Pet care startups from the U.S., Canada, and Australia have been named finalists for the eighth annual Pet Care Innovation Prize powered by Purina, each receiving $25,000 and support from the pet care leader as they work to grow their businesses in the $136.8 billion* pet care industry. This year’s class represents innovation across the spectrum of pet care products and services, from pet enrichment toys, a toothbrush designed specifically for a cat’s anatomy, alternative protein and allergy-friendly pet treats and food, to a game-changing microchip that monitors pet health from the inside, and a platform to help organizations provide foster care for pets.
Nearly 150 companies from around the world applied for the 2024 Pet Care Innovation Prize. The 2024 Pet Care Innovation Prize Winners are:
SwiftPaws (https://swiftpaws.com)
Melbourne, Florida-based SwiftPaws makes playful enrichment products to exercise and entertain pets. Best known for their American-made lure coursing kits, the SwiftPaws team is dedicated to the mental and physical well-being of pets and the people who love them. SwiftPaws was featured on Shark Tank in 2022.
BestyBnB
Kansas City, Missouri-based BestyBnB bridges the gap between human social services and animal welfare organizations by securing safe, temporary housing for clients’ pets when they are in challenging situations where they cannot care for their pets. By creating and enhancing crisis care and safety net pet programs for organizations that serve people in crisis, BestyBnB helps ensure that clients will seek care and help knowing that their pets are safe.
Arch Pet Food
Chicago Illinois-based Arch Pet Food company offers alternative protein pet treats and food that are food-allergen friendly, highly nutritious, and sustainable. Arch does this by utilizing superfoods like microalgae, insect proteins, and invasive fish as key ingredients.
RYERCAT
Vancouver, Canada-based RYERCAT hopes to redefine feline oral health with a toothbrush and dental line designed specifically for feline anatomy. Like many cat owners, the founders of RYERCAT struggled to brush their cats’ teeth, which led them to create a better dental solution to improve the brushing experience for cats and their owners.
VetChip
Perth, Australia-based VetChip is a biotechnology company dedicated to improving animal health and welfare through pioneering technology that monitors, analyzes, and detects pet health issues. The VetChip is implanted to gather data and alert pet owners via an app if potential issues or signs of illness or injury are detected, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment.
Each of the five startup winners will receive $25,000, mentorship from the Pet Care Innovation team at Purina and Active Capital and will participate in an accelerator boot camp at Purina’s headquarters in St. Louis, MO, featuring pet experts from Purina and across the pet care industry.
