The pet industry is the perfect place to embrace diversity. We’re all here because we share a passion for pets, so why should the color of your skin, your religion, or who you love make a difference? I can tell you right now, none of that makes a difference to the dogs!
Unfortunately, diversity is lacking in the pet industry. For one thing, it’s male-dominated. It’s also primarily white. As I researched many black women in the pet industry for this post, the thing that stuck out to me the most were the key terms found on their homepages and bios.
Holistic. Diverse. Sustainable. Inclusive.
Not only are these women people who you should know, but they’re also the people who should be leading the trends in our industry.
Another reason the pet industry is a great place to embrace diversity is that we’ve already seen shifting attitudes towards long-held beliefs. In the last 20 years, people have dramatically changed how they consider their dogs to be part of the family. Additionally, old dog training methods have been discredited and replaced with positive reinforcement and rehabilitation.
So we know pet lovers have the ability to change and make a difference.
Be an ally for black women in the pet industry
I’m well aware that I am a white woman writing this post. I’m not trying to speak for anyone you’ll meet below, I just want to introduce you to them so you can get to know their stories yourself.
There are many resources available that give examples of how to be an ally for the black community. I read this one (among many others). You can be an ally by checking out the black women of the pet industry who I’ve included in this post. Follow them on Instagram, visit their websites and reach out to get to know them. Also, check the comments where readers have added even more fabulous African American owned pet brands.
Most importantly, listen to what they have to say.
Black Woman Owned Pet Businesses
This list is by no means comprehensive! In fact, I keep discovering more accounts and businesses and have added even more BIPOC women in the pet industry to the end of this post (because done is better than perfect). If you know a black woman in the pet industry who I’ve missed, please add their links to the comments. Thank you to everyone who has commented so far, I appreciate all of your input to make this list more comprehensive!
Want to get to know these women better? I’ve had the honor of interviewing many of the petpreneurs on this list on the Wear Wag Repeat Podcast! It’s the only podcast 100% dedicated to amplifying women’s voices in all areas of the pet industry.
Nana at Homescape Pets
Homescape Pets creates hemp & CBD-based wellness supplements for pets. Founders Nana and Marcus, AKA the humans, along with their pups Beau, Quinn, and Minnie are a family just like yours. They were inspired by a medical emergency with Beau in 2016 to get into holistic pet care. Now, each of the products they make is geared towards making your pets’ lives a little better and most of all… a lot healthier. Follow @homescapepets.
Chaz at Sir Dogwood
Based in Chicago, Sir Dogwood was founded in 2016 as an inclusive community for swank pups and their sartorially-minded owners. Sir Dogwood features a highly curated selection of quality dog wear and accessories from the freshest and most innovative designers in the US and abroad. From the tiniest teacup to the largest lab, they offer ready-to-wear clothing for dogs up to 130 lbs. Follow @sirdogwood.
>> Get to know Chaz on Episode 160 of the Wear Wag Repeat Podcast!
Deana at Barks First Avenue
Diversity and inclusivity are at the core of Barks First Avenue. It’s a brand who thrives on ensuring every pet, regardless of size, can enjoy their collections. “My dogs mean everything to me. I’m the proud mom of 3 pit bulls and a toy poodle, ranging from 9 to 17 years old! It has always been easy finding fun clothes for my toy poodle Jordan. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case for my larger pups. This is what inspired me to create my brand. I wanted a line that caters to pups of all sizes.” Follow @barksfirstavenue.
Angela at House Dogge
House Dogge Owner and Designer, Angela Medlin wasn’t able to find quality, sustainably designed dog products for her Olde English BullDOGGE, Wubbi. So she used her inspiration from years of world travel and her experience as Former Nike Design Director to create her modern eco dog accessory brand. As seen in O Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Dog Milk and many more! Follow @housedogge.
Chloe at Simply Sage Dog Treats
Simply Sage Dog Treats makes Paw Balms & Salves for dogs with allergies & skin issues. These lick safe balms are powerful enough to heal rough, dry, and cracked paws, yet gentle enough for sensitive pups. Follow @simplysagedogtreats.
Desh at Chase & Papi
Chase & Papi specializes in making typical “human-only” events pet friendly. They are an innovative pet event planning company that hosts unique, pet-centric events that will make you say bow-WOW. It is through their events and services that they achieve their ultimate mission: to foster and inspire a community of pet lovers. Follow @chasepapi1.
>> Get to know Desh on Episode 120 of the Wear Wag Repeat Podcast!
