Women-Owned Pet Businesses With All the Style, Purpose, and Innovation We Love

On International Women’s Day and every other day of the year, we celebrate these savvy female-led companies that provide everything we need to give our favorite furballs the very best.
Tracey L. Kelley headshot By Tracey L. Kelley March 08, 2022 Advertisement Pin FB More Tweet Email Send Text Message Print
woman holding her dog in an office conference room Credit: mixetto / Getty

Women-owned pet businesses respond quickly to the needs of the modern pet parent, and they cover a wide range of goods and services. For example, consider the recipients of Pet Age's 2021 Women of Influence Awards: Nina Leigh Kruger, the current CEO and president of Nestlé Purina PetCare for the Americas and Jolanda van der Basch, co-founder of Only an Ocean, a product resource site for pet retailers and distributors.

From the corporate halls to the niche startups, we all benefit from the efforts of hundreds of other aspirational women influencing the way we care for—and okay, maybe even spoil!—our best furry friends. Show these women-owned pet businesses some love this International Women's Day and Women's History Month (and beyond!).

RELATED: 10 Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Pet Brands Making the Planet a Better Place

Apparel

Everything you could possibly imagine for your stylish pet can be found through these fashion-forward companies.

&Mutts.Co

Animal lover Winnie Goh first fell in love with the cuteness of a dog bandana and started sewing them for friends and coworkers. Now her company, &Mutts.Co, offers bandanas, bows, matching pet mom flare, and more.

Algo Wasi

Patricia Queirolo used inspiration from her native Peru to tap into the native artistry of Andean weavers and create doggie sweaters and ponchos of organic cotton and alpaca fiber, thus forming Alqo Wasi. Sometimes, there are even hooman wearables, too! "Alqo wasi" means "dog home" in Quechua, the Incan language.

Gnocchi and Goma

A pair of French bulldogs named Gnocchi and Goma inspired their pet parent, Daniella, to design adorable pup pullovers, cooling "snoods," personalized tees, and other goods that radiate four-pawed style (named after them, of course).

Paco and Lucia

Whether your pup needs a reflective suit for cold weather or a snazzy lil' tee to cozy up in by the fire, sisters Alejandra and Pauline Martinez design and source top canine fashion for Paco and Lucia. A portion of each sale also benefits various rescue organizations.

More women-owned pet apparel companies to consider:

Furlou
Happy Dog Mom Co.

Food and Treats

Cats and dogs are living well with tasty options like these from such clever women!

Dr. Becker’s Bites

Author Karen Becker, DVM, CVH, CVA, CCRT, knows a thing or two about keeping dogs healthy. Dr. Becker's Bites is a family business intended to provide 100-percent organic, non-GMO, all U.S.-sourced, human-grade meat treats. Recipes are developed by her mom, Jeannine.

High Hopes

With a dual focus on dog nutrition and advocacy, High Hopes, founded by Paula Etchison, donates up to 15 percent of the company's annual profits to its companion foundation. Since 2010, the foundation has awarded 90 grants to shelters and rescues—totaling nearly $80,000—and donated more than 50,000 pounds of food. All lucky doggies know is that the all-natural, protein-rich food and treats are yummy.

Jiminy’s

Yes, as the name might imply, Jiminy's training treats are made with cricket protein, which studies indicate could be beneficial for dogs with allergies or digestive issues. Founder and CEO Anne Carlson also intends to stay eco-minded by reducing the company's carbon paw–er, footprint.

Open Farm

It might take a little extra effort to source all ingredient origins and audit facilities, farms, and plants, but co-founder and CEO Jacqueline Prehogan believes if 'open' is in the company name, that's what needs to be done. Open Farm creates nutritious cat and dog foods, treats, and bone broths.

Pet Wants

When Pet Wants owners Michele Hobbs and Amanda Broughton noticed their pets were struggling with coat and skin issues, they looked more closely at diet to find solutions. As a result, their company's offerings are free of animal by-products, corn, grain, and soy—and full of pet love!

Portland Pet Food Co.

According to 'Top Dog' Katie McCarron, the philosophy of Portland Pet Food Co. is "you should feed your dog like you feed yourself." Her family-owned and operated business began when McCarrron started cooking fresh, human-grade food for her ailing poodle, Rosie, to nurse her back to health. It worked, and now other pups benefit, too

Woofboard

Is Woofboard the most creative business idea ever? We think so! Lynna Choi (with the help of her dog, Puck) creates the most amazing barkcuterie boards for all of our pet celebration needs, including birthdays, gotcha days, and more. With nationwide shipping, you'll never be without the perfect pet gift.

Additional nom-nom worthy pet food and treat businesses run by women:

Blue Ridge Dog
Bocce's Bakery Dog and Cat Treats
Bow Wow Labs
Frenchie's Kitchen
Pet Cakes
Stashios
TruDog
Wet Noses

Gear and Supplies

Quite a list here for everything you could ever want for your floofy best friend!

Cat Cave

What kitty wouldn't want to get super-snuggly in a hand-crafted woolen cave made with organic, ethically sourced wool? That's exactly what Cat Cave founder Holly Hudson thought when she guided her family to make adorable cat nooks. As a feel-good buy bonus, the Nepalese women who do the hand-felting receive 200 percent the average wage in their community.

