The idea for PAWNCHO™ was born from real-life experience and the daily challenges I faced caring for my dogs while managing an intense professional schedule. At the time, my dogs hated the rain, and I experienced firsthand how traditional dog raincoats often created more problems than they solved. Most options were heavy, restrictive, and time-consuming to put on, turning what should have been a simple walk into a stressful ordeal for both the dogs and me.
One morning in New York City, around 5:30 a.m., during a heavy downpour, that frustration came fully into focus. The rain was relentless, the streets were flooded, and my dogs refused to go outside. Knowing I had to get them walked before leaving for work, I put them into their heavy raincoat jackets and coaxed them out the door. They resisted every step, uncomfortable and unhappy, but eventually followed me into the rain.
We walked for nearly twenty minutes through soaked streets and pouring rain. Despite the time spent outside, they never relaxed enough to do their business. The bulky raincoats restricted their movement and clearly added to their discomfort. With time running out and no results, I had no choice but to bring them back home. I left for work frustrated, exhausted, and already behind schedule.
That night, when I returned home, my concern turned into confirmation. As I had predicted earlier that morning, my dogs had relieved themselves inside the house. After a long and demanding day, I still had to spend an additional thirty minutes cleaning up after them. What stood out to me wasn’t just the inconvenience—it was the realization that the rain gear designed to help had actively worked against us. Instead of enabling a quick, effective walk, it had disrupted their natural behavior and created even more work.
In that moment, the real problem became clear. I didn’t need another complicated product or a better-fitting heavy jacket. I needed an efficient solution as fast as possible—something that would allow me to get the boys out for a walk on a rainy day without a hitch and still ensure that I could get myself to work at the trading desk on time. Early mornings offered no flexibility, and unpredictable weather left no room for elaborate preparation or trial and error.
That experience stayed with me long after. It highlighted how existing dog rainwear assumed ideal conditions—ample time, cooperative pets, and predictable weather—none of which reflected reality. Walks happen early in the morning, late at night, between responsibilities, and under pressure. When rain arrives suddenly, pet owners need solutions that work immediately, without stress, resistance, or added cleanup later.
That realization ultimately led to the creation of PAWNCHO™. I set out to design a lightweight, disposable raincoat that could be used instantly, without bulky materials, complicated fasteners, or lengthy adjustments. Just as important, I wanted the solution to be environmentally responsible, which is why PAWNCHO™ was developed using compostable materials. What began as a frustrating early-morning walk in the rain became the foundation for a product designed to support real life—helping pets stay comfortable, routines stay intact, and owners move through their day without unnecessary obstacles.
