In Tyler, Lisa Allen and Joe Martellotto are known for both their work as physicians and for something unexpected: a mobile pet grooming business. They moved to the area in 2008 to be part of the region’s large medical community and started a family. Along the way, they saw an opportunity to extend their work into small business ownership.

The inspiration to open DapperTails of East Texas came after the family adopted their first puppy. As new dog owners navigating the world of pet care, Lisa and Joe found themselves drawn to the pet industry, particularly mobile grooming. They chose franchising for the structure and support it offered, and their focus on mobile grooming grew from recognizing a genuine need in the community. It wasn’t just about convenience, but about offering a more personalized grooming experience for pets that prioritizes the health and comfort of pets who might struggle in traditional grooming environments.

“Mobile grooming is ideal for all dogs for many reasons, but excellent for many dogs that might not be able to get groomed at a brick-and-mortar store,” Lisa explains. “Like dogs who have an immune disorder or are old and can’t travel easily or have anxiety.” In practice, the service eliminates the stress of drop-off and pickup, and pets never have to sit in a cage waiting for their turn. There’s no exposure to kennel cough. Instead, a fully equipped spa arrives at the client’s home, and the grooming experience is calm, individualized, and seamless.

What truly sets DapperTails apart is the comprehensive wellness approach woven into every package. The business offers grooming packages for dogs of all sizes and breeds with services tailored to each pet’s needs and delivered by trained grooming professionals. Dog services include bathing, brushing, blowouts, nail care, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and breed-specific haircuts. Each visit includes health maintenance, which is why ear and teeth cleaning are provided at no extra cost.

The mobile grooming vans are designed to function as fully equipped pet salons, allowing all services to be completed onsite in a controlled, comfortable setting. Each van is climate-controlled and outfitted with professional grooming equipment. By bringing the salon directly to the home, the setup allows for a quiet, focused environment where pets are groomed without the distractions or congestion of a traditional shop.

In addition to grooming services, DapperTails also offers access to a veterinary telehealth option that provides pet owners with another layer of support. Through video consultations, families can connect with licensed veterinarians to ask general questions, seek guidance, or address concerns that may arise outside of traditional office hours. Offered as a separate service, telehealth is designed to complement in-person veterinary care while giving pet owners a convenient option for professional guidance when needed.

The medical background Lisa and Joe share shapes the way they think about their business. They understand that thoughtful care, attention to comfort, and consistency matter and should never be afterthoughts. Those principles translate directly into how their groomers interact with every pet, whether it’s a nervous rescue or a senior pet who can no longer manage the car ride to a salon. That perspective influences how appointments are scheduled, how groomers are trained, and how each interaction is approached with patience and attention to a pet’s comfort.

For families juggling work, kids’ activities, and the everyday demands of life in Tyler, the convenience of mobile grooming makes a meaningful difference in daily routines. DapperTails of East Texas brings professional care, personalized attention, compassion, and a spa-worthy experience right to the neighborhood, one driveway at a time. 

To learn more about the services or schedule an appointment, pet owners can visit the website or call by phone.

DapperTails of East Texas

903-508-4184