Sisters on the Move: Mobile Dog Brings Expert Grooming to Your Doorstep

by Ellyn Wexler, Staff Writer

Chrissy and Nikki operate Mobile Dog with passion. Photo by Benjamin Burgess.

For sisters Chrissy Wilt and Nikki Thompson, grooming dogs isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life, a family legacy, and now, a mobile business rolling through Northern Virginia.

Launched just two months ago, Mobile Dog is the sisters’ latest venture: a state-of-the-art grooming salon on wheels serving Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Great Falls, and nearby communities. After decades of working in their family’s grooming salons, Canine Carousel, the sisters decided it was time to build something of their own.

“We saw a growing need for mobile grooming,” Chrissy explained. “Pet parents don’t want to drop their dogs off for hours anymore. This is a luxury, stress-free service that comes right to their doorstep.”

Grooming Runs in the Family

Chrissy and Nikki are third-generation groomers. Their maternal grandmother bred and showed cocker spaniels and shih-tzus. Their mother, Lil Lewis, opened Canine Carousel (now in Herndon and Ashburn) in 1977, and still runs it today. The sisters practically grew up in the shop—cleaning up, bathing and drying dogs on weekends as soon as they were tall enough to reach the tubs.

Today, Chrissy continues to groom and supervise operations at the Herndon location, while Nikki does the same in Ashburn. Despite launching their own mobile business, they remain deeply involved in the family salons.

Their close-knit family includes four sisters and their mother, and they talk to each other every single day. “We’re constantly checking in, encouraging each other, and swapping grooming stories,” said Nikki. Their mother gave them the street smarts to run a business, while their late father, Lee Lewis remains their ‘moral center.’ For the sisters, grooming is more than a skill—it’s a way of life built on love, loyalty, and lifelong bonds.

That sense of purpose sharpened when Chrissy's husband passed away, leaving her a widow with three children. “I knew I had to do something more, something that gave me flexibility while still doing what I love,” she said.

A Salon on Wheels—With Heart

The state-of-the-art van itself is as impressive as the women behind it. Purchased from Mobile Groom World, it’s a fully electric, custom-built grooming unit powered by $10,000 worth of lithium batteries. “It’s quiet, safe, and luxurious,” said Nikki. “Everything is designed to make pets feel calm and pampered.”

Photo by Benjamin Burgess

Chrissy and Nikki were inspired to launch Mobile Dog after recognizing a growing demand for mobile grooming in the area. They wanted something they could call their own while still doing the work they love. Their sister Betsy, based in Kansas, already operates five grooming vans—so it runs in the family.

Inside, pups are treated to warm baths with premium shampoos, gentle facials, haircuts tailored to breed standards, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and even bows or bandanas. All-in pricing means there are no surprise fees; everything is included.

“We don’t rush,” said Chrissy. “This is a one-on-one experience. No cages, no chaos. Just your pet and a groomer who treats them like their own.”

Local Roots, Lifelong Passion

Mobile Dog is more than a business; it’s a tribute to their deep roots in Northern Virginia. Chrissy and Nikki both attended South Lakes High School. Their mom still lives in Reston. “We’ve been embraced by this community,” Nikki said. “So many people have supported us from the beginning, it’s amazing.”

They currently split grooming duties, with Nikki often handling the smaller dogs. Chrissy, often celebrated for her artistic flair, was named “Best New Creative Groomer” in 2022 by OPAWZ and was featured on the “Desus & Mero” television show.

Together, they bring more than 50 years of grooming expertise, a calming energy, and a commitment to making every pet look and feel their best. “Grooming is an art,” Chrissy said. “And every dog is a different canvas.”

Why Mobile Grooming?

Yes, mobile grooming costs more than a traditional salon, and for good reason. Operating a mobile unit comes with high overhead: insurance, fuel, top-tier equipment, and travel. But the value lies in the experience.

“Mobile grooming isn’t just about convenience,” said Nikki. “It’s about comfort for both the pet and their owner. No driving, no waiting, no stress.”

Appointments typically last 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on the breed, coat, and services requested. They groom most breeds and are happy to coordinate bookings by phone, text, or email.

Because they handle just a few dogs per day, they can focus on quality and build meaningful relationships. “Some of our clients have become great friends,” said Chrissy. “We’ve watched their dogs grow from puppies to seniors.”

Looking Ahead

For now, Chrissy and Nikki are building their routine, learning to navigate traffic, perfect schedules, and handle every appointment with care. But the dream doesn’t stop here.

“Eventually, we want a second van,” said Nikki. “We’d love to cover more ground, maybe even have each of us run a route.”

They also hope to connect with local pet events and rescue organizations soon. “We’re just getting started,” Chrissy said. “But we want to give back. This community means everything to us.”

For more information or to book an appointment with Mobile Dog, call or text 571-334-6486, email info@mobiledog.com/, or submit the intake form at www.mobiledog.com/.