Tami Moore has been serving pets in Hampton Roads for years. First came her in-home dog daycare, followed by creative bark-cuterie boards and other dog treats. Her latest venture brings those tasty creations directly to the community with the Dappy Dayz Treat Trailer.
Want to give your dog an outing they’ll remember? Follow Dappy Dayz on social media to find out where the Treat Trailer will be parked next, then stop by to treat your pup to a puptini or another favorite.
We asked Tami 13 questions about her business and the love she has for the pets and pet parents she serves.
1. How did Dappy Dayz Treat Trailer get started, and what inspired you to create it?
Dappy Dayz started with my love for dogs and grew from my home doggie daycare into something much bigger. I wanted to create an experience for dogs and their owners—not just sell treats. The Treat Trailer came from the idea of taking our Bark-Cuterie boards, specialty dog drinks, treats and chews out into the community and making dogs feel like the VIPs they are.
“I honestly love the repeat dogs. There’s something special about seeing a dog come back and recognize us. When they know where the treats are and act like they own the place, you know you’ve done your job! ”
2. What’s the most popular treat or item you sell—and what do you think makes pets love it?
Our Bark-Cuterie items are definitely favorites, along with rabbit ears, and puptinis. I think dogs love them because there are so many smells, textures and flavors to choose from with the Bark-Cuterie.
3. What’s the funniest or most memorable reaction you’ve gotten from a dog visiting the trailer?
My favorite reactions are the dogs who realize exactly what the trailer is before their owners do! They start pulling toward us, sniffing around, staring at the window like, “I know there’s something in there for me.” They jump up to the window, start wagging tails, and some patiently wait. Watching their excitement never gets old.
4. Where can local pet parents find you around Hampton Roads?
We travel throughout Hampton Roads doing breweries, markets, dog events, pop-ups, private parties, and community events. We post our upcoming locations on our social media at @dappydayzdogs, so that’s the best place to see where the pink Treat Trailer is headed next.
5. Do you have a favorite local pet-friendly event or place to visit with the trailer?
I really enjoy the pet-friendly breweries, markets and community events around Hampton Roads because people come ready to spend time with their dogs. I love anywhere that treats dogs like part of the family and they are welcome.
6. What’s one thing you wish more pet parents knew about choosing treats for their dogs?
Read the ingredients and know what you’re giving your dog. I’m a big fan of simple, recognizable ingredients and single-ingredient chews and treats. Also, every dog is different, so something that works great for one dog may not be right for another. Alot of small dogs don't like treats, its funny because I give them a chicken heart and they eat it up.
7. Tell us about one of your favorite customers—human or four-legged!
I honestly love the repeat dogs. There’s something special about seeing a dog come back and recognize us. When they know where the treats are and act like they own the place, you know you’ve done your job!
8. What’s next for Dappy Dayz Treat Trailer?
We’re growing in several directions. Along with the Treat Trailer, we have our mobile Bark-Cuterie carts, dog bar experiences, beaded collar bar, custom Bark-Cuterie boxes, online boutique and now a small retail presence at The Boutiques of Virginia Beach. I want Dappy Dayz to become just a fun place to bring your dog.
9. What should pet parents know about your doggie daycare?
Our daycare is small and home-based, which allows us to give dogs a more personal experience. We focus on play, socialization and making dogs comfortable while they’re away from their families. We also offer extras like Bark-Cuterie boards, treats, walks, pup cups and exit baths.
10. If you could create one completely outrageous dog treat, what would it be?
I’d make the ultimate Dappy Dayz Bark-Cuterie tower—layers of dog-safe chews. I love chews and proteins.
11. Which dog breed is most likely to try to cut the line at the treat trailer?
Probably a Labrador! They’re usually very serious about snacks and they have absolutely no problem letting you know they’re ready to be served. They will def cut in line. Beagle is next.
12. What’s something dogs do at the trailer that never fails to make you laugh?
The intense staring. They’ll stare at the treats, then stare at their owner, then stare back at me like, “Are we really going to stand here talking, or is someone buying me something?”
13. Be honest: Who has more fun at the trailer—the dogs or the humans?
I think it’s pretty close! The dogs obviously love getting spoiled, but the humans have just as much fun picking out Bark-Cuterie treats, ordering their dog a Puptini or Barkrita and taking pictures. That’s really what Dappy Dayz is about—creating an experience they can enjoy together.
