- Business Name: P.L.A.Y. Pet Lifestyle And You
- Location: San Francisco, CA
P.L.A.Y. Pet Lifestyle And You has been named the Western region finalist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's America’s Top Small Business Awards.
Ten years ago, pet parents Will and Deb Chen spotted a gap in the market when they were searching for a dog bed for their four-legged family member, Momo. They felt the options available didn’t align with the modern pet owner’s lifestyle, so they decided to design their own.
The Chens’ quest for the perfect dog bed laid the foundation for what would become P.L.A.Y. Pet Lifestyle and You, a San Francisco-based business offering an array of pet products, including toys and lifestyle goods. P.L.A.Y. has since blossomed into a thriving hub of eco-friendly pet products and accessories that cater to the needs of pet parents worldwide.
With a digital community of over two million animal enthusiasts and a presence in 1,600 locations across North America and 40 countries globally, P.L.A.Y. remains committed to creating innovative solutions for loved pets.
3 things that made P.L.A.Y. Pet Lifestyle and You a finalist for America's Top Small Business:
It’s a business that keeps pets and the environment top of mind
P.L.A.Y. stands out for its commitment to crafting stylish and eco-friendly products, always keeping pets, people, and the planet in mind. One example of this is the company's use of PlanetFill filler, composed of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, which has resulted in the recycling of 14 million bottles since the business’s inception. Strengthening the special bond between pets and their owners while making a positive global impact is the business’s No. 1 goal.
Each P.L.A.Y. dog bed is meticulously crafted using eco-friendly materials to provide the utmost comfort and ergonomic support for pets. P.L.A.Y. believes a happy pet means a happy home, which is exactly why beds feature stylish and easy-to-care-for 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
P.L.A.Y. offers themed toy collections that are inspired by trends, such as its ‘80s and ‘90s Classics Collections. The toys from this collection tap into nostalgia to also appeal to pet parents.
P.L.A.Y.’s toys go beyond the typical squeaker — they include features like crinkles, crunchy water bottles, and t-shirt ropes so pets stay occupied for hours. The attention to detail and handmade craftsmanship keeps toys durable by using a double-layer exterior and reinforced stitching. Of course, at the forefront is safety, so P.L.A.Y. adheres to the same strict quality standards used for manufacturing infant and children’s products.
As a growing brand, P.L.A.Y. actively seeks partnerships with local businesses, encouraging relationships that drive economic growth. By collaborating with digital marketing agencies and solution providers, P.L.A.Y. has strengthened its online presence and website performance.
The company’s dedication to quality, safety, innovation, and sustainability has distinguished it from its competition. In fact, it was one of the first pet businesses to achieve B Corp certification.
Additionally, P.L.A.Y. has cultivated a strong sense of unity and purpose among its team members by building a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. P.L.A.Y. involves staff in the hiring process from the start to hear other perspectives and develop informed decisions based on skills and cultural fit so that the business mission and values are aligned.
It’s a catalyst for job creation and community engagement in San Francisco and across the country
Although P.L.A.Y. has a team of just 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 has expanded product offerings, especially those assembled locally, which has led to collaborations with domestic manufacturers for consistent business and employment stability in this industry. P.L.A.Y. also relies on local warehousing, trucking, and courier services.
As a growing brand, P.L.A.Y. actively seeks partnerships with local businesses, encouraging relationships that drive economic growth. By collaborating with digital marketing agencies and solution providers, P.L.A.Y. has strengthened its online presence and website performance.
P.L.A.Y. is also dedicated to leadership and community engagement through initiatives like 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. Over the last three years alone, P.L.A.Y.’s initiative has provided 1,650 beds to animals in need. P.L.A.Y. 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 demonstrating a love for animals through volunteering or developing animal-related programs. By sharing stories of the top three winners, P.L.A.Y. hopes to inspire others to make contributions — which supports P.L.A.Y.’s belief that all animals deserve warmth, safety, and love.
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