Dexy Paws

Canine CEO Dexter stamps his paw of approval on Dexy Paws founder Kourtney Russiani's selection of eye-catching leashes, furniture, treats, and more. So they must be good! A percentage of each purchase benefits the Toronto Humane Society, too.

Earth Rated

When there's a pooch, there's always poop. Why not use eco-friendly products that help you take care of bidness without a lot of fuss? That's the goal of Earth Rated. Co-founded by Monica Sposato, the company offers easy-clip dispensers, compostable poop bags, and wipes, and stays active in animal welfare organizations as well as environmental and social campaigns.

Fable

Sophie Bakalar and her brother, Jeremy, created Fable with specific protocols to ensure the safety of their custom-designed pet products. The line includes the innovative Falcon Toy for interactive play or focused quiet time, a variety of furniture, and other must-have items.

Hauspanther

For originator and owner Kate Benjamin, the purpose of Hauspanther is reflected in the mission statement: "Making the world a better place for cats and the people who love them, one scratching post at a time." Her company features interesting products for both cats and cat-loving people, donates to various charities, and also allows new designers to submit their creations.

Maxbone

Whether you need food and the bowls to serve it in, cute sweaters, or rewarding toys and treats, Maxbone wants to help you find what you need. After being recognized as a top 2022 entrepreneurial influencer by Insight Success, founder Parisa Fowles-Pazdro posted, "Reimagining the pet industry one piece at a time, we are on a constant mission to bring the best possible offering to pets and their people."

Outback Tails

Recognizing the importance of heritage, Outback Tails features beds, bowls, coats, collars, leads, and toys designed by Pauline Napangardi Gallagher and Ursula Napangardi Hudson from the Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation in the Central Desert. Owner and director Jessica Knight also donates part of the company's proceeds to these indigenous artists and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.

Sassy Woof

If glam is your jam, hoof it on over to Sassy Woof! Christine Chang is its founder, CEO, and creative director. With additional canine insight from her dachshunds Maya and Winston, Chang and her team bust out with adorable goods that are irresistible.

The Foggy Dog

From using recycled materials such as post-consumer bottle fiber to how each order supports shelter dogs around the U.S., Rose Shattuck had a vision to manufacture quality products that are both functional and beautiful. Dog and cat toys, apparel, beds, walk sets, and more are available here.

Wondercide

When her Akita and husky mix, Luna, became seriously ill from flea and tick sprays and pest control products used in quarterly lawn services, founder and CEO Stephanie Boone knew there had to be a better way. Leaping from a stall at a farmers' market to an appearance on Shark Tank, Wondercide creates all-natural, plant-based, pest-control products thst focus on the health of both animal and human families.

ZippyPaws

Toys! Wearables! Treats! Functional doodads! If you want it, you'll likely find it at ZippyPaws. Clever doesn't begin to describe the collection Jennifer Cao dreamed up as co-founder and vice president. Okay, flagship dogs Kramer ('Chief Floof') and Birdie ('Chief Chomper') and the rest of the team chip in a lot, too.

More female-led pet gear and supply companies we love:

Bone-A-Patreat
Cycle Dog
Kona Benellie
Petique
The Bark Shoppe
UpDog Toys
Velvet Hippo
Woof Models

Services

The innovators of these companies understand how to help you and your pets explore all life has to offer.

BluePearl Pet Hospice

Shea Cox, DVM, is the founder and medical director of BluePearl Pet Hospice. As she told Daily Paws, "I want every family to know this type of care is available, and what an impact it can have as a pet nears the end of life."

DigDates and Tabby

Dog and cat lovers also seeking hooman love too can rejoice over DigDates and Tabby. Mighty sister duo Casey and Leigh Issacson grew weary of dating profiles falsely claiming to accept pets, so they created something more direct, believing if people aren't on the same page about animals, they're just not compatible. Ain't that the truth?

How I Met My Dog

Speaking of compatibility, the prevailing motto of this insightful company is "Don't just adopt a dog, adopt your dog." Founders Mary Ann Zeman, Jodi Andersen, and Sharon Mosse use their powers in dog training, animal behavior, and business to help match prospective pet parents with their canine soulmates.

K9 Align

Canine hip dysplasia affects many dog breeds, especially those who are incredibly active or big. CEO Larkie Dam formed K9 Align with three other co-founders skilled in canine rehabilitation and therapy, business, and marketing. The result? A unique custom-fit garment your dog can wear to help improve stability, strength, posture, and mobility.

Lending a Paw

When entrepreneur Kiley Ossello realized how challenging it was to manage the logistics of having pooches in weddings at her own nuptials, this sparked an idea. Now she offers a range of services with Lending a Paw and can be used for weddings and other big events like proposals, photo sessions, and more.

Oakley Canine Athletics

If you've been dying to teach your dog agility skills, Laurren Zimmerman can make that happen! She founded Oakley Canine Athletics, a functional fitness company, to help people and their dogs all over the U.S. through workshops and virtual sessions. In her words, she wants to "transform dog agility teams by optimizing health and wellness of both handlers and their canine athletes."

Check out more pet services owned by women: