Spotlight on Petmate: US-Based Global Leader in Pet Supplies

Pet Age recently spoke with Paul Tonnesen, CEO of Petmate, to learn more about the global leader in pet supplies.

The brand’s history is a quintessential story of American-made design and craftsmanship

Q: Tell me about Petmate and why Made in USA manufacturing has been so essential to the company’s success.

A: To understand Petmate, you have to go back to our founding. In the 1960s, there wasn’t a safe way for dogs to travel by plane. Our founder, Ben Doskocil, a high-school-educated entrepreneur working out of his home garage, bought $1,000 of woodworking equipment and designed the Sky Kennel. It became the first kennel approved for air travel and has been the standard-bearer ever since.

Flash-forward 65 years, we’re the world’s No. 1 manufacturer of plastic kennels, air-tight food storage and gravity-based watering and feeding, along with top sellers in litter boxes, shelters and more. That’s only possible because we’ve stayed true to that same founding mission: making the best American-made products that enrich the lives of pet families.

Growing our manufacturing in Texas where we were founded has been vital to our success. In every economic climate we’ve faced – whether tariffs, the pandemic, recessions, you name it – our U.S. manufacturing has, without fail, given us and our partners certainty.

Q: How have those investments helped you respond to today’s tariff instability?

A: Our U.S. manufacturing means we have premium products ready to ship – and plenty more capacity to scale up or contract manufacture. Our investments over the decades have allowed us to produce without pause and get product to retailers faster, all largely tariff-free.

Petmate is one of the only – if not the only – U.S. pet products companies with complete control of the resin supply that goes into our plastic products. We have a wholly owned U.S. recycling facility that transforms post-industrial, preconsumer plastic scrap into polypropylene resin for plastic injection and structural foam molding. We’re also Intertek certified, meaning the plastic products and resin we manufacture are made with at least 97% recycled material. If we relied on foreign supply for resin, it’d be a whole different ballgame.

Q: What’s the advantage of pet products being made in the USA?

A: The Made in USA advantage goes far beyond the label. Relying on U.S. production comes with greater supply chain certainty – we’re able to respond rapidly to orders, including those driven by unexpected demand. And since products don’t have to be shipped internationally, delivery times are more predictable, with reduced risk of global disruption.

It’s also a big job creator. Domestic production helps sustain and grow American jobs and support local economies. Investing in our workforce at home is so important to strong communities that directly benefit retailers. Made in USA also comes with regulations for safety and quality. Throughout our history, not only has Petmate exceeded those standards, but our kennel designs have actually reshaped federal regulation.

Q :Many are bracing for tariff disruption throughout 2026, which creates an opportunity for companies that manufacture in the U.S. How are you planning to approach the next six months?

A: Move full steam ahead. While others are reconfiguring sourcing and shipping, we’re continuing to innovate, like refreshing our kennel, watering and feeding brands to meet evolving consumer needs. We just reviewed our new products for 2026, it’s going to be one of our biggest years yet.

On the pricing end, Made in USA gives us a market advantage. A recent study from Rover found nearly 30% of pet parents are already struggling to afford essentials due to tariffs. Made in USA allows us to offer a no-compromise solution.

Lastly, we have product ready to ship and ample capacity attracting significant attention. If you’re looking for supply certainty and the best Made in USA products consumers love and trust, we’re ready to be your partner.