Black-Owned Dog Businesses in the United States
The pet industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. According to the American Pet Products Association, $95.7 billion dollars were spent on pets in the United States alone in the year 2019, and an estimated $99 billion is expected to be spent in 2020.
That’s a huge, multi-billion dollar pie, and it’s time to carve out a big fat slice for minorities.
For those asking, what do dogs have to do with this? The answer is…everything!
Dogs are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. They protect us at airports, provide comfort at hospitals and are our closest companions. And just as we saw the birding community come together after the unfortunate incident in Central Park, it’s time for the dog community to follow suit. Plus, we’ve got the best teachers right at our feet – we could all be a little more like our furry friends.
But first, here are a few general ideas to keep in mind moving forward.
- Educate yourself: You can find anti-racism resources here. Everything from books, to podcasts, documentaries, and more.
- Self awareness and reflection: To better understand white supremacy and privilege and to become better allies.
- Support: There are plenty of ways to show your support! Keep the conversation going, reach out to Black members of the community and listen. Silence is compliance.
And support is really what this post is about. It’s important to spread the wealth, put your money where your mouth is, and support Black-owned businesses.
There are free ways to support Black-owned businesses too!
- Follow them on social media.
- Interact with their social media accounts by commenting, liking, reposting or sharing.
- Shout them out, either on your own social media pages or blog, or by telling your friends and family.
- Write a positive review.
- Sign up for their newsletter.
If you are a dog owner, buy their products, tell your friends about them, and follow them on social. If you are a business, carry these products in your shop, or recommend their services to your clients. We can all do something.
If you know of a Black-owned, dog-related company that we haven’t listed below, let us know. We’ll add to the list and keep it updated.
Ava’s Pet Palace
When animal lover Ava Dorsey was just a girl, she recognized a need for healthy pet treats for her dog and cat. She started Ava’s Pet Palace, and began offering treats made with quality and tasty ingredients.
Today, at just 12 years old, Ava continues to push the importance of health and wellness for pets. Her treats -like Minty Woof Poppers, and Cheeze Pleeze Bites – are made in small batches and are 100% organic.
She was recently awarded Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the WDB Marketing Legacy Awards. Congrats Ava!
Shop Ava’s Pet Palace products here.
Instagram: @avaspetpalace
The Bark Shoppe
Bronx native Melissa Mitchner opened her brick and mortar location, The Bark Shoppe in Harlem back in 2012.
This top-rated, premier pet care facility offers grooming, boarding, daycare and dog walking, as well as their own house brand of grooming products.
Besides their dog services, The Bark Shoppe also gives back, and in a big way. Melissa uses her business to help others. They offer internships to underserved communities through partners like Bronx connect, Fedcap, Pathways to graduation and Friends of the Island to help motivate and introduce people of color to the pet care industry.
Learn more about Melissa and The Bark Shoppe in this podcast episode.
Location:
100 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York, New York
Shop The Bark Shoppe products here.
Instagram: @thebarkshoppe
Beaux and Paws
When young Darius Brown saw the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, he went into action. He decided to hand make colorful bow ties to donate to the ASPCA, to help displaced dogs garner more attention in the hopes of getting adopted.
Since then, Darius has been hard at work building his brand. He’s the youngest designer to participate in the “New York Pet Fashion Show”, he was featured on Animal Planet’s “Dog Bowl lll”, and he was acknowledged by former President Barack Obama.
Today, 13-year-old Darius continues to donate and sell bow ties for animals in need. He’s currently on a mission is to ship bow ties to and visit animal shelters in all 50 states. Go Darius!
Shop Beaux and Paws products here.
Instagram: @sirdariusbrown
Brock N’ Bone
Brock N’ Bone sells a curated collection of matching headbands and dog bandanas. Founder Elyssa makes each product by hand right from her home in Harlem, NY, and sources fabric locally in the garment district.
Her shop is named for and inspired by her Cavapoo Brock. You can follow Brock on Instagram here: @brock_thecavapoo.
Shop Brock N’ Bone products here.
Instagram: @brocknbone
Enjoy-A-Bowl
When veterinarian Joe J. Owens noticed that his furry patients were getting sick because of their diet, he invented the Enjoy-A-Bowl.
