How It All Started

In a previous life, I worked for a big, well-known pet food brand. During my time there, I was part of the team that brought to life the cutest little "matchmaking" app, helping pet parents find the type of shelter dog they were looking for.  It was at this moment that I realised something fascinating. Much like dating - people have a "type." 

When it comes to dogs, the preferences are wonderfully varied. Some people love the long, pointy, racy types. Others are drawn to wiry, scruffy little bundles of nonsense. Some adore the droopy, long-eared breeds, while others can't resist the dichotomy of a tough, muscular softie.

Not long after that insight, I attended a dog show and met my very first Borzoi. In fact, I met the A to Z of dog breeds and many, many I didn’t know before - Bearded Collies, Flat Coat Retrievers, Italian Spinone, Coton du Tulear, Powder Puffs and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens! It was a literal feast for my eyes.  I stood there marvelling at the incredible variety of noses, tails, coats, statures and personalities. The sheer number of flavours we get to choose from is astonishing. Dogs are just endlessly fascinating.

And yes, I love ALL animals. Don't get me started on donkeys, otters, capybaras, rabbits or ratties. I fully intend to include them one day. But dogs? Dogs are one of life's greatest joys. There are just so many wonderfully different breeds to celebrate.

What I also realised during my years in the pet world is that people who love animals tend to be some of the nicest humans around. They're better to talk to, engage with and spend time with.  I knew I always wanted to stay connected to pet parents and the pet industry somehow.

I also noticed something else. Despite all the shops out there, it wasn't always easy to find beautiful, stylish, high-quality things for humans that proudly announced, "Yes, I am absolutely dog-obsessed."

With all the dogs we meet on our daily walks through the forest, we knew there would be fellow enthusiasts out there. And the products make such thoughtful gifts too.  In fact many of our sweet customers are buying for someone they love. 

Whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift for her, a unique birthday surprise, a heartfelt thank-you, something special for a favourite teacher, a hard-to-buy-for colleague, or a friend who's just welcomed a new puppy, our products help celebrate the animals that mean so much to the people we love. It's why Pet Project goodies have become such popular gifts.

The business was always meant to be a pet project.  But life had other plans. After 20 years in corporate life, and just as I was approaching 50, I was retrenched. Suddenly, the "pet" project became THE project.

I'm still kind of terrified. I'm also kind of relieved. It turns out there isn't all that much waiting for you at the very top of the corporate ladder anyway. 

The irony of creating and selling goodies celebrating more than 40 breeds (and counting) is that we only have one purebred dog ourselves — Olive, our Golden Retriever. The other three are rescued shelter pets.  But the "type" theory still holds true.

Riley is essentially a teacup Irish Wolfhound. Mash is a Chow-Sighthound mash-up. Flapjack is a Dach-Russell. Thankfully, our home is already full to the brim, because I genuinely like far too many breeds to ever decide what the next dog should be.

Everything we create is something we'd happily own, wear or use ourselves. We aim for classic, stylish, cute and cool.   

Right now our range is still fairly small, but we're adding to it all the time. We currently offer totes, sweatshirts, pyjamas, scarves, treat jars, socks, mugs, notebooks and a few other lovely things too.

As for the business itself, it's mostly just me. Well, JP and I.  JP is my partner whose entirely unpaid design services make this whole thing somewhat viable. I'm honestly not sure how we'd manage without his endless support, encouragement and talent.  He was the one that pushed us into our first market, got the website bones together and is the one who tells me I’m addicted to the sound of a “Shopify” sale.

So every time a sale comes in, every time we receive a five-star review, or every time a customer sends a sweet message or special request, we smile.  We're genuinely delighted to help, chat and serve you. 

My hope is that one day we'll look back on these humble beginnings, after crossing many exciting milestones and be grateful we had the courage to start.

xxx Carla

Find the Perfect Gift at Pet Project

We have beautiful, high-quality gifts that celebrate the special joy pets bring to our lives.   With fast delivery across South Africa, we make gifting easy and meaningful.