming and routine maintenance became difficult to manage on their own. While the business concept has evolved over the years, that core mission remains at its heart.
Today, Pet-a-Cure Grooming Boutique exists to provide compassionate, individualized grooming care that promotes the health, comfort, and well-being of pets while supporting and educating the people who love them. “By helping pets stay healthy, comfortable, and well cared for, we help families preserve the special bond they share with their furry companions,” she says.
Q: Who is involved and in what capacity?
A: Erin Mishler is the proud owner and primary groomer of Pet-a-Cure. While Erin is the face of the boutique, her husband, Jim, is a vital partner working behind the scenes. Jim maintains the shop, keeps the surrounding landscape looking beautiful, helps clean at the end of the day, and gives plenty of love to the visiting dogs. Though Jim insists this is entirely Erin’s venture, he is just as invested in making Pet-a-Cure a success, and Erin considers him her true business partner.
Q: What makes your business different? What is your ‘special sauce’?
A: Pet-a-Cure Grooming Boutique combines a unique blend of experience that goes far beyond traditional grooming. Erin’s diverse background includes nursing, biomedical research/lab animal science, professional pet grooming, and wildlife conservation, along with a lifetime spent caring for a wide variety of animals—from fish, rabbits, and monkeys to rats, cats, dogs and everything in between. This unique skill set provides a deep understanding of animal behavior, health, safety, and compassionate handling.
As a one-on-one groomer, Erin ensures every pet receives her full attention in a calm, low-stress environment. There are no rows of barking dogs, crowded kennels, or constant distractions. This personalized approach is especially beneficial for anxious pets, seniors, puppies, and those who may be new to grooming.
Pet-a-Cure is also deeply committed to environmentally responsible care, exclusively using all-natural, biodegradable grooming products made in the USA from companies that share values of sustainability and social responsibility. Additionally, the boutique features professional-quality grooming supplies and handcrafted, Michigan-made gifts, allowing pet owners to support local artisans and small businesses while shopping for their pets.
Q: How did you first encounter the South Haven Regional Business Hub?
A: Erin first learned about the Hub through Sam Dustin, owner of Siren’s Rose Tattoo Studio, a graduate of the Hub’s “Growth Series” program. Knowing that Erin was trying to start Pet-a-Cure, Sam provided the contact information for Debi Howe, Board Chair at the Hub. At the time, Erin was looking for guidance on solo entrepreneurship and navigating the LLC licensing process, which Debi willingly and enthusiastically helped provide.
Q: What did the South Haven Regional Business Hub help you with and how?
A: Aside from walking Erin through the complexities of the LLC application process, the South Haven Regional Business Hub provided foundational training through the “Start-up Series.” The program taught Erin and Jim the essential accounting requirements for small businesses, assisted them in identifying different funding avenues, and showed them how to optimize their social media marketing.
Q: What was the most valuable takeaway from your South Haven Regional Business Hub experience?
A: The most valuable takeaway for Erin was realizing that she was not alone on her entrepreneurial journey.
“The program introduced me to a network of mentors, business professionals, and community members who are genuinely invested in the success of local businesses and willing to share their knowledge and support,” Erin shares. “Knowing that we have access to resources, guidance, and people who can help answer questions and navigate challenges has given me greater confidence as a business owner. Beyond the practical business skills we gained, the experience reinforced the value of community and the importance of building relationships that contribute to long-term success.”
Q: What tactics have you executed since that experience, and what results have they had on your business?
A: Erin immediately applied the strategies and insights gained from the Hub’s social media marketing class to enhance her online presence. By making several small, intentional adjustments and improvements to both her website and Facebook page, she significantly increased her business visibility and expanded her local audience reach.
Q: Any additional words of wisdom for our entrepreneurs (or mentors)?
A: Erin encourages everyone to stay true to their passions, no matter how much time has passed: “Don’t let anyone tell you that your dream isn’t worth pursuing. I spent many years choosing the practical path before finally returning to a dream that had been in my heart for more than 30 years.”
She also leaves a reminder for the families supporting the next generation of innovators: “To parents and grandparents: pay attention to the things that light your children up. Encourage their interests, nurture their strengths, and help them believe that their dreams matter.”
Summary of Hub Impact
Programs Completed: Start-up Series
Core Help Provided: LLC registration, small business accounting, funding identification, and social media marketing strategy.
Key Business Milestone: Successfully opened a highly specialized, eco-friendly local storefront with enhanced digital reach and a robust community support network.
Business Details
- Company Name: Pet-a-Cure Grooming Boutique
- Owner & Groomer: Erin Mishler
- Open Date: November 24, 2025
- Location: 70159 County Road 388, South Haven, MI
- Website: www.petacuremi.com
- Social Media: Facebook