The Enjoy-A-Bowl is the only appetite stimulation bowl on the market. It works by placing good smelling food in the bottom tray, then placing your dog’s actual food on top, using a divider to separate the two. The bottom food’s aroma stimulates your pet’s appetite, without any of the bad side effects.
The bowl is great for picky eaters, diabetic patients, pets on prescription diets, with pancreatitis or those managing obesity.
Follow Dr. Joe J. Owens on Instagram here: @juscallme.doc.
Shop Enjoy-A-Bowl products here.
Instagram: @enjoyabowl_products
Harlem Doggie Day Spa
Brian Taylor has always loved dogs. What began as dog walking after work turned into The Harlem Doggie Day Spa, a dog spa owned and operated by Taylor with one brick and mortar location and another on the way.
The Harlem Doggie Day Spa offers pet grooming, doggie daycare, cage free boarding and pet transportation.
Besides providing Harlem residents with great customer service and dog care, Taylor gives back to the community. He launched an internship program for at-risk youth, teaching them useful skills and providing jobs, and often participates in community driven efforts, like food and clothing drives and fundraisers. In 2013, he started a “No Poop Left Behind” campaign to increase the number of dog poop bag stations in the area, something all New Yorkers, dog owning or not, can appreciate.
You can follow Brian Taylor on Instagram at @dogfatherofharlem.
Location:
734 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York, New York
Instagram: @harlemdoggiedayspa
Homescape Pets
Husband and wife team Nana and Marcus started Homescape Pets after losing their beloved Schnauzer Beau to cancer. Towards the end of Beau’s life, they knew they couldn’t save her life, but they could give her a better quality of life. That included less hard-core drugs and more of what nature provides.
So they buckled down in Colorado and began creating simple, all-natural, hemp & CBD-based pet supplements, with an emphasis on all natural ingredients.
Fun fact: What’s in a name? Nana and Marcus moved 4 times in 5 years. Each time, they made their house into their little homestead, ensuring that their dogs were comfortable, plants were growing, and their surroundings were personalized. They believe that people create the landscape of their lives. Homestead + Landscape = Homescape. Perfect!
Instagram: @homescapepets
House Dogge
Inspired by her English Bulldog Wubbi and years of travel and design, former Nike design director Angela Medlin founded House Dogge, a modern, eco-friendly dog accessory brand.
Their beautiful studio is based in Portland, Oregon, where House Dogge makes creative and sustainable dog accessories and clothing. Check out their beautiful rope toys, and they’re personalized items.
Instagram: @housedogge
Leela Ryan
When Vanessa brought her adorable peekapoo (pekinese-poodle) home, she was soon grossed out by the stinky treats on the market. So, this attorney turned entrepreneur invented Leela Ryan (named after her dog!), a brand of vegan, plant based healthy dog treats.
These yummy vegan treats are made with limited ingredients right in NYC. They’re packed with good, healthy, locally sourced fruits and vegetables, with no artificial flavors. They’re great for dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs!
Instagram: @leelaryan
Little L’s Artisan Dog Treats
Little L’s Artisan Dog Treats was born when dog owner Lenny Forde began looking for locally-sourced, homemade dog treats that were a safe alternative to jerky for his two dogs, Lulu and Lilly.
Soon came delicious kookies, krak’ems (meat brittle) and a physical location called Little L’s Pet Bakery & Boutique in Brooklyn.
Their treats are all made in house, right in New York City, and have expanded to include things like Woofulls (dog waffles!), krumbs appetite boosters and more.
Check them out in store or buy online on their website.
Location:
311 Atlantic Ave,
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Instagram:@littlelsnyc_dog_treats
LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls
When Cyndi Prince wanted to protect her family from the toxic chemicals found in household cleaners, she knew that normal chemical ridden dryer sheets had to go. So she created LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls, a natural alternative to toxic dryer sheets.
Her wool dryer balls are made with 100% wool, which is all natural, sustainable, biodegradable and durable, PLUS they soften our clothes and reduce our dry time. And lucky for dog owners, they make great and safe dog toys! Cyndi sells a durable braided dog toy that’s soft on teeth and great for a game of tug-of-war.
