Meet the founders
Your Pets In Our Safe Hands.
From the Streets of London to comprehensive pet care. After a combined 45 years serving with the London Metropolitan Police, we traded our badges for belly rubs — providing the most trusted pet services in the Valley.
Our Story
From the Streets of London
to the Streets of Surprise.
When you trust us with your keys, you aren’t just getting a service provider — you’re getting 24/7 professional oversight and a commitment to home security that only decades of service can provide.
Tony and Liza Bacon served a combined 45 years with the London Metropolitan Police before immigrating to Surprise, Arizona in 2018. They acquired Critter Caretakers Pet Services — founded in 2010 and originally based in Mesa with just 6 sitters — and built it into one of Arizona’s most awarded pet care businesses — voted Best Pet Services 12 times by the East Valley Tribune, earning a 4.9 Google rating, an A+ BBB rating, and 4 ThreeBest Rated awards.
In early 2026, Critter Caretakers was rebranded to Scritches Pet Services — reflecting the team’s growth and the business’s expanded coverage across the entire Phoenix metro area. With ~40 vetted sitters and hundreds of regular clients, Scritches continues to set the standard for professional, trustworthy pet care in Arizona.
We didn’t just enter the pet care industry — we brought the same discipline, integrity, and attention to detail that defined our careers in law enforcement. Every sitter who works with Scritches has gone through a rigorous vetting process that goes well beyond a standard background check. Because your pets and your home deserve exactly that level of scrutiny.
Our journey
From London to leading Arizona’s pet care industry.
Liza joins the Metropolitan Police
Beginning what would become a 28-year career in law enforcement across London.
Tony joins the Metropolitan Police
Adding his own service to the family’s combined law enforcement record.
Critter Caretakers is founded
The business is established in Mesa, Arizona — the roots of what would later become Scritches.
Immigration & acquisition
Tony and Liza make the move to Arizona and acquire Critter Caretakers Pet Services — then just 6 sitters strong — bringing their law enforcement standards to the pet care industry.
Building Arizona’s most awarded pet care business
12× Best Pet Services, 4× ThreeBest Rated, A+ BBB rating, ~100 five-star Google reviews. Growing from a small operation to ~40 vetted sitters.
Rebranded to Scritches Pet Services
Critter Caretakers becomes Scritches — reflecting the team’s expansion across the entire Phoenix metro area and the next chapter in the business’s growth.
The people
Meet Liza & Tony.
Liza Bacon
Metropolitan Police · Surprise, Arizona
Liza is the operational heartbeat of Scritches. She manages day-to-day operations — IC onboarding, client matching, scheduling, and making sure every single visit is handled to the standard she’d expect if it were her own pets being cared for.
With 28 years in law enforcement and years running one of Arizona’s most awarded pet care businesses, Liza brings a level of professionalism and precision to pet care that is genuinely rare in this industry.
Tony Bacon
Metropolitan Police · Surprise, Arizona
Tony focuses on the business strategy, systems, and infrastructure that makes Scritches work at scale. From the vetting process to the technology platform, Tony ensures that every part of the operation meets the standard he applied to 15+ years of law enforcement.
Tony also leads PetBizMastery — an education and content hub for pet business owners — and is building PetBizApp, purpose-built software for the pet care industry.
Our team
~40 vetted sitters.
Every one of them approved by us personally.
Every professional in our network has been personally interviewed, background checked, and approved by Liza and Tony before they meet a single client. These are a few of them.
Brand & Mission Statement
“Our mission is to apply the discipline of 45 years of combined law enforcement experience to protect the homes, families, and pets of our community. Through our professional vetting process, Tony and Liza Bacon provide a single, trusted source for professionally vetted pet care — ensuring every interaction is governed by integrity, precision, and an unwavering commitment to your peace of mind.“
— Liza & Tony Bacon, Co-Founders, Scritches Pet Services
Awards & recognition
Arizona’s most awarded pet care business.
What we stand for
The values we built Scritches on.
Trust & Security
Every interaction governed by the same integrity we applied in law enforcement. Your home, your pets, and your peace of mind are always our first priority.
Rigorous Vetting
We don’t just run background checks — we conduct thorough investigations. Every contractor is personally interviewed, referenced, and approved before meeting a single client.
Accountability
GPS check-in and out. Written reports. Photos. Every visit is documented and sent to you automatically. No guessing, no shortcuts, no exceptions.
Community
We live here. We built our business here. We support first responders, military families, and healthcare workers through the Hero Program because giving back matters.
Professionalism
Pet care run like a professional operation. Systems, training, and standards that most pet businesses don’t come close to. That’s the difference 45 years of law enforcement makes.
Genuine Care
Behind the systems and the vetting is a simple truth: we genuinely love animals. Every member of our team is here because they do too.
Ready to experience the Scritches difference?
Create your free account and we’ll arrange your Meet & Greet with a vetted sitter in your area.