The Vellus Story

It was a dream come true for founder Sharon Kay Doherty, who purchased her first show dog in 1976. “There were no authentic salon grooming formulas for dogs. The dog shampoo and dog conditioner products available contained either oil or lanolin in the formulas which causes negative side effects to the hair and skin. Human hair products were not the answer either, resulting in irritation of the skin.”

In 1992, Sharon stopped showing dogs to partner with her nephew, David, to introduce genuine salon grooming formulas to the dog show network and pampered pet owners.

David’s background as a research chemist in the personal care industry, along with Sharon’s understanding of dog hair and skin, brought the dream full circle to develop the dog salon formulas known today as Vellus Products. Their dedication to use only superior cosmetic grade ingredients made the difference.

In 2014 Teri, daughter of the founder Sharon Kay became owner and President of Vellus Products. Teri has fond childhood memories of always having a dog in the home. Later as a teen and young adult, Teri attended dog shows with her mother who bred and showed Lhasa Apso, Shih-Tzu, and Maltese. Teri officially joined Vellus in 2000, working alongside and being mentored by Sharon Kay. Teri’s passion, commitment, and knowledge work together to continue the dream of providing only the “Best of the Best” grooming formulas, the kind Vellus is known for around the world. 

Today, Vellus offers a complete program of, bio-balanced salon formulas for dogs, brushes, and combs, that are appreciated by dog show exhibitors, royals, celebrities and caring pet owners around the world.