All LooHoos are American-made in Maine using 100% domestic wool from American sheep farmers.
Instagram: @loohoowooldryerballs
Nova West Supplies
Nova West Supplies is committed to all natural body care, and that includes care for our canine friends too.
Their all natural dog shampoo effectively treats symptoms of dermatitis, seborrhea, mange and other parasitic or bacterial infections. It also helps soothe and eliminate scaling, rashes and inflammation. It’s great for allergy prone dogs with itchy skin.
Besides shampoo, check out their all natural anti-fungal.
A portion of their sales go to Denver Animal Shelter.
Shop Nova West Supplies products here.
Pardo Naturals
When Pardo Naturals founder Rita Pardo couldn’t find a product to relieve her
daughter’s severe case of eczema, she took matters into her own hands. She researched natural remedies, aromatherapy and medicinal herbs, and came up with her own concoctions.
That was back in 2014. Today, Rita has grown her company to include everything you need to live a toxin free lifestyle, from lotions to bath bombs, dishwasher tablets and pets!
Check out her moisturizing paw and nose lotion bars for dry noses and paws. Great for dogs who need relief, especially in the winter time.
Shop Pardo Naturals products here.
Instagram: @pardonaturals
Paws and the City (P.A.T.C.)
When Brooklyn native Jae noticed a lack of quality pet products and services in Crown Heights, she decided to open her own store. Along with her friendly cat Fiona, Jae opened Paws and the City, a shop that features an array of pet supplies in a homey environment, with wood floors and lush plants.
They’re different than your average pet shop because they’re a one stop shop; they offer a top of the line grooming salon, custom made boarding hotels, dog-walking services, in-house pet sitting services and free food delivery services to Crown Heights and nearby residents.
Location:
754 Nostrand Ave,
Brooklyn, NY, 11216
Instagram:@pawsandthecitynyc
Pet Parent Allies
CPDT-KA dog trainer Curtis uses positive reinforcement to train dogs of all ages and sizes. He implements intimidation free and fear-free methods that help you better communicate with your dog. Plus, he teaches dog agility and dog walking.
Pet Parent Allies offers private and group classes in Philadelphia and online.
Check out Pet Parent Allies here.
Instagram: @petparentallies
Pet Plate
I’ve been a huge fan of Pet Plate since even before I saw them featured on Shark Tank.
Pet Plate is a subscription-based dog food that delivers all-natural, ready-to-eat meals, straight to your door. Their food is made with human-grade fresh ingredients and cooked in a USDA facility. Plus, you can get food personalized specifically for your pup.
Company founder Renaldo Webb started his career working as a consultant in the pet food space where he witnessed first hand how mass-market pet food was made. He witnessed the inferior ingredients and substandard processes, so he worked to find a healthy solution for his dog Winston.
Today, those healthy meals are shipped all across the country.
Instagram: @petplate
PupStars Pet Care
PupStars Pet Care Service started out as a home-based dog-walking company in Chicago, and has grown into a first-class 10,000 square-foot brick and mortar operation with luxury boarding suites.
The location offers grooming, walking, boarding, training and puppy parties. If you’re in the area, check out their amazing (and huge!) dog park called Payton’s Playground, which offers a coffee shop, benches and lots of fun.
Plus, owner and founder Tara Robertson is only getting started. She also plans to host free events, mobile vaccinations and doga (dog yoga).
Location:
2337-2339, West Lake Street
Chicago, Illinois 60612
Instagram: @pupstarspetcare
Scotch and Tea
Khrys Nikole is a devoted dog walker, sitter, and trainer. She lives in New York City with her partner, dog named Butter, and cat named Chai.
Besides working with dogs, Khrys has her own accessory and stationary online shop called Scotch and Tea, where she sells matching masks and dog accessories, among other things.
Khrys will be joining CUNY City Tech for their BA program in Business & Tech of Fashion in Fall 2020.
Shop Scotch and Tea products here.
