(PRESS RELEASE) Ashburn, VA — Woofie’s, the pet-care franchise renowned for its mobile pet grooming spa, dog walking, and pet sitting services, honors military veterans nationwide with a $5,000 discount on Woofie’s franchise fees and a 10% discount on services at participating Woofie’s franchises. Woofie’s is also saluting its veteran franchise owners who have turned their military experience into successful small businesses this month in recognition of Veterans Day, November 11, by featuring inspiring stories of military veterans who own and operate Woofie’s locations.
Military Makeover on Lifetime TV – Stories of Inspiration
Further highlighting its commitment to supporting veterans and their families, Woofie’s will be featured on “Military Makeover with Montel,” hosted by Montel Williams, airing on Lifetime TV in early 2026. As Military Makeover helps a military family transform their home, Woofie’s will care for the family’s beloved dog with comfort and compassion.
From Military Service to Business Ownership
The first veteran-owned Woofie’s is Woofie’s of East Louisville, Kentucky, owned by Mike LeMire and wife, Heather.
LeMire, who retired from the Army after 26 years, says his military experience provided the logistics, operations management, and leadership foundation for running a successful franchise business.
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“With Woofie’s I can combine my passion for animals with my commitment to serving the community,” said LeMire. “The support from the Woofie’s franchise team and our clients in greater Louisville has been incredible—it feels like being part of a family.”
Another veteran-owned location, Woofie’s of Concord-Manchester, is run by Arty and Jennifer Flecker, U.S. Air Force veterans, who recently opened their franchise. Their shared service background has shaped their family-first business approach—one that now includes their children as part of daily operations.
“Owning a Woofie’s has given our family the chance to work together while making a positive impact on our community,” said Jennifer Flecker. “The sense of purpose we found in the military continues here every day, helping pets and the people who love them.”
See spotlights of veteran-owned Woofie’s.
Veterans and Entrepreneurship
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, as of 2024, veterans were the majority owners of over 1.6 million businesses, which employed nearly 3.3 million workers. Veterans represent about 5.5 % of business owners in the U.S.
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Woofie’s Co-Founder and President Amy Addington says veterans often excel in business because they embody teamwork, perseverance, and are mission-focused.
“It’s an honor to work with military veterans,” said Addington. “Their discipline, leadership, and integrity make them natural entrepreneurs. Woofie’s ownership provides a meaningful next chapter—serving their local communities and pets while running their own business. We’re incredibly proud of the veterans in the Woofie’s family.”
To learn more about owning a Woofie’s franchise, visit www.ownawoofies.com.
To find a local Woofie’s location, visit www.woofies.com.
About Woofie’s
Founded in 2004 and franchising since 2018, Woofie’s is the first and only franchise in the professional pet care services industry to offer combined services of pet sitting, dog walking and mobile pet spa services. Woofie’s is further set apart by its completely customizable services and focus on customer service. Today, there are 60 locations open and operating in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
About Authority Brands
Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, Authority Brands’ companies include 15 leading home service franchisors: America’s Swimming Pool Company, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Cleaning Authority, DoodyCalls, DRYmedic, Homewatch CareGivers, Junkluggers, Lawn Squad, Mister Sparky, Monster Tree Service, Mosquito Squad, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Screenmobile, and Woofie’s. Together, these brands provide home services through more than 1,900 territories operated by more than 1,000 franchise owners. Authority Brands is dedicated to supporting individual franchise owner growth by providing strong marketing, technology, and operational support. See www.authoritybrands.com for more information.
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About Military Makeover with Montel
Military Makeover with Montel is a BrandStar Original and America’s leading branded reality TV series dedicated to giving back to veterans and their families. Hosted and co-produced by talk show legend and military advocate Montel Williams, a veteran of both the Marine Corps and the Navy, the show transforms the homes—and lives—of deserving military families across the country. Featuring co-hosts Art Edmonds and Jennifer Bertrand, Military Makeover with Montel airs on Lifetime and the American Forces Network, uniting caring companies, nonprofits, and communities to honor those who serve.
