For four decades, business partners Dan Morris and Jeff Zerbe have forged a history of successful entrepreneurial ventures, including Honest One Autocare and Tax-Free Wealth Group. Their enduring connection began years ago when they were just starting out at a local Pizza Hut. Over time, both advanced to manage their own locations before ascending the corporate ladder in tandem—a history based on a foundation of trust and their ability to leverage their complementary strengths.
Today, that same synergy is fueling their latest passion project: Pet Evolution in Port Orange. Dan and Jeff are passionate dog and cat people. In fact, Jeff’s family has one of each – a fact represented on the outside wall of their new business, where a lone feline holds court among the dogs in a mural commissioned by the business.
“ArtHaus did a fantastic job incorporating our family pets, past and present,” says Morris. “In addition to the excitement of the art going viral on social media, it brings us a lot of joy when we get tagged in pictures of people and their fur babies with our own fur babies in the background.”
Philanthropy sits at the heart of their corporate ethos. Morris and his wife, Debbie, recently rescued Dicky Doo, a five-year-old Yorkie/Terrier following the passing of their beloved 14-year-old dog, Riley. “Rescues are near and dear to our hearts,” says Morris. Reflecting this devotion, Pet Evolution serves as a major sponsor of Sophie's Circle, donates returned pet food straight to local shelters, and provides custom Rescue Care Packages complete with a complementary collar, premium food, and a toy to anyone adopting a rescue. They also champion the Daytona Dog Beach initiative as a major sponsor of the Hang 8 Dog Surfing Fundraiser at the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona Beach.
Since officially opening this past January, the Port Orange flagship has cultivated a dedicated following, averaging 50 new reviews each month. Growth is managed intentionally, with a strict emphasis on delivering excellent customer experience and only hiring groomers who have a "real heart" for the work. “We love finding people who light up when a pet comes in the door,” says Morris.
While the business caters primarily to dogs (95% of clientele), the doors are open to cats, bunnies, and exotic companions alike. The staff was delightfully surprised when an albino wallaby recently arrived for a refreshing wash in one of the luxury, self-serve bath stations. These premium stations provide guests with an array of professional tools, plush towels, and gentle, all-natural products.
Helping pets “live the good life” doesn’t end there, however, as Pet Evolution focuses on comprehensive wellness. To guide discerning pet owners, manager Zach and the expert staff offer specialized advice on at-home coat maintenance and premium grooming tools, alongside educational resources and an insightful digital book detailing the brand's philosophy on holistic pet care.
Looking ahead, Morris and Zerbe have expansive plans for Pet Evolution, having secured exclusive franchising rights for Volusia, Flagler, and the area extending toward Orlando and Interstate 75. For the immediate future, though, their goal is to establish the Port Orange store as a successful flagship before duplicating its success. Judging by their flawless execution so far, the evolution of local pet care is in very capable hands.
The Rise of the Ancestral Diet
Helping pets “Live the Good Life” includes optimal nutrition, and Pet Evolution specializes in sourcing high-quality, ethically produced options. The raw food movement is soaring across the nation, with nearly 25% of U.S. dogs now thriving on an uncooked, minimally processed regimen designed to carefully mimic their ancestral diet. Many high-end breeders insist on raw food formulations to promote better digestion, effortless weight management, robust immune support, targeted allergy control, and healthier skin, teeth, and coats. While these raw diets can be easily tailored to handle breed-specific sensitivities, experts note the key is always selecting reputable, premium brands to ensure your companion receives the gold standard of culinary care.