get to know us

Meet Josie Belmont

Owner and groomer at Strictly Paws Pet Grooming — grooming professionally since 2009, and working with dogs for a whole lot longer than that.

Josie Belmont smiling while grooming a freshly trimmed white bichon on her grooming table
Josie at work — and a very patient client.
Josie, owner and groomer, with Jackie, the salon's bather, smiling in front of the purple Strictly Paws logo wall
Josie (owner & groomer) and Jackie (bather) at the salon.
the short version

Josie at a glance

  • Grooming professionally since 2009
  • Certified at the Academy of Dog and Cat Grooming Arts, Arlington Heights
  • 4-H dog program alum — obedience & showmanship competitor, later a judge
  • Travels to grooming competitions and shows to keep learning
  • Former corporate salon manager; helped run Gone to the Dogs
  • Proud owner of Strictly Paws Pet Grooming in DeKalb

It started with 4-H

My name is Josie Belmont, and I am the owner and groomer of Strictly Paws Pet Grooming. I have been grooming professionally since 2009, but my passion for working with dogs began long before that. As an active 4-H member, I spent many years participating in and assisting with dog programs. I competed in obedience and showmanship as a youth — and later had the honor of returning as a judge.

Trained, certified, and always learning

I attended the Academy of Dog and Cat Grooming Arts in Arlington Heights, where I earned my grooming certification. Throughout my grooming career, I have traveled to competitions, attended shows, and continued to expand my education through training and hands-on experience. I believe learning is an essential part of this industry, and I am always striving to improve, grow, and provide the best possible care for both pets and their owners.

"I love what I do, and I value my clients and their pets as if they were friends and family."

A dream salon of my own

Grooming is truly my passion. Owning my own salon has been a dream of mine for many years, and I am proud to have taken that step with Strictly Paws Pet Grooming. Before opening my own doors, I managed a corporate grooming salon and helped manage and operate my last location, Gone to the Dogs — experience I bring to every appointment here.

The Strictly Paws storefront at Unit 104, with purple flower planters flanking the front door
Unit #104 on Sycamore Road — look for the flowers.
stop on by

Your dog's new favorite place

Stop by the salon at 2179 Sycamore Road, Unit #104 in DeKalb — or give us a call and let's talk about what your pup needs. Saturday appointments are available by request.