By Lashonda Geffard
Let's be honest, traveling with our pets used to be...a trip in every sense of the word. From last-minute vet paperwork to dry airport treats that even your dog gives side-eye to, it's been a stressful ride. But here's the good news: a new era of pet travel is here, and it looks really bright, innovative, and Minority-owned.
Over the past year, I've had the joy of watching emerging brands not only step up but truly reimagine what travel can look like for pets and their people. I'm talking about companies who truly understand that pets ARE family and make convenience, wellness, and compliance all part of their brands commitment to modern travel.
Let's start with Good Boy Goodies and Paw Gone—two trailblazing companies who are now popping up in airport retail. (Yes, you read that right—airport retail!) No more grabbing mystery-brand bones at the terminal. Now you can purchase healthy, joy-sparking treats and wellness products for your pet while you're rushing to your gate. That's innovation rooted in care.
And then there's Travel Ready Pets—a brand I call the "passport plug" for pet parents. They've made it their mission to help keep pet parents up to date with ever-changing travel regulations. Whether heading across state lines or overseas, they've got you covered with what you need to fly smart, safe, and stress-free. Because nobody wants to be that person at the gate trying to explain why your dog doesn't have the right paperwork. No more frantic Googling. No more missed flights. Just peace of mind—powered by purpose.
Now, here's where tech meets heart: Farvet. This incredible platform helps you find the right vet based on your location, budget, and even specialty needs. It's like a dating app for vet care—but way more helpful and less awkward. Whether your road-tripping across the country or relocating with your fur baby, Farvet ensures you're never too far from trusted care.
What I love most about these brands is that they're not just selling products—they're creating solutions. Solutions that reflect love, thoughtfulness, and a deep understanding of what it means to be a modern pet parent. These brands reflect what we stand for—excellence, innovation, and empowerment. They're living proof that when we lead, we don't just show up—we transform the space.
At Elevate (formerly the Black Pet Business Network), it's our mission to lift up creators and companies who are designing the future of pet care with brilliance and intention. These are the voices reshaping how we move, how we care, and how we connect—on every level.
As we continue to elevate our presence in the pet industry, let's also celebrate the entrepreneurs who are making travel easier, safer, and more joyful for our pets. These aren't just brands, they're trailblazers, and they're opening doors (and gates) for all of us.