Business founded by Chris and Emily Elias in 2017 helped shape the model now being franchised
LONG ISLAND, N.Y., April 2, 2026 — DapperTails Mobile Pet Grooming today announced the transition of its Long Island operation to new franchise owner Caroline Dean, marking a major milestone for the company’s flagship market and the business that helped shape the model now being franchised across multiple states.
Founded in 2017 by Chris and Emily Elias as The Ruff Life, the Long Island operation was the starting point for what would later become DapperTails. Built first as a local mobile grooming business and expanded over time through disciplined operations, team development and customer trust, the market became the foundation for the DapperTails system and the approach the company now brings to franchise owners.
Today, the Long Island business spans 18 territories and includes 12 mobile grooming vans, making it one of the largest and most established operations in the DapperTails network. The market has served as the company’s flagship operation and a real-world proving ground for the systems, service standards and operational model behind the brand.
“Long Island is where this all started for us,” said Chris Elias, co-founder and CEO of DapperTails. “What began as The Ruff Life grew into the foundation for DapperTails and helped us shape the model we franchise today. This market means a great deal to our family and to our company, and we are confident Caroline is the right person to lead it forward.”
Dean brings a background in strategic development, relationship building and mission-driven leadership. She is a founding managing partner of GiveProsperly and has spent more than a decade helping nonprofit organizations secure funding and support long-term growth.
A resident of Long Island’s East End and a dog owner, Dean said she is committed to building on the strong foundation already in place.
“I’m honored to step into this role and continue what Chris and Emily built here,” Dean said. “This business already has deep roots in the community and a strong reputation with pet families across Long Island. I’m excited to support the team, serve clients with care and professionalism, and help lead this next chapter with intention.”
For DapperTails, the transition represents more than a change in ownership. It reflects the evolution of a business that began as a founder-built local operation, matured into a flagship market and ultimately helped define the franchise system the company launched in 2025. The company’s franchise disclosure materials identify The Ruff Life as the affiliate through which the company’s original outlets operated before expansion under the DapperTails brand.
Emily Elias, co-founder and COO of DapperTails, said the Long Island operation has always held a special place in the company’s story.
“This market helped show us what was possible,” she said. “It gave us the opportunity to refine how we operate, how we support teams and how we deliver a consistent experience for pets and their owners. Watching it enter this next chapter is incredibly meaningful.”
DapperTails began offering franchises in March 2025, building on an operating foundation developed through its company-run outlets. The company said the Long Island transition reflects its focus on building strong systems, supporting sustainable growth and creating opportunities for owner-operators to step into established markets with a proven foundation.
About DapperTails Mobile Pet Grooming
DapperTails Mobile Pet Grooming is a mobile pet grooming franchise founded by Chris and Emily Elias. The brand grew out of The Ruff Life, the Long Island business launched in 2017, and began offering franchises in 2025. DapperTails has awarded 38 territories and supports franchise owners with recruiting, training, systems and operational support.
Media Contact
Lia Head-Rigby
Chief Communications & Franchise Officer
DapperTails Mobile Pet Grooming
Lia@DapperTailsFranchising.com