RAISE THE ‘WOOF’: Michigan’s first Woof Gang opens in Northville

Woof Gang owner Victoria MacKellar is pictured standing amidst her business’s vast selection of gourmet dogs treats and accessories.
Whether you walk into metro Detroit’s newest dog salon/bakery — Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming — on two legs or four, prepared to be dazzled.
Once you escape the gray, wintry outdoors and cross the business’s threshold, you are greeted by a mood-boosting boutique that explodes with bright colors, gourmet dog treats and toys.
The Northville Woof Gang location — which opened Dec. 12, 2024, at 18865 Traditions Drive — is the first in Michigan for the national brand that was founded in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, in 2007.
In addition to the wide selection of treats and toys, Woof Gang offers grooming and bathing services that leave dogs calm and refreshed — not anxiously waiting around until their owners arrive.
Personalized care
“We offer one-on-one care; there will only be as many dogs in here as we have groomers and bathers,” said Northville Woof Gang franchise owner Victoria MacKellar. “Dogs will never be left in kennels until their pet parents arrive.

“Once customers arrive for their appointment, we go over with them what they want. We provide them with care tips they can use on their dogs between appointments.
“Fifteen minutes before the the dog’s grooming or bathing are done, we send a message to the pet parents letting them know Fluffy’s ready to get picked up. When the dogs leave, they’re revitalized.”
MacKellar said early reviews have raved about the care Woof Gang’s employees give the dogs, and how there is no wait time for the pets — either before or after the appointment.
A calming place
“Recently an elderly couple brought their two dogs in,” MacKellar said. “They were nervous because their dogs had a history of coming home from the groomers anxious.
“The day after this couple’s dogs were groomed at Woof Gang, one of the owners called and said their dogs have never been as calm after leaving the groomer as they were when they left here. That alone says we’re doing something right.”
Salon music is piped through speakers in the grooming and bathing area, giving the dogs another reason to relax while they’re getting groomed and bathed.
“Ever since 2020, people are home more and spending more time with their pets compared to the pre-pandemic years,” MacKellar said. “These pets are becoming more like family members, which is why we care for the dogs like family. When a dog is getting a bath here, it’s like a true spa experience.”
Perfect spot
MacKellar said the Northville location could not be better for Woof Gang’s first Michigan store.
“Being near the intersection of Seven Mile and Haggerty, we’re easy to get to,” she said. “Customers can enter and exit from both Seven Mile and Haggerty.

“I like that we’re in a busy shopping area, close to places like Trader Joe’s and Chipotle because people leave those businesses, see our store and walk over and check us out.”
Woof Gang grooms and bathes all shapes, sizes and breeds of dog, MacKellar.
Doodles dominate
“I’d say the breed of dog we see most frequently in here so far has been Doodles,” MacKellar said. “It’s probably about 80% Doodles.
“We had one dog come in that must have weighed 150 pounds. I think he was a Newfoundland; he looked like a cute little bear. It was fun watching him get into our largest tub.”
MacKellar and her husband, Cameron, are super-involved in the Northville community where they reside.
Cameron MacKellar organizes an annual golf fundraiser — Greens and Grapes — for the Ronald McDonald Home Children’s Charity in Ann Arbor. This year’s event is scheduled for July 14 at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth Township.
Expansion in the plans
Victoria MacKellar said plans are in motion to open more Woof Gang locations in southeast Michigan, including in Ann Arbor and the South Lyon/Novi area.
Woof Gang is open seen days a week: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.
To learn more about Woof Gang, visit its website by clicking here.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.