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Mobile Doggy Daycare Hits the Road in Ohio

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 - A unique solution to a common problem is hitting the road in Ohio, thanks to Katelyn Nelson and her innovative "The Waggin' Wagon." Nelson, a local dog groomer, has transformed a retired school bus into a fully functional mobile doggy daycare and transportation service, offering a much-needed convenience for busy pet owners. This burgeoning business highlights a growing demand for pet care solutions that prioritize both animal well-being and owner flexibility.

Recognizing the challenges faced by many of her clients - namely, a lack of time to transport their dogs to daycare or grooming appointments - Nelson conceived of The Waggin' Wagon as a way to alleviate that stress. "A lot of people are busy, and it's hard to make time to get your dog to daycare or the groomer," she explained. Her simple yet impactful question, "How can I make this easier?" spurred her into action.

Nelson undertook the entire conversion project herself, demonstrating a remarkable blend of entrepreneurial spirit and practical skills. What began as a vision is now a tangible reality: a school bus reimagined as a comfortable and engaging space for canine passengers. The customized interior isn't just functional; it's designed to be a positive experience for the dogs. This includes custom-built kennels providing secure and comfortable resting spaces, sophisticated climate control to ensure a pleasant temperature regardless of the weather, and a curated entertainment system featuring calming music and a selection of toys. "The dogs have a place to lay down, toys, and some music plays," Nelson stated, emphasizing her commitment to creating a fun and enriching journey for her furry clients.

Launched in September 2025, The Waggin' Wagon has rapidly garnered popularity within the local community. The response has been overwhelming, with Nelson reporting a consistently full schedule since its inception. This swift adoption underscores the clear need for such a specialized service - a testament to Nelson's intuitive understanding of the modern pet owner's lifestyle and the desire for convenient and reliable pet care options. The rapid booking rates suggest a significant market share that Nelson is capturing, and likely inspires other entrepreneurs to consider similar solutions.

Beyond the immediate success in her Ohio community, Nelson has ambitious plans for expansion. The positive feedback and growing demand have already sparked interest from potential clients in other cities. "I've already gotten a few inquiries, so I'm excited to see where this goes," she shared, hinting at a potential franchise model or a regional rollout. The inquiries received suggest a wider interest in mobile pet care, indicating scalability that goes beyond the local market. Future growth could involve acquiring additional buses, hiring drivers, and potentially tailoring services to meet the specific needs of different communities.

The Waggin' Wagon's success provides valuable insights into the evolving pet care industry. As urbanization continues and work schedules become increasingly demanding, the demand for convenient and stress-free pet care solutions is likely to only grow. Nelson's innovative approach demonstrates the power of identifying a specific pain point and developing a creative, customer-focused solution. It also reinforces the trend of mobile services catering to busy individuals seeking to outsource tasks while maintaining the highest standards of care for their beloved pets. This story also speaks to a broader trend of repurposing retired vehicles for non-traditional business uses, a practice often driven by sustainability concerns and the desire for cost-effective solutions.


Read the Full People Article at:
[ https://people.com/woman-converts-school-bus-into-doggy-day-care-pickup-exclusive-11879453 ]