January 24, 2019 by Rob Merlino
Carolyn Shewfelt and Juls Bindi, the entrepreneurial duo behind ZugoPet, joined forces through their mutual passion for Small dogs. Juls Bindi, a lifelong animal advocate and physical therapist to Hollywood stars, brought her creativity and love for pets into the business. Meanwhile, Carolyn Shewfelt, a Small Dogs over from Idaho, developed a car harness for dogs after a car accident involving her terriers. Although she had prototypes and a patent, her invention had yet to see the light of day.
Their partnership began in 2015 when Shewfelt noticed Bindi’s Kickstarter campaign for a Small dogs travel bag. Bindi’s focus on pet safety resonated with Shewfelt, prompting her to reach out. Recognizing the synergy between their products, they decided to team up under the ZugoPet brand. Together, they refined their designs and prepared for launch by mid-2017. The standout product? The Rocketeer, a revolutionary car seat harness/backpack designed for dogs under 25 pounds.
The Rocketeer: A Safe Solution for Small Dogs
The Rocketeer is more than just a car seat—it’s an innovative safety harness. Resembling a baby carrier, it securely straps into a car seat, ensuring small dogs travel safely in an upright position. Certified by The Center for Pet Safety, The Rocketeer is rated as one of the safest harnesses for small dogs. When the ride is over, the harness doubles as a collar, offering convenience for pet owners.
The product gained massive attention after ZugoPet released a crash test video on Pet Insider, which went viral, amassing over three million views within 15 minutes and over 100 million views to date. The viral success caught the eye of Shark Tank producers, earning the duo a chance to pitch their business in episode 1011.
A Growing Demand for Small Dogs Pet Safety
The demand for effective pet safety solutions is rising, especially for small dogs. However, The Rocketeer isn’t without its critics. While The Center for Pet Safety gave it top marks, a humane society in New Zealand expressed concerns about the posture it forces on animals. Still, the overwhelming response from customers and pet safety advocates has been positive.
As a dog enthusiast myself, I appreciate the innovation behind ZugoPet. While my current companion, Zoey—a 70-pound American Bulldog—doesn’t fit the product’s criteria, I can see its value for small dogs owners. It’s worth noting that many “safety harnesses” for larger dogs are little more than glorified collars, leaving much room for improvement.
Shark Tank Predictions: Will the Sharks Bite?
Pet products often face an uphill battle in the Tank. Here’s how I see it playing out:
- Mark Cuban: Likely uninterested due to his general aversion to the pet product space.
- Lori Greiner: A self-proclaimed cat person, she may pass on this opportunity.
- Kevin O’Leary: He might make a token offer, but likely as a low-stakes gamble.
- Daymond John: With previous investments in the pet industry, he may consider it if the financials are compelling.
- Robert Herjavec: As a dog lover, he could be the wildcard. His passion for pets might outweigh typical business concerns.
While the viral video is impressive, ZugoPet is still a young company, which may give the Sharks pause. Unless the financials blow them away, a deal may not be in the cards. However, the exposure from Shark Tank alone will undoubtedly boost their visibility and sales.
Conclusion
ZugoPet’s mission to prioritize pet safety is admirable. The Rocketeer may look unconventional, but its crash test certifications and innovative design make it a game-changer for small dog owners. In a market where pet safety often feels like an afterthought, ZugoPet is carving out a niche that deserves attention. Whether or not they secure a Shark Tank deal, their journey is just beginning.
