Passage East Kennels, Wilton’s first independent pet care center, is thrilled to celebrate 25 years as a home-away-from-home for Fairfield County’s furry citizens and a trusted resource for generations of pup-loving neighbors.
Joe and Laura Kaddis of Weston purchased Passage East, previously home to a breeder of Labrador retrievers, in June 2000. Unable to find a boarding facility they could entrust with their pack of nine rescue dogs, the couple took the opportunity to transform the 499 Danbury Rd. location into a canine retreat, serving both local pets and dogs in need.
Passage East has since expanded its boarding services to add dog daycare, specialty “pupgrades” such as one-on-one playtime and snuggle sessions, as well as holiday-themed playgroups and a summertime water park with doggy pools and splash pads. Bathing, haircuts, and nail trims are also available to canine customers in their full-service Salon. In 2016, Passage East purchased the property next door at 503 Danbury Rd., now used for staff housing as well as feline-exclusive boarding at its Cat Cottage.
Owner Joe Kaddis credits Passage East’s longevity and success to an unwavering commitment to the well-being of the pets they care for as well as the people they work with.
“Since day one, our focus has been on letting dogs be dogs,” Kaddis says. “We love that we have a four-acre campus that allows our guests to socialize and enjoy the fresh air. Even our cat visitors have their own secure outdoor ‘catio’ to safely sunbathe and birdwatch.”
Above all, Kaddis believes Passage East’s greatest asset is its team of dedicated pet lovers. “For the last 18 years, our General Manager Fawn Holden has led our team and prioritized hiring full-time employees, giving them the benefits and support to build a career in animal care,” explains Kaddis.
While the business has evolved over the past quarter century, Passage East is proud to remain an independent and family-run business where you can now find the Kaddis daughters — Mary, Amy, Becca and Anna — working alongside the kennel team when not in school.
In 2025, Passage East continues to reinvest in its campus and staff and is celebrating its roots in animal rescue by helping 25-plus dogs find loving homes this year.
“We’re beyond grateful to our community for letting us be part of so many special animals’ lives through the years,” Kaddis adds. “Our team is so fortunate to have the opportunity to grow and do what we love every day.”
