Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Kempen
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Kate never imagined she’d leave the fast-paced world of artificial intelligence to start a mobile dog grooming business. But sometimes, life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths.
Originally from South Africa, Kate spent a decade in San Francisco, where she built a career at an AI startup, thriving in a fast-moving and innovative environment. But while she was focused on scaling technology, her dog, Archie, was quietly changing her life.
After a traumatizing grooming experience left Archie anxious, Kate began questioning why pet care felt so overwhelming. At the same time, she was navigating a transformative chapter in her life, rethinking her priorities and purpose. Through it all, Archie and provided the love and stability she needed, reinforcing how much dogs give us—and how much they deserve in return. That realization became the foundation for Woof Wash.
That experience changed everything. Kate realized that dogs give us so much, yet their care is often treated as an afterthought. She wanted to create something different—a grooming service built around trust, personalized care, and overall well-being.
After relocating to Austin, she took a leap of faith and dedicated herself to developing a new kind of mobile grooming experience:
-Cage-free, one-on-one grooming that prioritizes the dog’s emotional and physical well-being.
-Organic, all-natural products for a gentle and safe experience.
-Quiet, eco-friendly electric vans—ensuring a stress-free experience for dogs and a peaceful atmosphere for the community.
That vision became Woof Wash. Today, it’s more than just a grooming service—it’s a movement to redefine pet care. With word-of-mouth growth, strategic partnerships, and a loyal client base, Woof Wash is rapidly expanding, ensuring that more dogs experience the safe, stress-free grooming they deserve.
For Kate, this is not just a business—it’s a mission.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building Woof Wash has been an incredible journey, but it hasn’t been without its challenges.
One of the biggest hurdles was transitioning from the tech world to the pet care industry. Unlike traditional salons, Woof Wash had to establish itself as a premium, mobile grooming experience—one that redefines expectations and caters to pet owners who want only the best for their dogs.
Another challenge was designing the right grooming environment. Most mobile groomers rely on noisy gas-powered generators, which can be unsettling for dogs. We were committed to creating a quieter, more refined experience, using fully electric vans with a sleek, modern aesthetic that reflects the elevated service we provide. This required months of research and investment, but the result is a grooming experience that is as calm, exclusive, and beautifully designed as it is effective.
The next challenge was building trust with the right clientele. By focusing on one-on-one care, attention to detail, and a calming environment, we provide dogs with the highest quality grooming experience. As word spread, our client base grew, and we’ve cultivated a loyal community that truly appreciates the personalized, boutique experience Woof Wash offers.
While the road hasn’t been easy, the response from pet owners who appreciate a more exclusive, luxury grooming service has been incredible. We’re continuing to expand, forming strategic partnerships, and refining every aspect of our brand to ensure Woof Wash stands out as the premier choice in Austin’s mobile pet care.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Woof Wash?
At Woof Wash, we’re not just redefining mobile grooming—we’re engineering the future of pet care. Our approach is unlike any other because we design and develop everything in-house, from our custom-built, fully electric vans to our technology-driven booking platform and premium brand experience. This commitment to in-house innovation gives us a competitive edge, allowing us to constantly improve, evolve, and deliver a superior grooming service.
What truly sets us apart is our focus on quality, comfort, and exclusivity. We provide a luxury, spa-like experience that is quiet, stress-free, and tailored to each pet. Unlike traditional mobile groomers that rely on noisy gas generators, our engineered grooming vans create a serene, fully electric environment, ensuring a calm and enjoyable experience for both pets and their owners.
We specialize in:
– One-on-one, cage-free grooming—a relaxed, trust-building experience.
– Organic, all-natural products—for the safest and most gentle care.
– Premium, beautifully designed grooming spaces—because aesthetics and function matter.
– Technology-driven, seamless booking—developed in-house to enhance customer convenience.
By building every element of our service from the ground up, we have the flexibility to innovate, ensuring that Woof Wash continues to set the standard in boutique, high-end mobile pet care.
For pet owners who expect the best in both service and experience, Woof Wash offers an exclusive, five-star grooming experience that evolves with innovation and care.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is my first trip to Kruger National Park with my family. It was unforgettable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.woofwash.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woofwashatx/
Image Credits
Maddie Kembel Photography
