PAWTALKS WITH PENTHOUSE PAWS

What was the inspiration behind Penthouse Paws?

The inspiration behind launching Penthouse Paws came from seeing a gap in the market: so many pet products were either highly functional but unattractive, or stylish but not truly safe or durable. As pet parents ourselves, we wanted items that matched the design of our homes and lifestyles while still meeting the real needs of our pets. That blend of elevated aesthetics, everyday practicality, and uncompromising safety became the foundation for the brand. Our goal was simple—create products that make life better for both pets and the people who love them.

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

What sets Penthouse Paws apart is our commitment to designing products that sit at the intersection of luxury and everyday functionality. While many brands lean heavily on either performance or aesthetics, we insist on both—using premium, pet-safe materials that look beautiful in modern homes while withstanding real daily use. We also put a strong emphasis on thoughtful details—from one-handed hardware to easy-clean finishes—that make life simpler for pet parents. Our competitive edge comes from this balance: we’re not just making stylish products for people or tough gear for pets—we’re creating solutions that elevate the lives of both, without compromise.

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

Clean ingredients. 

"Ultimately, the vision is for Penthouse Paws to become the go-to lifestyle brand for pets and their people—one that inspires trust, joy, and a little bit of luxury in daily life."

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

At Penthouse Paws, our process starts with a simple question: what everyday challenge can we solve for pets and their people? From there, we co-create with pet parents, trainers, and vets, then rapidly prototype and test with real animals across breeds and sizes. Every material is chosen for both safety and style—think pet-safe, easy-clean materials and durable hardware that look good in modern homes. We iterate until the design balances comfort, function, and beauty, then start the manufacturing to ensure quality and consistency. The result on the shelf is a product that’s thoughtfully designed, rigorously tested, responsibly made, and ready to elevate life with your pet.

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

When creating new products at Penthouse Paws, we look at four key pillars:

Pet comfort & safety – Every material and detail must be non-toxic, chew-tested, and designed to keep pets secure without restriction.

Parent ease of use – One-handed clips, intuitive sizing, and easy-clean finishes are essentials—we want the experience to be effortless.

Aesthetic integration – Products should complement modern homes and blending elevated style with everyday function.

Durability & sustainability – We build for long life and responsible impact.

Other than Penthouse Paws, what is something you are passionate about?

Beyond Penthouse Paws, I’m deeply passionate about travel and family. Exploring new places inspires me—whether it’s discovering design details in a boutique hotel, learning from local craftsmanship, or simply experiencing how different cultures live with their pets. Travel fuels my creativity and keeps me curious. At the same time, family grounds me. They’re my constant reminder of why comfort, care, and connection matter in everything we create. Balancing those two—seeking inspiration in the world while staying rooted in family—shapes both my perspective and my work.

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

One major lesson I’ve learned about running a business is that listening is everything—to your customers, your team, and even to the signals the market gives you. It’s easy to get attached to an idea, but the real growth comes from staying adaptable, taking feedback seriously, and being willing to pivot when something isn’t working. At the end of the day, a business isn’t built on having all the answers—it’s built on learning fast, iterating with intention, and keeping people at the heart of every decision.

What are some challenges you have overcome with Penthouse Paws?

One of the biggest challenges we’ve overcome at Penthouse Paws is finding the right balance between style and function. Pet parents want products that look beautiful in their homes, but pets need items that are safe, durable, and comfortable. It took a lot of iteration, testing, and sometimes scrapping early concepts to get there. Another challenge has been scaling while maintaining our quality standards—we’ve learned to slow down when necessary, refine our supply chain, and work only with partners who share our values. Both experiences reinforced that growth is important, but staying true to our mission—creating elevated products that genuinely improve life for pets and their people—comes first.

What would you say is your most effective marketing channel?

Our most effective marketing channel has been social media, especially Instagram and TikTok, because that’s where pet parents love to share moments of style, play, and everyday life with their animals. It’s allowed us to build a community, showcase our products in real homes, and connect directly with customers. Over time, though, we’ve seen a shift—word-of-mouth and community-driven referrals have become just as powerful. As people experience our products and recommend them to friends or fellow pet parents, that authentic endorsement has amplified everything we do online.

"While many brands lean heavily on either performance or aesthetics, we insist on both—using premium, pet-safe materials that look beautiful in modern homes while withstanding real daily use. We also put a strong emphasis on thoughtful details—from one-handed hardware to easy-clean finishes—that make life simpler for pet parents. Our competitive edge comes from this balance: we’re not just making stylish products for people or tough gear for pets—we’re creating solutions that elevate the lives of both, without compromise."

Give us the backstory of your brand’s name.

The name Penthouse Paws was born from the idea of creating products that feel as elevated as they are practical. We wanted something that reflected a modern, urban lifestyle—where pets are not just companions, but part of the family’s everyday rhythm and style. “Penthouse” captures that sense of sophistication and design-forward living, while “Paws” grounds it in what really matters: the comfort and joy of our pets. Together, the name tells our story—luxury that’s accessible, thoughtful, and always centered on the bond between pets and their people.

What would you like to see for Penthouse Paw's future?

For the future of Penthouse Paws, I’d love to see us continue expanding into new categories while staying true to our mission of blending style, function, and pet well-being. That means growing our product line thoughtfully, building deeper sustainability into everything we do, and creating a global community of pet parents who value elevated design as much as everyday comfort. Ultimately, the vision is for Penthouse Paws to become the go-to lifestyle brand for pets and their people—one that inspires trust, joy, and a little bit of luxury in daily life.

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 quality and transparency—pet parents want to know exactly what materials, ingredients, and processes are going into the products they bring into their homes. Too often, the market is flooded with cheaply made, disposable items that don’t prioritize safety, sustainability, or durability. This not only creates waste but can also put pets at risk. As the industry grows, the responsibility is to shift toward safer, longer-lasting, and more sustainable solutions, paired with honest communication so pet parents can make informed choices.