BUSINESS FEATURE
BY DARCY SPRAGUE
FUN FACT: Bearded dragons have three eyes.
WAFFLES , BEARDED DRAGON
MARY POOPINS , SILKY CHICKEN
MEET THE PLAYERS Tiny Tails to You is a family- ownedmobile petting zoo in Central Austin.
GUS , HOLLAND LOP RABBIT
HOG , PYGMY HEDGEHOG
FUN FACT: Hedgehogs run 8-12 miles a night.
PHOTOS BY DARCY SPRAGUE COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
SMOKEY , CHINCHILLA
Tiny Tails to You Austin family brings joy of animals to events for all ages T welve years ago, Chelsea Phillips said she wanted to start a petting zoo. Her mom are really passionate about animal care and educating people about animals,” Phillips said. Tiny Tails to You is a mobile
FUN FACT: A chinchilla’s fur is so thick that it can su ocate eas.
to smaller parties. The animals live with the couple and their two children at their East Austin home. The family built an insulated and climate-controlled structure in their backyard to house the animals. They also divided up their yard so that the animals can spend time outdoors daily. The pair said every child reacts uniquely to each animal, but they love to see children warm up to di erent animals, such as bearded dragons, after learning more about them. Personally, Phillips said she can not pick a favorite. “I love spending time with each of [the animals] for di erent reasons,” Phillips said. “You get so many di erent things out of each of them, and I’m really glad we get to share that with people.”
MEET THE OWNERS
had started one after Phillips went o to college, and she thought it was a fun idea. But, living in Central Austin, she knew she would not be able to have large animals. “I loved the idea of working with kids and animals,” Phillips said. “I didn’t know if it would do very well, because people expect goats and sheep at petting zoos, I thought. But people really got excited about it.” Two years later, her husband, Joe Moore, left his job as an elementary school teacher to help her run the business. Now, the couple employs at least 10 part-time sta ers. “People seem to like the way we really put the focus on the safety of the animals and hire people who
petting zoo that goes to children’s birthday parties and other events, such as happy hours, o ce parties and farmers markets. Their animals include chinchillas, Holland lop rabbits, silky chickens, tortoises and bearded dragons. During the pandemic, the couple said they managed due to a quick pivot to virtual events. “I am so glad we are able to bring so many people joy through this business,” Phillips said. “I was so worried that [the pandemic] was going to end that.” Now, as the pandemic eases up, the couple is getting more booking requests, though they are sticking
Joe Moore and Chelsea Phillips, the owners of Tiny Tiles to You, hold a hedgehog and rabbit.
Tiny Tails toYou 512-423-5577 www.tinytailstoyou.com
OUR CHILD CARE SYSTEM IS BROKEN. YOU CAN HELP FIX IT.
Donate today at unitedwayaustin.org/amplify to help kids in our community get a strong start in life.
United Way for Greater Austin
27
CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022
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