Ava of Ava’s Pet Palace
Ava’s Pet Palace is a company based in greater Chicago that focuses on organic, non-GMO pet treats for dogs and cats. Ava’s Pet Palace was started by Ava Dorsey when she was just 8 years old! Unlike most of the dog and cat treats in stores, Ava’s Pet Palace treats are made in small batches and are 100% USDA certified organic. Follow @avaspetpalace.
>> Get to know Ava on Episode 226 of the Wear Wag Repeat Podcast! At the end of our chat, I asked Ava what advice we could share with young girls in our lives who want to start their own businesses. Her sage advice applies to women of any age – just go for it!
Rachel of Trill Paws
Kristi, who is originally from Trinidad, is a certified chef who bakes organic dog treats and cakes to order, that are free from gluten, corn, soy and preservatives. She takes pride in producing quality products and giving you peace of mind knowing exactly what is in your dog’s treats. Her dog Pixie @pixie_the_havanese is the inspiration behind the company. Follow @pixiestreatsllc.
>> Get to know Aisha on Episode 229 of the Wear Wag Repeat Podcast.
Black Women Dog Trainers + Behaviorists
Jio + Taylor of Smart Bitch Dog Training
Jio and Taylor are Smart Bitch Dog Training, a team of Certified Professional Dog Trainers based in New Orleans. They bring their awesome personalities to fun, force-free dog training sessions with their clients. They’ve been known to take their training sessions to the park, the French Quarter, dog-friendly stores, coffee shops, and an occasional bar. And now they offer online classes! Follow @smartbitchdogtraining.
>> Get to know Jio and Taylor on Episode 121 of the Wear Wag Repeat Podcast!
Laurie of Pup ‘N Iron AKA The Canine Diva
Pup ‘N Iron™ Canine Fitness & Learning Center is the Fredericksburg, Virginia area’s premier dog activity, behavior training, social learning, fitness and wellness center. With virtually everything you’d want to do with your dog under one roof, their 11,000 square foot, climate-controlled for all seasons, state of the art facility is the LARGEST full-service canine training and fitness facility of it’s kind in Northern Virginia. Follow @thecaninediva. Photo, Jim Poor.
Kelli of Bully Brigade Training
Kelli is passionate about keeping ALL dogs in their homes and out of shelters. As a dog trainer at Bully Brigade Training, her focus is on the safety of the community, dogs and educating dog owners of their responsibility. Kelli is an advocate for Pit Bulls and stepped up to the challenge of repealing the Pit Bull ban in Charles & Prince George’s Counties in Maryland. Follow @chicwithpits. Photo Dirty Paw Photography.
>> Get to know Kelly on Episode 123 of the Wear Wag Repeat Podcast!
Black Women Pet Bloggers + Influencers
Kimberly of Keep the Tail Wagging
Keep the Tail Wagging® is a personal blog where Kimberly Gaulthier raises awareness of the value of feeding a fresh diet to our pets. She is Pet Food Nutrition Certification and in line to earn a certification in raw feeding and herbal remedies. If you’re curious about raw feeding, Kimberly’s blog is the place to start. Follow @keepthetailwagging_kimg.
Cathy of Groovy Goldendoodles
Read the blog Groovy Goldendoodles to learn, laugh and fall in love with Goldendoodles. Cathy blogs about doodle fun, health & wellness, product reviews and groovy hidden treasures for pet families in the beautiful city of Charleston SC. Her two Goldendoodles Jax and Harley both work as Therapy Dogs at the Medical University of South Carolina. Follow @groovygoldendoodles. Photo Low Country Paws Magazine.
Kia of Come Wag Along
Kia Chambers is a North Carolina native who started her blog ComeWagAlong.com in 2012 to share her experiences as a new dog owner. Her blog has now expanded to include her experiences as a new working mommy and wife as well. In addition to blogging, Kia also has a family vlog on YouTube called MeetTheChambers. “My husband and I are told all of the time that we are an inspiring young black family and I hope to continue to inspire and inform with the use of my blog and vlog.” Follow @rawrsimba, @comewagalong and @meetthechambers.
Taylor Brione and Sparkle the Posh Pup
Taylor Brione is a self-described, “pink obsessed millennial sharing everything about fashion, affordable luxuries, events, travel, and raising a posh pup.” She’s an event planner by trade and alongside her Maltese, Sparkle, she hosts the Houston Doggies Who Brunch event series and plans Posh Pet Parties. Follow @sparkleposhpup.
>> Get to know Taylor on Episode 137 of the Wear Wag Repeat Podcast!
