PAWTALKS WITH PAWTY

What was the inspiration behind PAWTY?

PAWTY Dog Toys was founded in October 2021, in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic. Seeing a lack of high quality uniquely-designed dog toys, we took matters into our own hands. We started PAWTY to provide other dog owners with only the best quality toys that we would let our own dogs play with.

It is now PAWTY Dog Toy's mission to give back to the dog community in whatever way possible, one paw at a time.

How does your brand differ from other industry brands in the same category? What gives you the competitive edge?

Our toys are built with equal attention to design, function, and utility. We take inspiration from everyday human products and reimagine them for dogs, making each toy fun, trendy, and instantly recognizable. At the same time, we focus on giving customers extra value — whether that’s adding a heavy-duty tug rope, hidden treat pockets for snuffling, multiple interactive elements like snuffle mats, or layering in squeakers and crinkle paper for maximum engagement.

Describe the ingredients you look for in the products you use.

Highest quality plush.

"As the industry grows, there are more products than ever on the market — but not all of them are made with safe materials or tested for durability. For us at PAWTY, that’s a big focus: creating toys that are fun and design-driven, but also non-toxic, durable, and reliable for both dogs and their humans. "

Walk us through your development process — from ideation to the product we see on the shelf.

At PAWTY, everything starts with a fun idea — usually inspired by pop culture or moments that make both dogs and their humans smile. We sketch it out, create prototypes, and then let real dogs play-test so we know it’s safe and durable. From there we refine the design, materials, and packaging until it feels right. Finally, we launch through our retail and online partners. The goal is always the same: to make toys that are playful, high-quality, and turn everyday moments into a pawty.

What are some things you take into consideration during the creation of new products?

• Dog safety and durability – making sure materials are non-toxic, well-stitched, and can stand up to real play.
• Design & trend relevance – we love taking inspiration from human culture, lifestyle, and celebrations, then reimagining it in a way that feels fun and relatable for dogs and their people.
• Interactive value – every toy should give dogs more ways to play, whether that’s squeakers, crinkle textures, treat-hiding pockets, or multi-layer surprises.
• Customer experience – it’s not just about the dog; we want owners to smile too. That means packaging, storytelling, and photo-worthy moments that make the toy a joy to gift or share.
• Global adaptability – since we sell internationally, we also think about what resonates across different markets, from Asia to North America.”

Other than PAWTY, what is something you are passionate about?

Outside of PAWTY, I’ve always been passionate about animal welfare. Since I was young, I dreamed about working with animals — at first it was opening a breeding facility, but over the years that shifted into something bigger: creating a foundation to help curb animal abuse. That passion is what fuels a lot of what we do at PAWTY. We don’t just make toys; we want to create products that celebrate the bond between dogs and their humans, while building a brand that can one day give back directly to animal causes.

What is one major lesson you learned about running a business?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of persistence and problem-solving. Running a business means facing challenges every single day — but instead of being discouraged, I’ve learned to keep moving forward, even if progress is just a fraction of a basis point at a time. Those small, consistent improvements compound over time, and that’s how PAWTY continues to grow and get better.

What are some challenges you have overcome with PAWTY?

Some of the biggest challenges we’ve faced with PAWTY are the constant changes in the market and shifting consumer preferences. What’s trending today might be different tomorrow, so we’ve had to stay agile with design and product development. Another challenge has been navigating the different sales channels — from Amazon to retail distributors to international markets — each has its own rules, margins, and expectations. Over time, we’ve learned how to adapt quickly, listen to customers, and refine our approach so the brand keeps growing no matter how the landscape shifts.

What would you say is your most effective marketing channel?

Our most effective marketing channel has definitely been working with content creators. We love seeing our toys come to life through their creativity — it’s not just about the reach, it’s about the authentic joy you see when dogs are playing and their humans are excited to share the moment. That kind of storytelling connects with people in a way no ad ever could. Over time, this channel has only become more important for us. It’s not just marketing — it’s a community, and we get as much happiness from seeing those reactions as the dogs do from receiving the toys.

"Our toys are built with equal attention to design, function, and utility. We take inspiration from everyday human products and reimagine them for dogs, making each toy fun, trendy, and instantly recognizable."

Give us the backstory of your brand’s name.

The name PAWTY is a play on the word party — because we believe every day with your dog should feel like a celebration. Our toys are designed to be fun, playful, and a little cheeky, with a young, modern twist. From birthdays to everyday play, PAWTY is all about bringing that sense of joy and excitement into a dog’s life.

What would you like to see for PAWTY's future?

For the future, I’d love to see PAWTY become a household name for fun dog toys — the brand people instantly think of when they want something playful and unique for their pets. Beyond that, I want PAWTY to help set the stage for other pet brands to follow, showing that you can combine creativity, quality, and a sense of fun to really connect with both dogs and their humans

What do you think is the most prominent concern in the pet industry?

One of the most prominent concerns in the pet industry today is balancing safety and quality with affordability. As the industry grows, there are more products than ever on the market — but not all of them are made with safe materials or tested for durability. For us at PAWTY, that’s a big focus: creating toys that are fun and design-driven, but also non-toxic, durable, and reliable for both dogs and their humans. Another concern we think about is sustainability — how products are made, packaged, and shipped. As pet ownership rises globally, brands have a responsibility to not just bring joy to pets, but also to care for the bigger picture.