Last updated on June 13th, 2024
DogSpot, a New York City-based pet-tech startup company, has launched in Portland, Oregon, with grocery store partner Zupan’s Markets. The service is available at all three Zupan’s Markets locations: Burnside, Macadam and Lake Oswego.
Customers can use the app-connected houses as a safer and smarter solution when shopping with their dogs rather than leaving them in the car or tied up on the street.
All DogSpot houses are temperature controlled with air conditioning, a puppy cam, app-controlled lock and fresh-air ventilation to ensure a comfortable, clean and safe stay for your dog. A vet-grade UVC light activates between each use to sanitize the house.
“Zupan’s Markets is committed to providing our customers with a grocery experience like none other in Portland and Lake Oswego,” said Mike Zupan, president and CEO of Zupan’s Markets. “We don’t want any member of the family to feel left out, which is why we could not be more excited to introduce DogSpot’s high-tech houses, sharing a safe and secure solution for our food-loving customers shopping with fido.”
DogSpot’s Co-founder and CEO Chelsea Brownridge explains how her own experiences as a dog mom inspired her to create DogSpot. “People who have dogs get it; you don’t get a dog to leave them cooped up inside all day. The best part of their day is going out on walks around town, heading to the dog park and spending time with you. We’re making it possible to say, ‘Wanna go for a walk?’ more often and more safely than before.”
The Zupan’s DogSpot official advertising partner is Portland-based Portland Pet Food Co. “We are thrilled to be the first partner for DogSpot at Zupan’s,” said Kate McCarron of Portland Pet Food Co. “We appreciate and share Zupan’s and DogSpot’s commitment to the safety and health of dogs. These high-tech houses are a great alternative to tying up a dog outside the store or leaving your dog in a car. As makers of all-natural dog meals and treats, we applaud new innovative options that bring health and safety to our community and we are pleased to be a partner of Zupan’s and DogSpot, who share our vision,” McCarron said.
Zupan’s Markets customers can easily access the houses through the DogSpot app, available for both iPhone and Android users, where they can view the locations in their area and even reserve a house 15 minutes prior to arrival. The app also provides a live “puppy cam” feed of their dog inside the house and house temperature.
Customers can download the app and sign up for free. It costs $0.30 per minute to use DogSpot, but entering code PORTPUP60 at sign up will provide 60 minutes free.
Founded by John Zupan in 1975, Zupan’s Markets is a local and family owned gourmet market that has served Portland’s community for more than 40 years.
Kate McCarron founded Portland Pet Food Co. when looking to feed her elderly standard poodle with homemade, healthy meals. The company worked with the Oregon Food Innovation Program to develop their sustainable, local, AAFCO certified line of products. It also partners with Pacific Northwest companies to ensure that 100 percent of your dog’s food is sourced and made in the U.S. They hand roll and cut their dog biscuits and cook all meals from scratch in Oregon. It is a WBENC certified woman-owned business and a member of the Good Food Guild. Five percent of all Portland Pet Food Co. sales are donated to nonprofits that support animals.
Founded in Brooklyn in 2015, DogSpot has created a pet safety amenity, shaped like a dog house that allows people to safely bring their dog with them while running errands. DogSpot’s state-of-the-art sidewalk sanctuaries sit at the entrance of establishments that cannot accommodate non-service dogs.
