Jun 16, 2020

Pup Scruffs turns its dog apparel into masks

Pup Scruffs, a Virginia-based business that launched in March as a dog-apparel company, rebranded its merchandise to be masks for people when the pandemic hit the country.

Initially, Pup Scruffs made designer neck wear for dogs, offering 40 different designs and fun dog-inspired patterns, said Katie Bernotsky, one of the owners of the company. However, it launched at the end of March when most people were concerned about the coronavirus disease and the owners realized it wasn’t a good time to launch dog apparel.

Bernotsky and her husband began wearing the neck wear as masks to prevent the virus and received compliments while wearing them. People wanted to know where to buy them. This created an opportunity for the owners, who then decided to sell its creations as neck wear for dogs and as masks for humans.

The company offers 10 sizes for dogs and three sizes for people (adults, children and toddlers). By refocusing marketing efforts, the company’s sales have grown and Pup Scruffs are shipped nationwide.

“We have received so much positive feedback from customers that these masks have been the perfect solution for families,” she said. “People have been purchasing them to match their children or pets.”

The masks are lightweight and breathable, made from a polyester/spandex blend that makes the gear comfortable and easy to wear. Even through the economic challenges, the company has been able to adapt and provide solutions and different product offerings during the pandemic.

Pup Scruffs donates a portion of all sales to the Lynchburg Humane Society in Lynchburg, Virginia. Within two weeks, the company donated $5,000 to the shelter. “We were so excited to be able to do this especially during this time when the shelter and the animals needed it the most,” Bernotsky said.