Jennifer (Owner, Lead Groomer)
My name is Jennifer Harp, and I am the owner and operator of Kanine Kuts Inc., a business I have proudly run for over 25 years. With more than 30 years of professional grooming experience, working with dogs isn’t just my career—it’s been my lifelong passion.
My love for dogs started early. As a child, I was the one bringing home stray pets and immersing myself in anything I could learn about dogs. By the age of 13, I was already taking obedience classes with my collie and studying dog breeds, seriously considering a future as a police K-9 trainer or veterinarian. That passion only grew stronger with time.
At 18, I began a grooming apprenticeship while also working as an in-residence basic obedience dog training program. This unique combination of grooming and training shaped the foundation of how I work with dogs today—focusing not only on appearance, but on behavior, trust, and overall well-being.
Over the years, I have titled several dogs in obedience and conformation and am proud to be an AKC Breeder of Merit. One of my greatest accomplishments was achieving a Bronze Grand Championship on a puppy I bred and having her compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
As a groomer, I’m often referred to as a “dog whisperer.” I specialize in working with fearful, anxious, and even aggressive dogs, helping them overcome their stress and learn to trust the grooming process. My goal is always to ensure each dog feels safe and comfortable, so grooming becomes a positive experience they’re happy to return for.
I am trained in Pet First Aid and CPR and have completed the AKC Safe Salon Certification, ensuring the highest standards of safety and care. Throughout my career, I’ve also had the privilege of training and mentoring several groomers, passing on the skills and knowledge I’ve gained over decades in the industry.
Just as important to me as the dogs are the people who love them. I truly enjoy building long-term relationships with my clients and being a trusted part of their dogs’ lives.
Heather – Dog Bather/Grooming Apprentice
Heather is one of our hardworking dog bathers at Kanine Kuts and plays a key role in keeping every pup clean, dry, and ready for their groom. You’ll often spot her heading in and out of the bathing room wearing sunglasses and headphones—essential protection in a space that’s loud, wet, and full of flying fur.
Heather especially loves scrubbing adorable faces and tackling a good de-shed. If you hear singing coming from the back, that’s just Heather serenading the dogs while she works.
Heather has been with Kanine Kuts for the past 2½ years, but her history here goes back much further. She first worked for Jennifer 25 years ago while attending cosmetology school. With 24 years as a licensed hairstylist, Heather brings a strong eye for detail and is currently working toward a grooming apprenticeship to expand her skills. She’s thrilled to be back at Kanine Kuts working with Jennifer—who also happens to be her cousin.
Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with her family, her dog Indy, and being outdoors.
Meet Tracy!
Tracy is usually one of the first faces you’ll see when you walk through our doors as our receptionist. She also helps with the bathing and drying to help the keep everything running smoothly. She plays an important role in making sure every pet feels as comfortable and cared for as possible from check-in to pick-up. Tracy believes that a great groom starts with a positive experience, and she takes pride in helping pets feel safe, relaxed, and happy during their visit.
At home, Tracy is a devoted pet parent to three furry companions: Milo the Golden Retriever, Ebony the Shih Tzu–Poodle mix, and Shadow, her very sassy cat. Her love for animals shines through in everything she does—especially when it comes to tiny, sweet dogs, which she could happily cuddle all day long.
Behind the scenes, Tracy knows that a perfect groom begins with a thorough bath and blow-dry and she enjoys being part of that process. She’s lighthearted, a bit of a goofball, and always finds joy in seeing how excited clients are when they pick up their freshly groomed pets. When she’s not at the salon, Tracy loves to travel and make new memories along the way.
Lori- Groomer
With over 30 years of experience in the pet care industry, Lori brings a wealth of knowledge and a calm, confident approach to grooming. She lives and worked most of her career in Palatine, Illinois, and later relocated to Wisconsin, where she continued to grow her skills and passion for dog grooming. She started her career working as a bather for a year and a half, before she completed her grooming apprenticeship and has been grooming professionally ever since.
Over the years, she has owned and cared for a variety of breeds—including Boxers, Shelties, Doodles, Cockapoos and Shepherds. In the salon she especially enjoys grooming senior dogs and Doodles, taking extra care to ensure each pet feels safe, comfortable, and well cared for. Outside of the salon, she has a love for wildlife and birds and is currently owned by a tuxedo cat at home.
Mackenzie – Groomer
Mackenzie has a genuine love for working with animals and finds joy in the fact that no two days in grooming are ever the same. She has only been grooming for 2 years and is passionate in continuing to learn new techniques and skills so she can grow in her career and provide the best possible care for every pet she works with.
At home, Mackenzie is a proud cat mom to two kitties—a beautiful Siamese and an orange tabby—who are as sweet as they are cuddly and love sleeping with her every night.
Mackenzie believes dog grooming is about much more than making pets look cute. To her, it’s about understanding each dog as an individual and working together with them to create a calm, positive grooming experience built on trust and patience.
