10 Awesome Black-Owned Pet Brands to Support This Year

As the pet industry continues to flourish, we believe it’s essential to recognize and celebrate the diversity of talent and entrepreneurship within it. Supporting black-owned pet brands fosters economic empowerment and adds vibrancy to the marketplace. In this article, we explore and showcase 10 awesome African-American-owned companies that have distinguished themselves through innovation, quality, and a passion for pets. From unique supplies to premium dog food, these brands offer a glimpse into black entrepreneurs in the pet industry. By choosing products from these businesses, pet owners can also contribute to a more inclusive and supportive community. Let’s take a look!

Supporting Black-Owned Pet Brands Is a Good First Step

Supporting black-owned pet brands is a meaningful first step toward fostering diversity and inclusivity in the business world. By consciously choosing products and services from these companies, individuals contribute to a more equitable distribution of economic opportunities. 

To support black-owned businesses effectively, you can start by going through our list in this article. Then, I recommend further researching pet brands owned by individuals from the black community. This includes exploring online marketplaces, attending local markets, and seeking recommendations from others. 

In addition, sharing positive experiences with these brands on social media platforms can help amplify their visibility and attract a broader customer base. Ultimately, supporting black-owned pet brands is a small yet impactful way to contribute to a more diverse and thriving entrepreneurial landscape.

What Happens When You Support Black-Owned Businesses? 

Supporting African American-owned businesses holds significant social and economic implications that extend far beyond individual transactions. When you choose to support black-owned businesses, you contribute to breaking down systemic barriers and fostering a more equitable society. By directing your purchasing power towards these enterprises, you help create opportunities for economic empowerment within marginalized communities. 

In addition, supporting black-owned pet brands enhances diversity in the marketplace. It’s a powerful means of challenging historical inequalities, promoting diversity, and working towards a future where opportunities and success are more accessible to everyone. Buying from black-owned businesses is a tangible way to be part of positive change and also help create stability in the industry for all cultures and backgrounds.

10 Awesome Black-Owned Pet Brands to Support

Are you ready to shop? Check out these 10 awesome black-owned pet brands! 

1. Ava’s Pet Palace

Ava’s Pet Palace began by producing organic, all-natural dog treats. Started by Ava when she was just eight years old, the black-owned company now sells dog and cat treats and pet accessories. The business is also part of the Pet Sustainability Coalition and uses sustainable practices in its packaging and shipping. We also love that Ava is committed to giving back to animal welfare organizations.

2. The Bark Shoppe

The Bark Shoppe is a black-owned pet supply business and groomer. You can get your dog groomed or use their doggie daycare services at the New York City location. Elayne Fluker is the entrepreneur who started The Bark Shoppe. She is focused on both ends of the leash and inspires us with her commitment to ensuring her business betters her community. 

3. Enjoy-A-Bowl®

Enjoy-A-Bowl manufactures an innovative pet bowl. It’s a two-part system that allows you to put good-smelling meat or other food in a compartment underneath the main bowl where you put your dog’s regular food. So, your dog is attracted to the smell and gets all the nutrition it needs. It was created by a veterinarian who wanted to help picky eaters, diabetic, and obese dogs. 

4. Happee Dawg

Happee Dawg is a black-owned dog food company whose brand focuses on feeding raw. They sell raw meals and air-dried treats for dogs and cats. All ingredients are responsibly sourced from local farms in the United States. Owners, Chris and Rachel Morrisey are dog owners who also want to give their pups as healthy a diet as possible. After researching dog foods, they turned their focus to a raw diet and created Happee Dawg.

5. Homescape Pets

Homescape Pets sells natural treats and supplements for dogs. Nana and Marcus started the company after losing their first Schnauzer to cancer. So, they wanted other pet owners to have access to all-natural, hemp, and CBD-based supplements and single-ingredient chews to help increase their dogs’ quality of life. Therefore, Homescape Pets was born.

6. Little L’s

Little L’s produces all-meat artisan dog treats. The black-owned business makes dog treats for various occasions. You can even get a dog cake made, but will need to pick it up at their Brooklyn location. Other packaged treats can also be ordered online. 

7. Pet Plate

Pet Plate is a black-owned dog food company. The brand is made with real ingredients in a human-grade kitchen. Founder, Renaldo Webb started the business after his dog had serious digestive issues. He teamed up with a veterinary nutritionist to cook balanced nutrient-rich recipes. So, now you can purchase the meals for your dog.

Pro Tip: Check out our guide to human foods dogs can eat.

8. Your Pets’ Chef

Your Pets’ Chef is all about gourmet pet food. Created by a trained chef and clinical researcher, the black-owned dog food company’s ingredients are natural and human-grade. They offer freeze-dried beef, chicken, and turkey entrees for dogs. The meals contain meat, vegetables, beans, fruits, and also other nutrients. 

9. Mary Mac’s Doggie Retreat

Mary Mac’s Doggie Retreat is an excellent place to take your pup to be groomed if you’re in New Orleans. In addition to grooming, the location also offers pet daycare and boarding. Courtney Williams started the business after the challenge of finding a dog sitter who understood her pet’s severe separation anxiety. The black-owned dog grooming and retreat focuses on dogs’ physical and emotional health by creating a healthy, safe, and comfortable environment.

Suggested Reading: Learn how to care for special needs pets.

10. LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls

LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls makes wool toys for dogs. Their tug toys are long-lasting, natural, and non-toxic, and they’re eco-friendly. The natural fibers of wool are good for dog gum and dental health. In addition, you can purchase wool dryer balls for your laundry.

Pro Tip: Are you considering adopting a dog? Check out the best websites for pet adoption or fostering.

Black-Owned Pet Brands Inspire Us

Black-owned pet brands inspire us with their products and the transformative impact they have on shaping a more inclusive and vibrant pet industry. These businesses provide products for our beloved pets and also contribute to the broader narrative of diversity and inclusivity in the business world. 

By choosing to support black-owned pet brands, we actively participate in a movement that transcends commerce. It also sends a powerful message of solidarity and empowerment. Also, each purchase becomes a vote for a more equitable future, where the contributions of black entrepreneurs are acknowledged and celebrated. As consumers, we recognize the importance of diversity and representation in every facet of our lives, including the care and well-being of our cherished pets. 

What black-owned pet brands do you support? Let us know in the comments below so we can add them to our list.