Instagram: @rhymeswithrhys
Sir Dogwood
Based in Chicago, Sir Dogwood was founded in 2016 by Chaz and her muse, Beatrix the Schnauzer. Their online dog shop curates chic and comfortable dog wear for dogs of all sizes and their sartorially-minded owners.
Their shop has everything from leashes and harnesses to sweaters, outerwear and dog beds.
Besides taking care of our pup’s fashion and at home needs, Sir Dogwood loves to feature other makers and creators in the pet space. Here’s their interview with one of our favorite crafty queens DWJ. Creators who support other creators? Yes please.
Shop Sir Dogwood products here.
Instagram: @sirdogwood
Smart Bitch Dog Training
New Orleans native Taylor Barconey is obsessed with dogs. After college, with the help of a mentor, she began her journey in dog training. She became certified, gained experience, and eventually linked up with a friend to begin making her own mark. Smart Bitch was born!
Today, Smart Bitch helps NOLA residents bond with their dogs using fun and force-free methods. They offer in person services, as well as virtual ones, like live living room groups classes and digital DIY coaching.
You can follow Taylor Barconey on Instagram at @taylorbetraining.
Check out Smart Bitch Dog Training here.
Instagram: @smartbitchdogtraining
If you know of a Black-owned, dog-related company that we haven’t listed below, let us know. We’ll add to the list and keep it updated.
Pin for later!
WiggleeWaggle Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in Brooklyn!
Hi, I’d like to nominate my aunt’s business in Topeka, Kansas: Tender Loving Care Pet Nursing Hotel is the place for ailing, elderly, injured or recovering pets when they can’t be with you.
Owner: Leslie Fleuranges
Thank you,
Jenifer Parker
Please add The Pawlished Canine Mobile Grooming to the list! I am a mobile groomer that services the Lake Houston area, a suburb in Houston, TX!
Please highlight Bark & Burn based in New York. Owned By Chad Grigg, a New York City-based photographer turned full-time dog trainer and caretaker. He’s combined all of his longtime passions into one labor of love and founded Bark and Burn in 2015. For several years Bark and Burn was a traditional dog walking company that quickly blossomed into a love of fitness and overall K-9 health and wellness. Today, some years later, Bark and Burn has now developed into a dog company that specializes in exercising, socialization, mental and physical stimulation for the pups of NYC. “With the need to appease every pup’s possible desire, Bark and Burn are currently planning to open a dog gym in NYC with a focus on K9 fitness and mental stimulation. Bark and Burn will be a reinvented version of doggie daycares and the coolest NYC gyms combined but with the added flair of having a personal trainer just for your pup during every session. We aim to not only set goals for your furry friends but to meet them while showcasing progression and achievements during the process!”
Please add jakenfriends
I think you should add 5 Element Food Therapy. Amazing dog food, treats, and supplements. Chef Sharon is amazing!
Please add Dog & Whistle to this list!
dogandwhistle.com
Questions? Email them to [email protected]
Instagram: dogwhistlevegas
Twitter: dogwhistlevegas
Facebook: DogandWhistles
Our mission is to provide affordable access to healthy food for dogs, while also fighting the food waste crisis.
We are the only minority-owned dog food company on the market that focuses on utilizing up-cycled foods and has 100% recyclable and biodegradable packaging. We’re proud to support local businesses by sourcing all of our meat and vegetables from American farmers, and all beef is grass-fed, and chicken is free-range. All of our meals and treats are prepared in a human-grade kitchen in Las Vegas, which allows us to control every part of the production process.
Please add
This Lil Dog of Mine Pet Services:
Based in Austin, TX
Mark Carter is an HBCU Grad and self-made entrepreneur. I highly recommend.
Best Regards,
Noe Galvan, DVM
Hi, I’m Nicole McMillan in Wilmington, NC and I have been in the Dog grooming industry since 2001. I own and operate Show Quality Grooming in Wilmington. I am the ONLY black owned dog grooming business in my area, and am the ONLY black groomer period. SHOW QUALITY Grooming focuses on giving each dog a Show Dog experience for a quality price!
We technicolor, hand strip, card, dashed and more!
5202 Carolina Beach rd
Wilmington, NC 28412
Suite1
Please add For the Love Dog Training. Instagram.com/forthelovedogtraining.