Tay and Gus of @TheCorporateDogMom
Meet Tay, who is a Lawyer, and her goldendoodle Gus who are fashionably navigating NYC life sharing corporate survival tips and a vibey dog-friendly life. Follow @TheCorporateDogMom.
Kassidi Jones of @Gingers_Naps
Follow Kassidi and Ginger, a two-year-old mixed breed pup. Kassidi is a first-time dog mom, social justice advocate, Ph.D. candidate, and the content creator behind @gingers_naps on Instagram. She posts about antiracist animal advocacy and shares a lot of wonderful resources.
Chichi Enu of ChiChi’s Furry Friends
Chichi sells clothing for people and pets on her website and she also has a podcast called Chichi’s Furry Friends Show where she interviews pet parents. ChiChi was featured on Wear Wag Repeat Podcast Episode 238. I absolutely loved talking with her and learning about her interesting career path and passions!
Black Women Veterinarians
Dr. Arielle of Healing Tails Chicago
Dr. Arielle Herndobler has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 10 years. At her holistic practice, Healing Tails, the goal is to help pets live happier and healthier lives. She believes that healing best happens in a calm, relaxed environment and greets new pet patients with soothing sounds, mood lighting, and aromatherapy. There are no cold exam tables, but plenty of healthy treats! Follow @healingtailschicago.
Tierra of Black DVM Network
The BlackDVM Network is connecting black veterinarians, nurses, technicians, and clients across the nation. Founder Tierra Price created the online community when she was a student at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. “Originally, I started an Instagram page to showcase the African-American veterinary students at my school. Doing this made me wonder about students at other schools.” Follow @blackdvmnetwork.
Dr. Kimberly Atkinson of H.E.A.L. Veterinary Hospital
Dr. Atkinson is one of the owners of H.E.A.L. Veterinary Hospital (Helping Every Animal with Love) in DUMBO, Brooklyn. They are a completely minority-owned hospital that focuses on an integrative approach to healing animals and not just treating them.
Black Women Run Pet Care Businesses
Regina of Outward Bound Hounds
Regina is a dog walker and pet sitter in Montgomery County, Maryland. She and her team take a holistic approach, offering quality care for pets’ minds, bodies and spirits to make pet parenthood worry-free. Follow @outwardboundhounds.
Melissa of The Bark Shoppe
Melissa Mitchner owns Harlem’s first and only 24-hour dog care facility, The Bark Shoppe. At her state of the art space, she and her staff offer daycare, boarding, and grooming. She even offers sound and aromatherapy to make dogs’ time at The Bark Shoppe as enjoyable as possible. Follow @thebarkshoppe.
>> Get to know Melissa on Episode 127 of the Wear Wag Repeat Podcast!
Natasha of Walk with Renzo and Ruby
Natasha and her team at Walk with Renzo and Ruby offer premium dog walking services in the Washington, D.C. area (and now Texas!). As pet owners, lovers and providers, they believe it’s not only their job to love, care, feed and protect your pets, but it’s also their job to keep them healthy. They use midday walks to create stronger and healthier furry family members.
>> Get to know Natasha on Episode 122 of the Wear Wag Repeat Podcast!
Maria of East New York Dog Lovers
Maria, who was crowned Miss Dog Mom 2019, also runs East New York Dog Lovers. Her mission is to help families and individuals diagnosed with an illness, facing homelessness, or hardship to avoid permanent separation from their pets. She aims to provide a positive experience on a challenging journey and keep pets and their people together. Follow @enydoglovers_1.
>> Get to know Maria on Episode 125 of the Wear Wag Repeat Podcast!
Renea at Instantaneous Pet Service
Renea started Instantaneous Pet Service in Los Angles to cater to pet parents on the go. She and her team offer a unique all-inclusive pet care service that caters to your pet by giving them the perfect daycare lounge experience with fluffy pillows, luxurious rides, comforting walks, and wonderful overnight adventure. Follow @instantaneous_pet.
Rahanna of Stylish Pooch
Stylish Pooch offers full service mobile grooming to the Greater Philadelphia area. Rahanna was featured on season 5 of Queer Eye during which the guys helped her to stage a doggie fashion show showing off her creative grooming. Follow @_stylishpooch_.
Orazie Cook of Praline’s Backyard
As the founder of Praline’s Backyard Doggie Daycare and Boarding, Orazie plans to provide the Atlanta area with cage-free dog services. Part of her mission is to provide housing for dogs of domestic violence survivors while they are in a housing transition, giving them the confidence that they can leave their unhealthy living conditions with the assurance that their dogs will be cared for. Praline’s Backyard will be open in August 2023.
