Pet Business is SERIOUS BUSINESS. Xo.
More Than Just Pet Products: It's a Lifestyle
At 16 Paws, we believe pet products shouldn't be an afterthought; they should elevate your entire home and lifestyle. This isn't just a niche idea - it's a reflection of a massive cultural shift.
The global pet care industry is booming. Valued at over $260 billion in 2024, it's projected to surpass $640 billion by 2034. In the U.S. alone, spending is expected to hit $157 billion in 2025. This explosive growth is driven by a simple truth: our pets are family. With 94 million U.S. households now including a pet, owners are seeking high-quality, well-designed products that match their own aesthetic.
This is where 16 Paws comes in. Our mission is to merge beautiful design with practical function, creating everything from chic pet beds to stylish feeding stations that complement the modern home.
And we're not the only ones who think this matters. The industry is taking notice.
16 Paws in the Spotlight
We are thrilled to have been featured in Global Common Cents, Business & Lifestyle Strategies for International Entrepreneurs, not just once, but twice!
🧘🐶 Creating a Zen Home Office Experience for You & Your Dog: In this feature, our founder, Jen Appel, shares how her own work-from-home challenges sparked the innovation behind 16 Paws. She explores how design-forward pet products can transform a chaotic space into a calm, productive environment for both you and your canine coworker. [Read the full article here].
📰 The Mindset of the Modern Entrepreneur: Here, Jen discusses a core belief: a great business solves a real problem, no matter how simple it seems. From zippers to puppy pads, value is what the market rewards. She encourages new entrepreneurs to trust in their ideas, because if it creates value, it’s a real business. [Read more here ].
Inspiring the Next Generation
These themes recently led to a conversation with Stanford University students about Stanford Research Park and how our environment shapes innovation and success. We discussed how everything from our coffee mugs to our dog beds can influence our thinking.
But the conversation went deeper, exploring leadership and culture. The students asked, "How do you vibe check the room?"
The answer is about energy, culture, and truth. As a leader, you must run toward challenges and stay planted in your purpose. Always address the elephant in the room with poise, clam and clarity. Offer solutions and keep peace a main priority. The quality of your team’s day and their internal landscape is your main focus. If you’re people are happy and engaged - your company will thrive. Culture isn't a slogan; it's built on:
Transparency
Accountability
Support
Fun
Whether you're building a startup or a lifestyle brand, you must believe in the value of what you're creating. Innovation doesn't always wear a suit. Sometimes, it wears fur and a crown. 🐾👑
At 16 Paws, we're not just upgrading pet products. We're innovating for the entire industry and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to create a better world for all of us- two-legged and four-legged alike.