Email: [email protected]
Newer dog training business in Pittsburgh, PA started by a black queer woman. Only POC run training in Pittsburgh to my knowledge
Please add Nevetica to the list! Founded in MD, the company is on the rise and we are super stoked about it. The products are amazing and ACTUALLY WORK and they’re safe for your pets long term care, which is rare when it comes to pet supplements and meds. I’m a vet tech at a hospital in GA, and I’ve seen so many illnesses and conditions that could’ve been helped or avoided with the use of these products, and pets with cancers that maybe could’ve been made more comfortable in their end of life period. I love this company, and am growing with them! Best of all it’s amazing to be part of a black-owned business with pride and dignity in every product.
Le Pawtite in the Washington DC area provides day care and boarding, and even offers drop off and pick up services for small spoiled pups.
Requested Business Addition:
The Dabba Company LLC
Founder/Owner:
Willie Blue
About Us Section..
“ Here at the Dabba Company LLC, animal health is our number one priority. We believe that our pet’s health is the key to living a long, happy life filled with joy and great mental health for our pet and us! Just like our own health, it takes a little bit extra work on our side to reach our healthy goals. Here at Dabba we provide just that! We provide health services such as Fitness classes, Training classes, Canine gym memberships and so much more!
We are able to provide a complete canine health plan that will maximize your pet’s performance and overall quality of life by tapping into five essential ingredients in canine health: Mental, Strength, Cardio, Flexibility, and Balance. Have an upcoming surgery? Just got done with surgery? Dabba also provides Pre and Post surgery fitness! we will take the recovery journey with you and your referring veterinarian through the whole process!
The Dabba company doesn’t just stop at Fitness training. We also provide high quality treats we call DABBA SNACKS. Made with the simplest all natural ingredients, they provide energy, heart support, and other key benefits to help in achieving our goals of complete canine health.
Want training at home on your own time? The Dabba Company provides at home therapy plans complete with scheduled progress checks, so that you can work with your pet at whatever time is best for yall! we also provide our own line of fitness equipment for rental or for purchase, so we really have you covered all under one Woof!”
Contact:
919.434.7609
[email protected]
555 October DR Willow Spring NC 27592
Request Submitted by a Friend of the Business Owner, Forwarded to Him for any additional input if necessary ❤️
Thank You!
My Personal email provided, see business contact info for additional information.
Hi,
Dr. Jami Miller! Thanks so much for the mention! I greatly appreciate it!
Carley Lester Owner and Operator of Les Pawtites Pet Care i
Hello, my name is Michelle and I am the owner of Luxury Pet Spa in New Hyde Park. I have added a few of these businesses to a group in a facebook group showxcasing black businesses along with your written pieces on them. i hope it helps. Hope to be featured one day for New York!
Please add:
Black Owned Dog Food Business: Zach’s Quality Dog Food, LLC
ABOUT ZACH’S
Daniel Willis is the owner and operator of Zach’s Quality Dog Food. In 2003 Zach’s opened its doors and began as a home delivery service. Zach’s Quality Dog Food is now found in several Costcos and feed stores throughout the U.S. –and still growing! The company is named after Willis’ grandson (Zachary, aka Zach), and is family operated. Zach’s Quality Dog Food services homes, kennels, feed stores, and pet stores. Zach’s is now being made available to faraway places through several methods of shipping.
WHY ZACH’S DOG FOOD MATTERS
Excellent source of chicken meal to provide high quality proteins.
Contains rice to improve your dog’s digestibility and provides carbohydrates.
Chicken fat help improves the taste and to provide high amount of energy for your dog.
CEO: Daniel E. Willis
Zach’s Quality Dog Food, LLC
500 S Park Street, Breckenridge, Texas 76424
Tel. 254-522-2059
E-mail: [email protected]
Requested Business Addition:
The Dabba Company LLC
Founder/Owner:
Willie Blue
About Us Section..
“ Here at the Dabba Company LLC, animal health is our number one priority. We believe that our pet’s health is the key to living a long, happy life filled with joy and great mental health for our pet and us! Just like our own health, it takes a little bit extra work on our side to reach our healthy goals. Here at Dabba we provide just that! We provide health services such as Fitness classes, Training classes, Canine gym memberships and so much more!
