What began as a simple way to make use of a few cars has grown into a deeply compassionate, around-the-clock service for families navigating illness, loss, and love for their pets. Through San Diego Pet Driver and Thanicare, Bruce Antonoff shows up in the most vulnerable moments — transporting injured animals, guiding families through difficult decisions, and ensuring pets are cared for with dignity from first call to final goodbye. His work is rooted not in convenience, but in presence, trust, and the belief that compassion matters most when people need it most.
Hi Bruce, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story and the deeply meaningful work you do with our readers. We’re grateful for the care and compassion you bring to families during some of their hardest moments, so let’s jump right in.
You started California Chauffeur back in 2008, and that simple thought — “If I can drive people, I can drive pets” — eventually led to San Diego Pet Driver and, years later, owning Thanicare. Looking back, how did that original idea grow into the full circle service you provide today?
I was out of work and a friend suggested that I go with him to the car auction to purchase a few cars to flip while I found an office job. We went and I purchased three vehicles. My sister in Los Angeles said: “You are not working, can you help me sell an extra car that I have?” I said yes. My sister in Carlsbad, said the same thing and I ended up with 5 cars and no job. So I said: “How can I make money off these cars?” That is how I started California Chauffeur. I said that if I can drive people, I can drive pets… and that is how it all began.
Your work often begins when a pet is still alive but struggling, and continues through end-of-life care and aftercare. How does being present across that entire journey shape the way you approach families and their pets?
People call me out of a need to transport a sick pet, oftentimes they get my number from the 24 hour vet. They can not move the dog, the dog is heavy or injured and wants to bite them since the dog is in pain. I bring a muzzle, a stretcher and we get the dog to the 24 hour vet asap. Sometimes there are several visits involved. The dog is treated and released back home and a few weeks or days later the dog has to go back. Sometimes the dog is released to pass away naturally at home or the owner decides to euthanize right at the vet. At that point I can take the body for cremation. If the owner decides to take the pet home and it passes a few days later, I can send a vet to provide euthanasia and I can take the body once that is done. I can return two weeks later and return with a paw print and an urn or some people just want a communal cremation with no return.
Many of the calls you receive happen late at night or in incredibly emotional situations. What have those moments taught you about grief, trust, and the role compassion plays in a service like yours?
You need someone to be strong for the client and clearly spell out options. For example: let’s put this sling under the dog to slide him on to the stretcher, let’s strap the dog in and load him into the vehicle. People are amazed with how quick the process is. I often tell people: “Don’t be surprised if the dog sees a stranger and gets up and walks to me. If he does, I’ll put this belly sling under his belly and guide him directly to the vehicle”. I tell the client to go in front of me with treats and hop directly into the back of my vehicle and the dog will follow. People are amazed on how quickly we get the pet into the vehicle. They don’t understand how the dog laid in the same spot without moving for 2 days and now sees me and gets right up.
Thanicare now offers services many people don’t even realize exist, from home euthanasia coordination to exhuming and respectfully rehoming a pet’s remains when families move. Why was it important for you to offer such comprehensive and thoughtful options?
I’ve been in the industry for 19 years since 2008 with San Diego Pet Driver and Thanicare has been in business since 2006. I’ve heard and seen it all in that period of time and I offer what has been requested throughout the years.
For readers who may one day find themselves facing the loss of a beloved pet, what would you want them to know about navigating that moment — and how services like San Diego Pet Driver and Thanicare are designed to support them with dignity and care?
Sooner or later our precious pet will pass away, it is only a matter of time. Some cats that I have picked up have lived 19 to 20 years, dogs generally make it to 12 to 14 years. People say that the passing of their pet is so painful that they never want to go through that again. I say: “But you have the opportunity to love another pet for at least 10 more years, don’t deprive yourself of another opportunity to show love to a furry creature”. For those in San Diego, California, we have our phone line open 24 hours and are there to help. I enjoy very much helping people when they need it most. Many parents call us in the middle of the night because they don’t want the children to see their family pet deceased. We come right away.
