My family adopted our dog Dale from a rescue organization in Eufaula, Alabama. Sometimes we imagine what Dale’s buddies from the shelter think about his new life in Fairfield County. What would they say about his Vineyard Vines sweater or his freeze-dried salmon treats?
The truth is, I would do anything for my fluffy dude. We all want our pets to live their best lives. So, it’s no surprise that more opportunities have sprung up for pets, some of them barreling up our recently thawed driveways.
“People are caring for pets as members of the family,” explains Michael Caldwell, co-founder of Petworks.
After observing how many pet owners seek nuanced services for their beloved creatures, Redding residents Caldwell and Kevin Kinyon launched Petworks—sort of an Angie’s List for furry friends. The website began with a modest selection of vendors and now boasts over five thousand “trusted pet pros” across the country. You can find listings on Petworks for dog walking and boarding, but there’s also categories like nutrition, transportation, behavior, training, hygiene, photography, and massage. Massage?
“They’re not putting cucumbers over the dog’s eyes,” laughs Caldwell. A visit from a massage therapist for pets can help animals, especially seniors, with rehabilitation, arthritis, circulation, and stiff joints.
Dr. Emily Mathews of Ridgefield had been fascinated by the concept of mobile vet services and seized the opportunity to start her own practice with less overhead.
“I thought, what a unique way to practice veterinary medicine,” Mathews says. “I threw a magnet on my SUV, filled it up with stuff, and hit the road!”
Mathews Mobile Veterinary Clinic allows Mathews the freedom to spend more time with her patients. It also requires creativity.
“You feel a little like MacGyver every day,” she explains. She’s lost count of how many beds she’s crawled under looking for cats. Instead of an examining room, she’s often checking out pets in a bathroom or basement. “You have to be really in tune with the animal and focused on your exam.”
At-home checkups are ideal for senior pets with mobility challenges, as well as four-legged companions who are not fans of car rides or the vet office. This can be an anxiety-filled journey for both parties. Many pets (and their owners) prefer a visit from a friend on their home turf.
Tony Franchi, co-owner of Groom N’ Scoop, reinforces the idea of mobile service as a thoughtful alternative for nervous animals.
“It’s that one-on-one approach for the dog that helps them overcome any fear they might have,” he explains. “We value the time that we spend with their dogs. There’s no rush! It’s not quantity; it’s quality.”
Franchi and his wife, Tina Franchi, opened Groom N’ Scoop in October 2025. It’s a mobile business offering “stress-free grooming and reliable waste removal” for Fairfield and New Haven counties. (Not scoops of ice cream, people.) A portion of their clients include elderly pet owners who find it challenging to deliver their dog to the salon or deal with poop in the backyard. Tony Franchi also cites busy people who work from home as fans of both services.
And business is booming! When I chatted with Tony Franchi, the glam squad had already beautified six pups before I’d even had second breakfast. They count over two hundred dogs as clients. “We have a lot of happy clients,” laughs Franchi.
Indeed, if anyone is considering a career in the field, Caldwell says the biggest demand on Petworks is for mobile groomers. Another service growing in popularity is in-home pet euthanasia. (I know, tough stuff.) Caldwell describes supply and demand as “currently way out of wack!” The most lucrative category for Petworks, however, is “flight nannies,” or folks who help transport furbabies from A to B.
So, there’s a tip for any budding pet professionals out there. A van might help! And please drop me a line if the grooming thing happens because Dale is always open to new stylists. As long as his trim looks fantastic with his turtleneck. •
