Military Discipline Meets Compassionate Pet Care: The Story of a Woman Veteran-Owned Dog Business

Expert insights from Paws & Applause

January 24, 2025 Maddie Van Fleet 10 min read

In Maryville, Tennessee, a unique pet care business combines military precision with compassionate care to create an exceptional experience for pets and their families. Paws & Applause LLC isn't just another dog boarding facility – it's a woman and veteran-owned business that brings military values and discipline to pet care.

Maddie Van Fleet with German Shepherd at Paws & Applause facility in Maryville TN

Founder Maddie Van Fleet brings professional expertise and personal passion to every interaction

Military Values Transform Pet Care

When you entrust your pet to a veteran-owned business, you're getting more than just pet care – you're getting a commitment to excellence forged through military service. Here's how military values translate to superior pet care:

Integrity Above All

Military service instills an unwavering commitment to integrity. At Paws & Applause, this means:

  • Transparent Communication: Daily updates and honest assessments of your pet's progress
  • Ethical Practices: No shortcuts, no compromises on safety or quality
  • Accountability: Taking full responsibility for every pet in our care
  • Trust: Building relationships based on reliability and consistency

Discipline and Structure

Military training creates habits that benefit pets:

  • Consistent Schedules: Pets thrive on routine, just like military operations
  • Attention to Detail: Nothing escapes notice – from slight behavior changes to health concerns
  • Standard Operating Procedures: Every task follows proven protocols for safety and effectiveness
  • Mission Planning: Each training program is strategically planned for success

The Female Veteran Advantage

Female veterans bring unique strengths to pet care that set them apart:

Emotional Intelligence

Women in the military develop exceptional skills in:

  • Reading Non-Verbal Cues: Essential for understanding pet behavior and needs
  • De-escalation Techniques: Calming anxious or aggressive animals
  • Multi-tasking: Managing multiple pets with different needs simultaneously
  • Nurturing Leadership: Firm guidance with compassionate understanding

Breaking Barriers

Female veterans have proven themselves in male-dominated fields, bringing:

  • Determination: Overcoming challenges is second nature
  • Innovation: Finding creative solutions to complex problems
  • Resilience: Handling difficult situations with grace and strength
  • Leadership: Commanding respect through competence and character

Where Structure Meets Compassion

The magic happens when military discipline combines with female intuition:

Structured Freedom

Unlike rigid kennels or chaotic daycare centers, veteran-owned facilities offer:

  • Organized Play: Structured activities that provide mental and physical stimulation
  • Controlled Socialization: Carefully managed interactions for safety and fun
  • Flexible Discipline: Rules that adapt to individual pet needs
  • Balanced Environment: Structure without stress, freedom within boundaries

Professional Excellence

Military standards elevate pet care to new levels:

  • Continuous Training: Always learning, always improving techniques
  • Equipment Maintenance: Facilities kept to military cleanliness standards
  • Emergency Preparedness: Ready for any situation with action plans
  • Team Coordination: Staff work together like a well-oiled unit

Community Impact and Support

Choosing a woman veteran-owned business creates ripple effects throughout the community:

Supporting Veterans

  • Economic Impact: Your business directly supports veteran entrepreneurship
  • Employment Opportunities: Often hiring other veterans and military spouses
  • Community Leadership: Veterans actively contribute to local initiatives
  • Role Models: Inspiring other women and veterans to pursue their dreams

Giving Back

Veteran-owned businesses often:

  • Support military and veteran charities
  • Offer discounts to active duty and veteran families
  • Participate in community service projects
  • Mentor other veteran entrepreneurs

Why Choose a Veteran-Owned Pet Business?

Proven Track Record

Veterans bring real-world experience that translates to pet care:

  • Crisis Management: Calm under pressure when emergencies arise
  • Global Perspective: Exposure to diverse training methods and cultures
  • Leadership Experience: Managing teams and complex operations
  • Results-Oriented: Mission accomplishment is non-negotiable

Values You Can Trust

Military service instills values that benefit your pets:

  • Honor: Doing the right thing even when no one's watching
  • Courage: Facing difficult situations head-on
  • Commitment: Seeing every task through to completion
  • Service: Putting others' needs before personal comfort

Our Story: Paws & Applause LLC

At Paws & Applause, founder Maddie Van Fleet combines her military background with a lifelong passion for animals. After losing her beloved dog Raina to cancer, she channeled her grief into purpose, creating a pet care facility that honors Raina's memory through exceptional service.

Military Precision, Personal Touch

What sets Paws & Applause apart:

  • Limited Capacity: Military-style small unit operations for personalized attention
  • NePoPo® Certification: Advanced training methods used by military and police K9 units
  • 24/7 Dedication: Military readiness means always being available for your pets
  • Mission Focus: Every pet's well-being is a mission to accomplish

The Veteran Difference

When you choose Paws & Applause, you're choosing:

  • Reliability you can count on
  • Standards that never slip
  • Communication that's clear and honest
  • Results that exceed expectations

Experience the Veteran Difference

Ready to see how military values transform pet care? Contact Paws & Applause today and discover why Maryville families trust this woman veteran-owned business with their beloved pets.

About the Author

Maddie Van Fleet is the founder of Paws & Applause LLC, a woman and veteran-owned pet care business in Maryville, TN. Together with her Army veteran husband, they combine military discipline with compassionate care to create a unique approach to pet services.