Passage East Kennels, Wilton’s first independent pet care center, is thrilled to celebrate twenty-five years as a home away from home for Fairfield County’s furry citizens & trusted resource for generations of pup-loving neighbors.
Joe & 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 Road location into a canine retreat, serving both local pets & 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 Road, now used for staff housing as well as feline-exclusive boarding at their 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.”
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+ 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."