Sustainability Unleashed

West Paw has been family owned and located in Bozeman, Montana since 1996. The company employs a team of people who focus on making high quality dog toys, treats, and accessories. They have recycled more than 150 000 pounds of award- winning dog toys, innovated a toy line that reclaims ocean-bound plastic, and released amongst the first regenerative dog treats available in the industry. West Paw products are sold in over 6 000 pet specialty stores across the US and distributed in over 40 countries.

Founder and owner Spencer Williams purchased a small, local cut and sew manufacturer of pet toys in 1996 called Pet Pals “because he wanted to create great manufacturing jobs in Montana, and he had personal love for dogs”, explains Peter Cleary, today’s President of West Paw, who took over from Williams one year ago. He soon rebranded the business to West Paw and over the following decades invested to grow it into the significant global brand that it is today. In the early-2000s, he invented Zogoflex and released the Hurley – their first durable, molded toy – which remains a top seller to this day.

Williams states the claim: “Our work is to use our business as a force for good to help future generations enjoy a healthy planet, productive work, and strong communities.” With most of its products made in Montana, West Paw is driven to spark opportunities to unleash good in its communities. “We are the first pet product company to be a certified B Corp, Montana’s first Benefit Corporation, and a founding member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition” says a proud Williams.

West Paw became the first company doing business in Montana to change their corporate status to a Benefit Corporation. They became a Certified B Corp “because we believe businesses should be a force for good in the world, helping drive for-profit employers to be more inclusive, equitable, ethical, and sustainable.”

The Pet Industry’s First B Corp still remains committed to the values and purpose of the B Corp movement and successfully recertified last year. Since the last recertification in 2021, they’ve taken significant steps to improve their commitment to their own vision, sustainable business practices, and community engagement.

“We launched our Seaflex line of products that contain 12 per cent recycled ocean-bound and reclaimed plastic. Our treats products utilize highly nutritious organ meats that are typically discarded, and our newest treats are sourced from regenerative ranches and processed close to the source”, enumerates President Cleary.  

And in 2021, West Paw also expanded its commitment to their recycling program, Join the loop, by offering free in-store recycling collection centers to their retailers. Cleary assures: “We innovate to unleash joy between people and pets, in pursuit of a healthier world.”

The company also continued to demonstrate a commitment to its employees and its community by offering living wage compensation, more paid time off for Wellness and Volunteering and just flexibility for life events, helping build a dog park at Bozeman’s newest city park, and launching a dog parade – with proceeds going to local animal shelters – in conjunction with Bozeman’s major summer arts event and parade.

The wide array of products, including toys for enrichment, tug, fetch, and play is made of West Paw’s proprietary Zogoflex and Seaflex materials. 16 mio water bottles have been turned into dog beds and toy stuffing. Cleary is sure: “Our toys are some of the most durable in our industry, and they’re infinitely recyclable.“ Customers can send used toys back to West Paw, he explains, “and we’ll make them into brand new products.”

West Paw’s complete line of sustainable, limited ingredient dog treats in three formats are all humanely raised, sustainably sourced, and made in the USA (and these are only distributed in the US). “The creamy treats are unique in the pet space, loved by pups but without fillers or harmful ingredients”, says Cleary. The air- and freeze-dried treats are made primarily with offal, or the organs of animals like beef or bison, which are incredibly nutritious but often end up in landfills.

“We also produce a line of fully regenerative treats, which are amongst the first dog treats in our industry to be sourced locally from regenerative ranches, which promotes healthy soil, sequesters carbon, supports healthy cows, and ensures nutrient dense treats for dogs.”

West Paw has been designated one of Forbes America’s Best Small Companies in 2016, Montana Manufacturer of the Year in 2017, and Bozeman’s Choice Employer in 2020. West Paw’s new Montana Beef Sticks from regenerative ranches has received “People’s Pet Product Award” for 2024 for Best Jerky Dog Treat. It was as such recognized as innovative, high-quality pet product that enhances the lives of pets and their parents. They include no artificial flavors or preservatives, use natural binding agents and preservatives like carrot and salt and are made from 100 per cent grass-fed beef free from antibiotics and hormones, says the company.

Finally, among the dog accessories of West Paw, there is The Dog’s Best Friend Game, the world’s first dog game intentionally designed to include dogs. Just one of several firsts at this company.