>> Listen to my interview with Orazie on Episode 248 of the Wear Wag Repeat Podcast!
More women + accounts I’ve discovered since originally compiling this post:
Ri at Redemption Dog Education – Follow @redemptiondogeducation
Janeé at Snaggle Foot Pet Sitting – Follow @snagglefootgp
Aja at Always Aja H Dog Walking and Pet Sitting – Follow @always.aja.h
Tara of Pupstars Pet Care – Follow @pupstarspetcare
Lauren of Puppuccino Boutique Dog Bakery (and ice cream) in Pittsburgh, PA – Follow @puppuccinoboutique
Michelle Millett and her mother, Arlene Young of Diamonds & Dutch Dog Pet Bath and Spa – Follow @diamondsanddutch
What about Black Men in the Pet industry?
I usually focus everything at Wear Wag Repeat on amplifying women’s voices, but in all my research this week I also found some awesome guys that you should check out!
Josh White and his poodle, Snow of @joshandsnow and @doguespa
Dr. Owens of @enjoyabowl_products
Renaldo Wedd, founder of @petplate
Shane Mathis of @barkypawsco
Lenny Forde, Co-Founder & Doggy Daddy at Little L’s All Natural Artisan Dog Treats
Da’Quan O’Neal & Anthony Blagmond of Fancy & Kaboom Pawtique
Jarrett N. Wansley of Cool Canines Pet Care Services @coolcaninepcs
*Post updated February 2023.
Did you enjoy this post? Check out these other resources and blogs:
Why mentors matter – especially for black veterinarians: One doctor’s story
How dogs help keep multiracial neighborhoods socially segregated
Black-Owned Dog Businesses in the United States
How to Support your BIPOC Dog Training and Dog Sport Friends
PIN THIS
Earthwise Pet Hamilton Ridge in Buford, GA
Thanks for adding to the list!!
Thanks for this lovely collection, and the link back!
Absolutely!! It’s been a pleasure to meet so many new women.
This blog was FANTASTIC! I’m now following every business you shared. Plus I ordered a super cool bandana for my dog and entered the Miss Dog Mom pageant. You guys are the best!
Wonderful!! I’m so happy to share all these businesses with my audience. Can’t wait to see what happens with Miss Dog Mom!!
U Barkin @ Me Mobile Dog Groom & Pet Care Services
in Salisbury NC 980.907.9409/704.603.8037
Info@ubarkinatme.com
Owner Wen Michelle Richardson
Corelle from Scipaws is amazing to work with! 203doglife is a trainer in Stamford, CT! Insta is @203doglife
Awesome! Thank you for adding to this list!
Your list continues to grow Tori – I love it! I’ve been reaching out to at least two a day.
Thanks again.
I love this! Thanks for this wonderful post highlighting black women in the pet industry space.
thanks for checking it out!! Don’t think I forgot you 🙂 I sent you a DM, it’s probably in your other folder. I’m so happy you commented here so everyone can find you now!
This is wonderful!! Thank you so much for taking the time to find these wonderful women of color. I will be following all of them, and making purchases.
Fabulous!! Thanks for checking it out!
Lorenzo’s Dog Training Team the only black owned nationwide dog training company.
Awesome! Thank you for adding them!!
Tori!
Love what you have created with your list. I would love to have a conversation with you, but first let me congratulate you on ALL that you have accomplished.
I am Lisa Smith Putnam {LSP} the CEO of Simply Pets Magazine. I am the ONLY black/female – national/international print/digital lifestyle magazine for petparents.
We are the place where HAPPY lives. (our magazine is a combination of n
National Geographic meets/Readers Digest- great pictures and awesome stories from all over the globe)
I would LOVE to support you and in addition- every single one of the “black women/men” you have featured on your awesome post. So HAPPY 🙂 that my associate took time to forward me your article.
I would love it if you let your women of color know that I am here for them.
It would be great also to see what I / we could do to support even MORE women and people who believe in the love and HAPPY for petkids and humans wherever they might be in this world! THANK YOU!
I look forward to hearing from you. 310-773-1406
Hi Lisa! Thank you for connecting. I looked you up on Instagram and followed all of your accounts! I’ll send you a quick email so we can stay in touch!
