Hello! I’m Judy Crouch, owner of Barking Barbershop LLC. My path to grooming began after earning my bachelor’s degree in public relations from Kearney State College in 1988. My sister once told me, “find what you LOVE and figure out how to make a living doing it,” and that encouragement set everything in motion. Animals have always been at the center of my life, and even as a child I was the one responsible for keeping our pets clean and looking their best.

I married my husband Marv in 1991, raised three daughters, and today we live in the country with plenty of space for our two dogs and many “grand pups.” In 1990, I chose to pursue grooming professionally — a decision I’ve never regretted. Working with pets is truly the best kind of therapy.

Today, I’m proud to own and manage one of Kearney’s top grooming salons, located inside Cottonwood Vet Clinic. Our shop has been voted “Best Grooming Salon” for many consecutive years, and my team and I take great pride in that. We stay up to date with new styles, education, equipment, and products so your pet always receives the best care possible.

Before scheduling an appointment, I invite you to stop by the shop and meet us. We know leaving your pet with someone new can be stressful, and a quick visit helps us get to know you and your pet — making sure you get exactly what you want.

Thank you for trusting us with your furry family member. We promise to make it worth your time!

Hi, my name is Sydney! I’m originally from Minden and moved to Kearney in 2013. My husband Kenny and I married in 2019, and our home is full of love — we currently have three dogs, one cat, and we are excited to welcome our first child in the summer of 2026.

My passion for animals led me to study veterinary assisting through Animal Behavior College. While completing my schooling, I started helping at Barking Barbershop over the holidays. After working through Christmas, I realized how much I enjoyed grooming — and by 2018, I was part of the team full time, working alongside an amazing group of ladies who have become great friends.

Getting to pamper and love on your pets every day truly is a pleasure. Each day brings something new, along with endless opportunities to learn and grow. I’m grateful to be part of your pets’ care and comfort!

Hi, I’m Carin Koetters, aka the Cat Whisperer. I have always loved animals and my journey with pet grooming began 36 years ago, helping my dad home-groom our poodles. I always knew I wanted to pursue some sort of career with animals, but I didn’t realize pet grooming was my path, until I met Judy in 1991.

I grew up in Mexico, Missouri and my college career took me to both Texas and Nebraska. Although I received a Bachelor Degree in Communications/Broadcasting, working with animals has always been my true passion. Jason and I were married in 1996 and our family household currently consists of 1 son, 1 daughter, 1 dog, 2 cats, 2 turtles, 3 fish and many snails.

Judy and I have been friends since the day we met, and our lives have been intertwined since. When our kids were little, she had a vision of building the Barking Barbershop into a pet grooming business which quickly took us from a home-based shop to the top grooming salon in Kearney.

I love the artistic freedom of creating and styling beautiful pets but my unique ability to connect with cats is what I bring to the shop. My quirky personality must be what helps most of the cats feel safe and calm and trust me to take care of them. Not only do I love to groom cats, I have also trained all of my cats to do tricks! No two days are ever the same at our shop, but each day is an adventure. We have a great team and we all agree that we are blessed to be able to go to a job every day that we love.

My name is Kacy Pollak. I grew up in Seward Nebraska and my mom always said I would either work with dogs or children and after one summer of babysitting I decided DOGS, definitely DOGS! My Aunt , who lived here in Kearney, was also a pet groomer and I was greatly influenced by her. So when I was 21 I moved to Kearney and pursued my career in pet grooming. This career has always been my dream for as long as I can remember!

I started working at the Barking Barbershop 11 years ago and have loved every minute of it. I can honestly say there is nothing else I’d rather do! It’s not just a job, it’s a passion. I am extremely blessed and honored to working with the owners, coworkers and clients that I do.

Going to work every day and having the privilege of making your furry family members look fabulous is sheer joy.

Hi, my name is Jennifer Keller and I am originally from the Omaha area but moved to Kearney 4 years ago with my husband Brian, our son Finn, and of course our “Shop Dog” Brodie. I have been with The Barking Barbershop for 4 years and can easily say this is best job I have ever had! The ladies I work with are the most caring people I have ever met and it is an honor and privilege to work beside them all.

Growing up I always loved dogs and like a lot of people I didn’t know what I wanted to do once I graduated high school. So, I went to my dad with the question, “What should I do now?” His answer, “The dog needs a haircut. Why don’t you do that”! So that’s what I did! I attended and graduated Paragon Grooming School in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2001 and have been grooming dogs ever since. I love this job because every day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to learn, that’s how you become “Awesome”. Making dogs look their best is something I take great pride in and I’m rewarded every day not only with smiles on my customer’s faces but with the smiles on their dog’s faces as well!

Hi, I’m Brenda Ackerman & I have lived in Kearney my entire life. Growing up with 6 brothers, we always had at least 1 dog & many other furry critters in our home. Which is where my love for animals began. I currently have 1 dog & 1 cat.

In 2019, I left my job at the Buffalo County motor vehicle department after 34 years. Very quickly, I wanted to find something to occupy my day. I responded to a Facebook ad for a part time job with Barking Barbershop, & 2 days later, I joined the crew. It was 1 of the best decisions I’ve ever made! They soon became, not just co-workers, but a 2nd family! Every day is fun & filled with lots of laughs!

At our shop, we understand that your pets are your family, & we agree. Which is why, for the few hours they spend with us, we love them, cuddle them & spoil them, just as you do when they are home. (Oh, and we also make them look & smell fabulous!)
My mom always told me– If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. She was SO right! Working at Barking Barbershop is a joy for me, & I absolutely love it!!