Planet Dog, with headquarters in Portland, MA was birth from the dreams of Alex Fisher and Stew Maloney and inspired by their furry friends. The "big bang" moment for Planet Dog came in 1997, when friends Fisher and Maloney started sketching out ideas for a business. One hundred cocktail napkins later, the company was born as a dog-centric retailer with an altruistic edge. Planet Dogs mission is to amuse, explore, support, create, innovate, educate, celebrate and philanthropate all in the name of the dog.
Over the past several years, they have evolved into an award-winning, socially responsible, values-based design house. The fire in their belly is to concept, innovate and develop premium products "made for dog, by dog lovers" all the while being fully dedicated to satisfying both you and your best friend's needs.
At Planet Dog, they pride ourselves on being known as the pet industry's leader with proven socially responsible initiatives that bring people and dogs together for fun and mutual support. They "romp the romp" by providing financial resources to those in need, educating consumers about canine-related issues, creating an array of non-toxic and recyclable products, and keeping the tails of "our pack" wagging.
Planet Dog's flagship initiative is the Planet Dog Foundation. The Foundation, whose philanthropic mission is to promote and celebrate programs that enable dogs to serve and support their best friends, receives 2% of every Planet Dog purchase. These vital funds, augmented by individual financial contributions and a growing endowment, are donated back to non-profit canine service programs nation-wide. In 2006 alone, Planet Dog Foundation donated more than $100,000 in cash and product donations.
The founders have been inspired by companies such as Ben & Jerry's, Patagonia, Tom's of Maine and Stoneyfield Farm to always strive not only to make quality products but better the world. Their internal mantra of "think globally, act doggedly," keeps them focused on the higher cause of why they entered this industry... wagging, drooling, sniffing, snuggling, howling, romping dogs. At Planet Dog, they want to make toys, not waste. All the toys made from their signature Orbee-Tuff compound are 100% recyclable. In fact, they have two toys that are made of the recycled material. The Orbee-Tuff RecycleBall and RecycleBone are made from what they call "regrind." They take material that otherwise would be waste and regrind it into yet another toy. This effort helps lighten the load at the landfills - and fill loads of toy boxes throughout the country.
They are also making efforts to help their employees reduce and offset their carbon footprint. They have an Alternative Transportation Program for their employees. When an employee purchases a hybrid vehicle they reimburse them 50% of their sales tax. And they are constantly taking steps within their home offices to reduce waste and strive to neutralize.
