PLAY Pet Lifestyle And You has been named a Western region finalist for the US Chamber of Commerce’s America’s Top Small Business Awards.
Ten years ago, pet parents Will and Deb Chen saw a gap in the market when they were looking for a dog bed for their four-legged family member, Momo. They felt that the options available did not suit the lifestyle of the modern pet owner, so they decided to design their own.
The Chens’ search for the perfect dog bed laid the foundation for what would become PLAY Pet Lifestyle and You, a San Francisco-based business offering a range of pet products, including toys and lifestyle goods. PLAY has become a thriving hub of eco-friendly pet products and accessories that cater to the needs of pet parents around the world.
With a digital community of more than two million animal lovers and a presence in 1,600 locations across North America and 40 countries worldwide, PLAY remains committed to creating innovative solutions for beloved pets animal
3 things that made PLAY Pet Lifestyle and You a finalist for America’s Top Small Business:
This is a business that keeps pets and the environment top of mind
PLAY stands out for its commitment to creating innovative and eco-friendly products, always keeping pets, people and the planet in mind. An example of this is the company’s use of PlanetFill filler, which consists of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, which has resulted in the recycling of 14 million bottles since the start of the business. Strengthening the special bond between pets and their owners while making a positive impact around the world is the No. 1 business objective.
Each PLAY dog bed is meticulously crafted using eco-friendly materials to provide maximum comfort and ergonomic support for pets. PLAY believes that a happy pet means a happy home, which is why the beds feature stylish and easy-care covers, ensuring a space that blends seamlessly with the rest of the home
It creates high quality and creatively designed products for pets and their owners
PLAY offers themed toy collections inspired by trends, such as its ’80s and ’90s Classics Collections. Toys from this collection capture the nostalgia to appeal to pet parents as well.
PLAY toys are more than just the average squeaker — they include features like crinkles, crunchy water bottles, and t-shirt ropes to keep pets busy for hours. Attention to detail and craftsmanship keep the toys durable by using a double-layer exterior and reinforced stitching. Of course, safety comes first, so PLAY adheres to the same strict quality standards used for manufacturing baby and children’s products.
As a growing brand, PLAY actively seeks partnerships with local businesses, encouraging relationships that drive economic growth. By working with digital marketing agencies and solution providers, PLAY boosted its online presence and website performance.
The company’s dedication to quality, safety, innovation, and sustainability distinguishes it from its competition. In fact, it was one of the first pet businesses to achieve B Corp certification.
Additionally, PLAY has cultivated a strong sense of unity and purpose among its team members by building a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. PLAY involves staff in the hiring process from the beginning to hear other perspectives and develop informed decisions based on skills and cultural fit so that the mission and values of the business are aligned.
It is a catalyst for job creation and community engagement in San Francisco and across the country
Although PLAY has a team of only 12 employees at its headquarters, its impact on the local economy is robust. The company serves as a catalyst for job creation and economic growth in communities across the country. The team expanded product offerings, especially locally assembled ones, which led to collaboration with domestic manufacturers for consistent business and job stability in this industry. PLAY also relies on local warehousing, trucking, and courier services.
As a growing brand, PLAY actively seeks partnerships with local businesses, encouraging relationships that drive economic growth. By working with digital marketing agencies and solution providers, PLAY boosted its online presence and website performance.
PLAY is also committed to leadership and community engagement through initiatives such as the Warm Bellies Initiative. Launched in 2012, this initiative ensures that animal shelters across the United States have warm beds through monthly donations of Chill Pads to shelters through a partnership with the Petfinder Foundation. In the past three years alone, the PLAY initiative has provided 1,650 beds to animals in need. PLAY also donates over $25,000 worth of products each year to rescue organizations.
The company also has a Scholars Helping Collars Scholarship program, which has been running for 11 years, and awards $1,500 to a high school senior who shows love for animals by volunteering or developing animal-related programs. By sharing the stories of the top three winners, PLAY hopes to inspire others to make contributions — supporting PLAY’s belief that all animals deserve warmth, safety, and love.
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