Women’s History Month - Women In The Pet Industry Who Inspire Us

As a woman-owned company, we’re always looking for opportunities to elevate women who inspire us. This month, in honor of Women’s History Month, we spoke with five women in the pet industry who inspire us each day — including our very own founder, Katie McCarron! 

Katie McCarron | Founder of Portland Pet Food Company 

Katie’s desire to find a palpable, human-grade meal for her aging dog, Rosie, led her to found Portland Pet Food Company. Today, dogs around the world are eating the same recipes that she fed to Rosie for all of those years. 

Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you? 
Katie: The historical impact that women have had on our society is an inspiration to me. Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the accomplishments and struggles we’ve had as women. My own mother inspired me through her example of working hard and showing that you can achieve anything that you want in this world, as long as you set your mind to it. 

Q: What does your dog mean to you? 
Katie: Unconditional love! 

Learn more about Portland Pet Food Company here. 

“I’ve found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you can get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.” — Doris Day

Lanette Fidrych | Owner of Cycle Dog Earth Friendly Pet Company 

Lanette’s desire to create a business that would make a positive impact on the environment while also training young entrepreneurs led to the founding of her company today. As of 2021, Cycle Dog has recycled more than two million pounds of inner-tube rubber, and Lanette has mentored countless new business owners. When she’s not helping the community, Lanette is making durable Earth-friendly products for dogs using reclaimed materials in Portland, OR. 

Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you? 
Lanette: It’s a celebration of the amazing women throughout history who laid the ground for us. Women are strong, smart and have a unique perspective that when taken to business, product, and people, results in amazing outcomes. I come from a long history of women in business. My great, great, great, grandmother, Adela Cain, was one of the premiere hotel and restaurant owners in Utah in the 1920's and was an influential business leader in Salt Lake City. She served on the state business development committee and was well known as savvy, hardworking, and not someone to be crossed. 

Q: What does your dog mean to you? 
Lanette: I actually have six dogs: Hanna, Mr. Sneaky, Belle, Alfred, Walter, and Champion. They feed my soul. My life revolves around them, but I live for it. They keep me going, give me lots of fresh air, and have made me an early-to-bed and early-to-rise person. 

Learn more about Cycle Dog here. 

Angela Medlin | The founder, owner and designer of House

Dogge LLC

Angela’s passion for the health and happiness of dogs, combined with her appreciation for purposeful, beautiful, and minimalistic design, sparked the launch of her sustainable lifestyle brand for dogs and their humans -- House Dogge.

 
Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you? 
Angela: It’s a powerful moment that acknowledges and celebrates the magic of who we are and what we contribute to the world daily. 

Q: What does your dog mean to you? 
Angela: Wubbi, an Old English BullDOGGE, was the most recent dog in my life and inspired the company. Unfortunately, he passed away earlier than expected from cancer. I like to say that he was an extension of me, my spirit animal, my mirror. He was an old soul. He liked simple, uncomplicated things. Like me, he loved the beach with unmitigated passion and never said no to the comfort of an overstuffed couch. We understood each other, down to the “no need to guess my mood” expressions. Most importantly, the perfectly placed single “Om” spot on his back always reminded me that life is short and is as complicated as you make it. Always seek peace. 

Learn more about House Dogge here. 
 

“If you’re not in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback."

Rachel Jones | Founder of Trill Paws

Rachel’s over-the-top obsession for dogs and her love for pop culture inspired her business, Trill Paws, which is a pet accessories and lifestyle brand based out of Los Angeles, CA. Today, she works to create relatable and unique products for dogs, with her specialty being trendy pet ID tags. 

Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you? 
Rachel: Plain and simple, women are superheroes. I watched my mother and grandmother hold the family together and despite all odds, always put food on the table, keep clean clothes on our backs, and keep everything running with very little. They worked full time while raising a family and never complained, they just did. There are also women who’ve done all of that and then some. Women’s History Month is a time to remember and honor all of the women who fought for our rights, many losing their lives in the process, and to make a commitment to their memory to never give up until we’re all truly equal. 

Q: What does your dog mean to you? 
Rachel: Kevin means so much to me. He’s easily one of my very best friends (as long as I’ve got a few treats nearby!) Raising him and watching him grow into his own is such a blessing and as funny as this may sound, it makes me feel accomplished and proud. 

Learn more about Trill Paws here. 

Alysson Kuhns | Owner of Pacific Hound 

After moving to Oregon, adopting two dogs, and getting married, Alysson began to envision a business that would combine her passions in a way that would impact her local and global community -- leading her to start Pacific Hound. Using as many local resources possible, Pacific Hound offers adventure dog apparel. Its monthly doGOOD Subscription Box lets customers donate 5% to a rotating charity and features products from other local businesses. 

Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you? 
Alysson: Honestly, it makes me really proud to look back on our history and celebrate all of the powerful and brave women who paved the way and who will continue creating new roads. We wouldn’t be where we are today, whether in business, nature, or life, if it weren’t for those who were willing to go against the grain and show that women are made for more. 

Q: What does your dog mean to you? 
Alysson: Oh man, my dogs, Spot and Emma, are the reason for so many of the blessings that life has delivered my direction. Everything from my business to my adventurous spirit can be owed to them. They have taught me lessons on empathy, loyalty, patience, and how to live life a little on the edge -- we’ll go ahead and thank our crazy bird dog for that one! 

“Be the kind of woman who believes she is capable of doing amazing things in this world. Be the kind of woman whose own dreams make her nervous - and then go ahead and do them anyways. Be the kind of woman who never asks permission to be." —Rachel Hollis