24 AugThese 5 US-Based Small Businesses Make Dog Products We Love
You know how they say you are what you eat? Well, businesses don't really eat… but we do consume. And we help our clients consume from other businesses. If we are what we consume, then we have to admit that we are just… pretty darn awesome.
That's because, as a small business, we pride ourselves on doing business with small companies who are mission-driven, just like us– companies that believe in sustainability, fairness, equality, quality and, well, dog happiness.
We cannot vouch for the practices of every company whose products we use or sell, but there are certainly some businesses we work with that really wow us with the way they operate.
Here are some of the brands we sell in our shop that we think are doing particularly awesome things:
West Paw
West Paw, is a B Corp that designs and manufacturers all its toys and treats in Bozeman, MT. They guarantee every product they meet — if your dog doesn't like it, or it doesn't hold up, they will take it back, no questions asked!
Their proprietary Zogoflex rubber is eco-friendly; their stuffed toys are filled with stuffing made from recycled bottles. Everything they make is BPA and phthalate-free, non-toxic and FDA compliant. On top of all that: They pay their employees to help clean and maintain the local public dog park.
Found My Animal
Found My Animal, which makes gorgeous leashes, collars, beds and bags in upstate NY, donates part of the proceeds from their sales go to support animal welfare and rescue organizations. They also list adoptable dogs on social media and on their site. Their motto: If you cannot adopt, foster. If you cannot foster, donate. If you cannot donate, volunteer.
Planet Dog
Planet Dog, based in Maine, is a founding member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition, an industry organization made up of companies committed to accelerate the process of creating sustainable, Earth-friendly products. Their Orbee-Tuff line, which includes one of our students' favorite toys, the Snoop) are made in the USA, which minimizes emissions from overseas transport. Two percent of every sale goes to their Planet Dog Foundation, which funds programs that train, place and support working dogs helping people in need.
Ruffwear
Ruffwear, which is based in Bend, OR, makes awesome gear and toys (all made from natural, petroleum-free, sustainable rubber), specializing in harnesses and other accoutrements designed to support working dogs and their handlers. Through its Ruff Adventure Dog Adoption Program with Ruffwear covers the cost of adoption fees and travel expenses for newly adopted dogs from the Kanab, Utah sanctuary Best Friends Animal Society, and gives adopted dogs a new Ruffwear collar and leash to go home with.
K9 Sports Sack
This Utah-based small business, which specializes in front-facing dog backpacks, donates a portion of its profits to rescues and shelters as part of their “No Dog Left Behind Promise.”
