Our History and Leadership
Founded by Dr. Paul Schifano, DVM and his mother Hannelore Bugby, Petropolis first opened its doors in 1988. The founders had a revolutionary vision: to create the nation's first all-in-one pet center servicing every pet's needs "all under one woof."
Before establishing Petropolis, Dr. Schifano and Bugby had already built a sterling reputation through Silver Maple Pet Center – the oldest pet hotel in the country. This invaluable experience laid the foundation for what would become a landmark pet care institution throughout St. Louis.
Petropolis continues to run as a family-owned business. Dr. Schifano's son, Michael Schifano, is a third-generation owner who leads all Petropolis operations. In 2025, he acquired Happy Tails Pet Center, which operates as an independent brand.
Over the decades, Petropolis has won multiple awards and accolades for exceptional pet care. We have been consistent winners of STL Magazine's A-List Awards for grooming, boarding, and daycare and a NextDoor Neighborhood Favorite. Petropolis has also been featured in Pet Boarding and Daycare Magazine, as well as Ladue News, where we were named a Platinum List Winner in the pet care services category.
When your pet stays with us at our Chesterfield or St. Charles location, they benefit from over 35 years of experience, the most cutting-edge approaches in the industry, and award-winning pet care recommended by local veterinarians.
Our Mission
Why Pets Love Petropolis
What sets Petropolis apart is our unwavering commitment to your pet's wellbeing. Our force-free philosophy means we never use fear, intimidation, or discomfort in our care or training methods. Instead, we rely on positive reinforcement and respect for each animal's individual needs and boundaries.
Our staff members don't just love dogs, they are experts in pet care with the credentials to back it up. The majority of groomers, trainers, and managers at Petropolis hold certifications from The Academy of Pet Careers and/or other industry certifiers. All Petropolis staff members also have access to Fear Free Certification at no cost to them, as provided by the company. This professional education helps our team take the best care of every pet that comes through our doors.
Our comprehensive approach makes Petropolis truly unique in the St. Louis area. From the moment your dog or cat arrives at our facilities, they're treated as the individuals they are, with personalized care plans that address their specific requirements. If you want to learn more about Petropolis, check out our frequently asked questions.
Cat Boarding
Safe, peaceful boarding options specifically designed for cats, featuring comfortable bedding, hiding spots, and personalized daily attention.