A Passion for Pets Inspired an All-Heart Mobile Pet Grooming Franchise
According to the American Pet Products Association, 94 million U.S. households own a pet. In 2024, Americans spent $152 billion on their pets. Today’s pet parents want more than basic care — they want comfort, convenience and a little pampering for their furry companions.
That’s why Chris and Emily Elias created DapperTails, a mobile pet grooming franchise. Built on the premise that both pets and the people who care for them deserve respect, DapperTails was designed to raise the bar on service and support. “We believe pets are family,” says Emily. “And when you love something like that, you want the best for them. That belief sits at the very core of everything we do at DapperTails.”
Emily’s inspiration for DapperTails came from more than 15 years of experience as a groomer and salon owner. After witnessing the challenges groomers face, she knew there had to be a better way. Chris, a lifelong entrepreneur, brought his business-building expertise to the table. Together, they combined their strengths to create a grooming business that puts both people and pets first.
They also saw what wasn’t working in the pet grooming industry: burnout, disorganization and a lack of respect for groomers. “We decided to build something better,” says Chris. “DapperTails is a grooming brand rooted in quality, professionalism and freedom. It’s our passion and our purpose.”
And it’s working. Today, DapperTails has more than 25 groomers and 20 vans operating across multiple states.
Mobile Pet Grooming Franchise
As a mobile pet grooming franchise, Dappertails offers the ultimate convenience. With groomers coming right to customers’ homes, pets get a calm, one-on-one experience — no car rides, no cages, and no waiting. Nearly 32.6 million Americans — about 21–22% of the workforce — work from home, according to the National Assocation of Home Builders, making it the perfect solution for busy pet parents who want quality care without disrupting their day.
The business model supports both owner-operators and multi-unit investors, with strong systems, marketing tools and hands-on support. Franchisees benefit from recurring revenue through regular grooming appointments, keeping schedules full and income steady. “This is more than a grooming business,” says Emily. “It’s a lifestyle. If you love pets, love people and want to build something meaningful, DapperTails is a great fit.”
Franchisees receive thorough training and a full set of tools to help streamline operations and grow with confidence. Features like route planning and customer service assistance make it easier to manage the day-to-day, while setting the stage for long-term success.
A Culture of Respect and Support
At the heart of the mobile pet grooming franchise is a culture that values hard work, kindness and real relationships. Emily and Chris stay involved and connected to their team and franchisees. “DapperTails is equal parts grit and gratitude,” says Chris. “We work hard, treat people with respect and support our team every step of the way.”
They also encourage creativity and innovation across the franchise system. “Some of our best ideas have come from franchisees and territory managers in the field,” says Emily. “We listen and move fast when something works.”
Emily and Chris live on Long Island in New York state with their two sons and their dog Minnie. Family is at the center of their lives — and it influences the way they run their business. “We remind ourselves every day that we’re not just building a business,” says Chris. “We’re building a legacy — for our family and for the people who believe in this brand.”
As they grow, the couple is focused on doing it the right way. They’re expanding into new markets and welcoming franchisees who share their values. “The pet industry is booming, but we’re not chasing trends,” says Chris. “We’re building the future of mobile grooming — one van, one team and one happy pet at a time.”
Q&A with Emily and Chris Elias, Co-Founders of DapperTails
We’re proud that this brand actually works. DapperTails isn’t theory — it’s results.
1. What qualities do you look for in franchise partners and team members?
We’re looking for people who care — about animals, people and doing the job right. You don’t need to have it all figured out; you just need to be driven, coachable and committed. We’ll give you the systems, tools and support. But the fire to grow has to come from you.
2. What’s your favorite mantra or motto?
Chris: “Move fast with purpose. Don’t overthink the right decision — just make it happen.” Emily: “Stay rooted in your why. Passion will fuel the start, but purpose keeps you going when it gets hard.” We remind ourselves daily that we’re not just building a business. We’re building a legacy for our family and our team.
3. Who do you admire in franchising or business leadership — and why?
We admire leaders who stay involved, stay real and build with integrity. Brands like Dogtopia have done an amazing job scaling while keeping their values intact. And we’re inspired by people like Drew Brees — someone who took his leadership mindset from sports into franchising and never lost his drive to serve others.
4. What accomplishment are you most proud of so far in your careers?
We’re proud that this brand actually works. DapperTails isn’t theory — it delivers results. We’ve created real freedom for groomers who were stuck in toxic shops. We’ve helped families open businesses that support their children and their dreams. And we’ve done it without selling out or losing the soul of why we started. That’s the win we’re proud of most.
5. What do you love most about working in franchising?
Franchising gives us the ability to impact more lives. We love seeing someone take the leap — from dreaming about ownership to actually doing it. Whether it’s a groomer looking to escape burnout or a franchisee looking to scale with intention, we get to help people build something meaningful. That’s what we live for.
