Design-Forward Pet Gear That Makes Zee.Dog Look Basic

Published on: November 19, 2024
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While Zee.Dog has carved out its niche with Instagram-worthy pet accessories, several lesser-known designers are creating pieces that deserve more recognition. These brands combine sophisticated aesthetics with genuine utility, transforming everyday pet items into objects that enhance both your home and your pet's daily life. From architectural beds to adventure gear, we're seeing a fascinating evolution in how designers approach the intersection of pet care and home design.

: Where Brooklyn Craftsmanship Meets Canine Style

When Tiziana Agnello's elderly pug needed a carrier, the available options left much to be desired. Instead of settling, she launched Love Thy Beast, bringing an artisanal approach to pet accessories that's distinctly New York in its sensibility. Their Canvas Pet Tote feels like something you'd spot at a Brooklyn flea market – simple, sturdy, and effortlessly cool.
The brand's dedication to local production runs deep, with materials sourced and dyed in the Northeast. We're particularly intrigued by their training treat bag, which cleverly prevents the dreaded treat dust from infiltrating your pockets – a detail that speaks to their practical understanding of daily pet life. Their product range has expanded to include tie-dye hoodies and plush beds, with playful nods to pop culture like Grateful Dead ticket toys and "White Paw" can replicas.

Why we like Love Thy Beast

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    Local Production

    Materials sourced and manufactured in the Northeast

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    Practical Innovation

    Thoughtful solutions like dust-free treat bags

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    Cultural Connection

    Playful incorporation of pop culture references

: For Dogs Who Hike Wall Street

The finance-to-pet-gear pipeline might seem unlikely, but that's exactly how Django came to be. Stephanie Wiggins traded her Wall Street career for an MBA and a dog, eventually creating gear that works as well on mountain trails as it does on city sidewalks. Their Highland Cold Weather Dog Jacket reflects this dual-purpose mentality, featuring technical details that make sense whether you're battling midtown wind tunnels or mountain gusts.
The brand's designs emerge from real-world testing in the Columbia River Gorge, where the limitations of conventional pet gear become apparent. Their attention to material selection shows – each component needs to maintain its appearance through serious wear and tear. While we haven't tested the gear ourselves, their growing community of outdoor enthusiasts provides compelling evidence of the products' durability.

Why we like Django

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    Dual-Purpose Design

    Products that perform in both urban and outdoor settings

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    Real-World Testing

    Gear tested in demanding Columbia River Gorge conditions

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    Technical Excellence

    Premium materials selected for durability and appearance

: Silicon Valley Meets Dog Park

Shannon Ross comes from inventor stock – her father created the travel coffee mug – and that innovative spirit shows in Springer's approach to pet accessories. Their Classic Dog Travel Bottle tackles the seemingly simple challenge of on-the-go hydration with the kind of thoughtful engineering we'd expect from a tech startup.
The bottle's design addresses common frustrations with precise water control and waste prevention. After a successful Shark Tank appearance, they've expanded their line to include clever combinations like their Walk Bag + Dog Leash hybrid. It's refreshing to see this level of problem-solving applied to everyday pet parent challenges.

Why we like Springer

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    Innovation Heritage

    Founded by daughter of travel coffee mug inventor

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    Engineering Focus

    Tech-inspired solutions to common pet care problems

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    Clever Combinations

    Smart hybrid products like the Walk Bag + Leash

Maggie

Maggie

04/24/24

very convenient water bottle to bring for my pup on hikes! love the color selection

: Where Dog Toys Meet Gallery Art

Ang Wong's burnout-inspired career pivot led to something unexpected: pet accessories that could pass as modern art installations. The brand deliberately calls their products "play objects" rather than toys, and one look at their collection explains why. Their Nou, a twisted rope creation, and the Butternut snuffle mat reimagine pet enrichment through an artistic lens.
The brand's muted color palette and sculptural designs feel more MoMA Store than pet shop. Their website even offers a custom "play object" design feature, suggesting they understand that pet accessories should complement, not compromise, carefully curated interiors.

Why we like Lambwolf Collective

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    Artistic Approach

    Pet products designed as gallery-worthy pieces

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    Custom Options

    Personalized 'play object' design service

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    Interior Design Focus

    Products that complement modern home aesthetics

: Modernist Architecture Goes to the Dogs

This South Korean brand channels the spirit of mid-century masters like the Eameses into pet furniture that holds its own among design classics. Their Deauville Pet House, with its distinctive slanted roof and calculated light cutouts, demonstrates how architectural principles can elevate pet furniture beyond mere utility.
The Linden Day Bed further illustrates their design philosophy, incorporating practical features like scratch-resistant surfaces without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. The fact that luxury retailer Ssense stocks their pieces speaks to their success in bridging the worlds of high design and pet functionality.

Why we like Pets So Good

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    Architectural Influence

    Mid-century modern inspired pet furniture

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    Premium Distribution

    Stocked by luxury retailers like Ssense

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    Functional Luxury

    High-end materials with practical features

Shelby

Shelby

05/10/24

This is the most fashionable dog day bed I’ve seen! It would look good even as room decor.

: Minimalism's Answer to Pet Products

Luke Wong brings his furniture design background from the School of The Art Institute of Chicago to bear on the pet accessory world. His approach strips away unnecessary ornamentation, resulting in pieces that feel considered rather than contrived.
The Dog Face toy exemplifies this philosophy, replacing traditional shapes with something more sculptural. Their powder-coated steel bowl stands demonstrate how even the most basic pet accessories can be elevated through thoughtful design. It's minimalism with purpose, proving that pet gear doesn't need bells and whistles to make a statement.

Why we like Doca Pet

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    Design Credentials

    Founded by SAIC-trained furniture designer

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    Minimalist Philosophy

    Purposeful simplicity in every product

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    Material Innovation

    Premium finishes like powder-coated steel

Looking Ahead: The Future of Pet Design

The rise of these design-forward alternatives to Zee.Dog signals a broader shift in how we think about pet accessories. These brands demonstrate that functionality and sophisticated design aren't mutually exclusive. Whether your aesthetic leans toward architectural statements or minimalist essentials, there's now a way to maintain your design standards while keeping your pets happy and engaged.