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Pets

These Pet Brands Make Frisco Look Like Yesterday's News

Steve McClain

Steve McClain

Co-Founder @ Marmalade

Published on: November 17, 2024
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The pet product aisle has gotten a serious glow-up lately. While Frisco dominates the mainstream market with functional basics, a new generation of brands is stepping into the spotlight. We've discovered several companies crafting alternatives that combine innovative design, sustainable materials, and elevated functionality—without the marketing hype that usually comes with premium pet products. Here's our roundup of brands that caught our attention.

Springer
: Where Engineering Meets Outdoor Adventure

There's something endearing about a family of inventors. Shannon Ross, whose father created the travel coffee mug, has taken that innovative DNA and applied it to pet gear. The Classic Dog Travel Bottle isn't just another water container—it's gone through four iterations of engineering tweaks based on real-world feedback.
We're intrigued by Springer's origin story in Austin, where the scorching Texas heat sparked the need for better hydration solutions for four-legged adventurers. Their commitment runs deeper than product design, with environmental initiatives through 1% For The Planet suggesting they're thinking about the bigger picture. The brand's growth from local favorite to international player hints at a larger shift in how pet parents view everyday accessories.

Why we like Springer

  • 1

    Family Innovation Legacy

    Built on generations of product design expertise

  • 2

    Iterative Design Process

    Four generations of improvements based on user feedback

  • 3

    Environmental Commitment

    Active member of 1% For The Planet initiative

Maggie

Maggie

04/24/24

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

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Maxbone
: Not Your Standard Pet Store Fare

In the crowded world of pet accessories, Maxbone brings something refreshingly different to the table. The GO! Portable Bowls reflect their knack for turning mundane pet necessities into conversation pieces that wouldn't look out of place in a design magazine.
This Los Angeles brand has taken an unexpected approach, partnering with factories that typically produce human apparel. The result? Products that meet the same quality standards as high-end fashion accessories. Their focus on nutrition and sustainability shows a deeper understanding of modern pet parents' concerns, though we're keeping an eye on how they maintain these standards as they expand.

Why we like Maxbone

  • 1

    Fashion-Forward Production

    Uses human apparel manufacturing facilities

  • 2

    Design Focus

    Elevates everyday pet items into stylish accessories

  • 3

    Quality Standards

    Maintains high-end fashion manufacturing quality

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Emily

04/24/24

Perfect for the pup when we’re out hiking, trail running or backpacking!

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Tuft + Paw
: Where Cat Psychology Meets Modern Design

Jackson Cunningham's Tuft + Paw has us rethinking what cat furniture can be. The Bamdoll toy exemplifies their approach: stripped-down designs that work with feline instincts rather than against them. No tacky carpet towers or garish colors here—just clean lines and considered materials.
We're particularly drawn to their research-first methodology. By consulting cat behaviorists before touching the drawing board, they've created pieces that cats naturally gravitate toward. Their website reads more like a feline behavior journal than a sales platform, offering genuine insights into why cats do what they do. It's refreshing to see a brand prioritize education over hard sells.

Why we like Tuft + Paw

  • 1

    Research-Based Design

    Consults with cat behaviorists for product development

  • 2

    Educational Approach

    Prioritizes sharing feline behavior knowledge

  • 3

    Minimalist Aesthetic

    Clean, modern designs that complement home decor

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On2Pets
: Bringing the Outside In

On2Pets has carved out an interesting niche by merging outdoor elements with indoor cat furniture. Their Skyline Scratching Post demonstrates how nature-inspired design can satisfy both feline instincts and human aesthetic preferences without compromising either.
The brand's commitment to American manufacturing adds another layer to their story. Their tool-free assembly approach and eco-friendly materials suggest a thoughtful consideration of both user experience and environmental impact. We appreciate how each piece serves multiple functions—scratching, climbing, hiding—while maintaining a cohesive look that doesn't scream "cat furniture."

Why we like On2Pets

  • 1

    Nature-Inspired Design

    Brings outdoor elements into indoor pet furniture

  • 2

    American Manufacturing

    Committed to domestic production

  • 3

    Multi-Functional

    Products serve multiple pet needs while maintaining aesthetics

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Wild One
: Solving Pet Parent Pain Points

Wild One's approach to pet gear feels distinctly New York: streamlined, sophisticated, and surprisingly practical. Their Harness tackles common frustrations like awkward fits and complicated buckles while maintaining a clean aesthetic that wouldn't look out of place at a design museum.
Beyond the minimalist aesthetics, we're interested in their animal welfare initiatives. Their goal to rescue a dog daily by 2024 suggests a brand thinking beyond profit margins. The products feel like natural extensions of a modern lifestyle rather than compromises made for pet ownership.

Why we like Wild One

  • 1

    Urban Design Aesthetic

    New York-inspired streamlined sophistication

  • 2

    Social Impact

    Committed to daily dog rescue by 2024

  • 3

    Problem-Solving Focus

    Addresses common pet product pain points

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Brittany

04/25/24

I have two different colors and I want another! They’re so easy to wash and adjust too :)

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Love Thy Beast
: Craftsmanship Over Mass Production

Founded by Tiziana Agnello, Love Thy Beast brings an artisanal touch to pet accessories. The Licki Mat Soother shows how attention to material quality and thoughtful design can elevate even the most basic pet products.
Their evolution from a quest for the perfect pet carrier has led to a comprehensive line that prioritizes durability and style longevity. We appreciate their focus on American manufacturing—it's becoming increasingly rare in an industry dominated by overseas production. Their unisex approach to pet wear suggests a deeper understanding of how accessories fit into owners' personal style.

Why we like Love Thy Beast

  • 1

    Artisanal Approach

    Focuses on craftsmanship and quality materials

  • 2

    Style Longevity

    Designs for durability and timeless appeal

  • 3

    Unisex Design

    Gender-neutral approach to pet accessories

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Mau
: Environmental Ethics Meet Feline Fun

Mau has reimagined cat furniture through an environmental lens. Their Canvas wall system transforms ordinary vertical spaces into cat-approved climbing zones while maintaining the kind of aesthetics you'd expect from contemporary home décor.
Their business model includes some noteworthy environmental initiatives—5% of proceeds support conservation efforts, and they plant a tree for each purchase. We're drawn to their professional design approach that considers both feline behavior and human aesthetics, proving that functional pet furniture doesn't require aesthetic sacrifices.

Why we like Mau

  • 1

    Environmental Focus

    Plants trees and supports conservation efforts

  • 2

    Space Optimization

    Transforms vertical spaces into pet-friendly zones

  • 3

    Contemporary Aesthetics

    Balances pet functionality with modern design

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Looking Ahead: The Future of Pet Products

These brands represent a shift in how we think about pet products. They're proving that quality, sustainability, and thoughtful design can coexist without feeling pretentious or overpriced. While Frisco continues to serve the mass market effectively, these alternatives offer something different: products that enhance our homes and lifestyles while keeping our pets happy and healthy. As the pet industry evolves, we expect to see even more innovation in this space.