We are able to provide a complete canine health plan that will maximize your pet’s performance and overall quality of life by tapping into five essential ingredients in canine health: Mental, Strength, Cardio, Flexibility, and Balance. Have an upcoming surgery? Just got done with surgery? Dabba also provides Pre and Post surgery fitness! we will take the recovery journey with you and your referring veterinarian through the whole process!
The Dabba company doesn’t just stop at Fitness training. We also provide high quality treats we call DABBA SNACKS. Made with the simplest all natural ingredients, they provide energy, heart support, and other key benefits to help in achieving our goals of complete canine health.
Want training at home on your own time? The Dabba Company provides at home therapy plans complete with scheduled progress checks, so that you can work with your pet at whatever time is best for yall! we also provide our own line of fitness equipment for rental or for purchase, so we really have you covered all under one Woof!”
Contact:
919.434.7609
[email protected]
555 October DR Willow Spring NC 27592
Request Submitted by a Friend of the Business Owner, Forwarded to Him for any additional input if necessary ❤️
Thank You!
Fur Pet Care in Austin, TX
515-660-7919
Please contact me for addition to your site. I am Michael Joe with Michael Joe’s Alpha Dog Mobile Grooming LLC AKA FluffDaddy! Black male owned Mobile Pet Stylist based out of a suburb of Dallas Texas called Little Elm.
Cool Canines out of Richmond VA, is an outstanding dog treat, and dog walking company. They make and sell dried chicken feet and homemade dog cookies – dogs love these things!
We first discovered them when we moved to Richmond and have been completely blown away by their products, services, and humor ever since! Often times at the farmers market, Jarrett, the owner, will write hilarious dad jokes on the dog treat bags! It’s worth the buy, and the laugh! Our dog Churro loves Cool Canines, and we do too!
Anyone aware of a black owned pet groomer in Los Angeles?
Hi,
Yes! Check out the Pandemic Pup Relief Tour at puprelieftour .com and scroll to the Los Angeles Groomers and you will find black owned grooming salons there.
Carley x Les Pawtites Pet Care Washington, DC
If you’re in Washington, DC and in need for a dog walker, dog/cat sitter or pet taxi Pet’s Place is for you!
I took a huge leap of faith and started Pet’s Place in Sept. of 2019, and it has been such an amazing and rewarding experience. I’m so attached to my furry friends and have created such a bond with the families. As a black female in the industry I’m thankful for opportunities such as this to not only market but to network as well! Thank you!
Contact me anytime for more details at 202-492-9092
Hi,
I’m Kesha the owner of Keesh-Hound Groom Room LLC. I’m based in Illinois west suburb of Westchester. Keesh-Hound Groom Room is a full service Dog Grooming Salon.
I would like to be added to your directory. I am blavk owned/operator of Michael Joe’s Alpha Dog Mobile Grooming LLC, aka FluffDaddy
would love to hear about black-own dog rescues or breeders, anywhere.
Hi, Does anyone know of a black owned/founded non-profit pet rescue or adoption center?
If so please email me at: [email protected] Thank you, Alex
Hey guys! Pet education is super important which is why I provide, FREE (not to undervalue pet health at ALL) at home pet care information that will lessen your vet bills, grooming bills, and headaches (lol!). If you don’t mind Monday morning content sent straight to your email then just subscribe!
Hello, Does anyone know of a black-owned pet grooming business near Albany, NY? Thank you!
Read this article and comments. Really helps me a lot. Thanks for sharing
Oops, left out Pup ‘N Iron Canine Fitness & Learning Center in Fredericksburg, VA more than likely one of the oldest and longest running black woman owned dog training facilities in the U.S. By ME! Laurie C. Williams CPDT-KA, owner and training director. Have led this area in innovative dog training and dog sports activities for going on 16 years and been in the dog training profession for 35!! Check us out on Facebook and IG @thecaninediva
Please add:
Wagsworth Hotel
“Loving Care When You Are Not There”
Hotel – Daycare – Spa – Boutique (We have custom couture!)
On Facebook & IG!