Paws and Claws Boarding and Grooming is charting a new course under owners Wes and Kelly Forsythe, who took over the longtime pet-care business earlier this year with a clear goal: expand services, elevate the facility, and strengthen ties with Owensboro’s animal-welfare community.
The Forsythes relocated from Washington State to Owensboro, seeking a place where they could put down roots and build something meaningful. They purchased the boarding and grooming facility along with the adjacent residence and two bordering parcels.
“Honestly, it was a gamble, and some people thought we were crazy, but we forged ahead,” Kelly said. “We love it here and pinch ourselves every day. The community we’ve met so far has been incredibly welcoming, and we are so grateful. This was the best decision, and we feel so blessed to be here.”
Kelly brings experience in dog grooming and marketing, while Wes spent three decades in customer service in the car industry. Their daughter, a former veterinary assistant, also relocated with them and plans to attend Owensboro Community & Technical College to become a certified veterinary technician. Together, the family hopes to build on Paws and Claws’ existing reputation while elevating services and customer experience.
Since taking ownership, the Forsythes have launched a new website, pawsandclaws-ky.com, with transparent pricing and detailed service descriptions. They’ve reinstated cat grooming as a regular offering, hired additional boarding staff to ensure more outdoor time and individualized attention for dogs, and begun making facility improvements aimed at increasing comfort and efficiency. They also added a dedicated welcome desk, encouraging customers to come inside, meet the team, and discuss their pets’ needs.
Animals remain central to the family’s life beyond the business. Wes and Kelly live on the property with their four rescued Doodles — three from Washington and one adopted locally from It Takes a Village — along with rescued cats, chickens, and goats. Since arriving, they’ve become active supporters of several local animal welfare groups, including It Takes a Village–Daviess County, SPARKY, and AWPAW.
Located at 1161 Worthington Road, Paws and Claws offers grooming and boarding for both dogs and cats.