Hello,
I came across this posting and list accidentally. It is an amazing compilation of women of color doing great things. I am actually reaching out to several of the woman who are in our area to collaborate and offer support. My name is Dr. Kimberly Atkinson and am one of the 3 owners of H.E.A.L. Veterinary Hospital (Helping Every Animal with Love) in DUMBO, Brooklyn. We are a completely minority owned hospital that is focusing on an integrative approach to healing animals and not just treating them. Please check us out (healdumbo.vet) and we would love to connect with you!
Hi Dr. Kimberly! Thank you for stumbling on my blog and taking the time to write a comment. I’m so happy to connect and will be looking for you on IG!
This was great! I love it! Thank you, Tori!
I’m so happy you enjoyed the post! Thanks for visiting!
Kin of Duncan Pittsburgh Pa
Yes!! Thank you for commenting, I love her! Such an inspiration : )
Tennille, she blogs at http://www.doggydessertchef.com
Thank you so much for sharing! Going to check out Tennille right now!
Thank you so much for publishing this list. I am an African American woman who just started a “Furtography” business to photography fur babies. I am so happy to find so many other African American business owners in the pet industry. I am live in the SF Bay Area and there are only 2 other African American women in the pet industry. I am going to forward them this list.
In the meantime, can you add my business @furtographypetpics? Thanks so much
Thank you for reading and sharing, Judi! And also for adding yourself! Please feel free to comment back with a link to your website if you’d like so people can find you even more easily!
Thank you for including me in the list! <3
My pleasure! Thank you for all that you do!
Barks & Purrs Artisanal Pet
Our all natural & organic small batch treats, meals & parties us only human grade ingredients.
Thank you so much for sharing! Nice to meet you Sheri!!
How surprised was I to see myself featured on this blog along with 31 other amazing black women in the pet industry! It is so important to support each other. Going back through to make sure I follow each and every one of you on your social media!! Thanks so much!
Laurie C. Williams
IG: @thecaninediva
Hi Laurie! I’m so happy you found this post! I believe we DMed back in June when I asked permission to include you. I agree, it’s so important to support each other and all the amazing black women in the pet industry! Thank you for all that you do!
Hi! Thanks so much for featuring BlackDVM Network in one of your posts. I’d like to send you all a small token of our appreciation. If you send over an email, we can email you the details.
Dr. Price
Thank you Tierra – that’s so kind of you! I’ll send you an email.
Thank you for this list. I was familiar with some of the names but I’m so happy to see that the list continues to grow.
I am Fiona M. Owner of The Pawtastic Pack a pet care company that provides dog walks boarding, daycare, dog/cat dropins and more
Thank you for introducing yourself Fiona! Just followed you on IG!
Naomi of GrimmsGoodies! She makes AMAZING pet treats from animals raised free range, fed a natural diet, and treated with love all on her own farm. Everything she makes is completely raised, handled, and made by her. My dog and four cats are obsessed!
Amazing!! Thanks for the recommendation and adding to this list!
Please add Elizabeth Ashley, owner of Calvert Dog Academy. She’s fabulous! https://calvertdogacademy.com/
Thank you so much for the addition!
HI! I was wondering if i could possibly be added to your list 🙂 I am in Vancouver Canada though so not sure if that changes things. I’m the first
Black Owned- Humane- Dog Trainer in Vancouver Canada and quite possiblly Canada! I’ve been in the pet industry for quite sometime and opened up my training business Q&A Dog Training in 2020. I specialize in reactivity cases and rescues! Thanks in advance 🙂
Absolutely! I’m no longer updating the post because people have started adding their info in the comments here. The floor is yours! 🙂 Please tell us about your pet business!
Hi Masina! What is your website? Are you on Instagram or Facebook? I would love to follow you. Thanks! Chichi (I am a black, LGBTQ women owned business, I sell clothing for people and pets & have a podcast. My instagram & FB is @chichisfurryfriends).
Dear Tori,
You knocked it out of the park again! I am just seeing this post that you did in 2020, I am all late to the party as usual, lol. But your blog post is still super relevant! Keep up the great work. I am following nearly all the people you listed, (I couldn’t find some on IG, they likely changed their handle). It is so great to see so many black owned pet businesses, thank you for doing this!
For anyone interested, I am an also a black, LGBTQ women owned pet business. I sell clothing for people and pets on my website chichisfurryfriendsstore.com & I have a podcast called chichi’s furry friends show. My instagram & FB is @chichisfurryfriends. I was also featured on Tori Mistick’s awesome Wear Wag Repeat Podcast, episode 238 🙂
Thank you so much Chichi!! I’m so happy you found this post and that it’s still connecting people and providing value! Everyone, go listen to Chichi’s PODCAST!!!