Pioneer Pet Products emerged from a heartfelt mission to enhance the lives of pets and their owners, starting with a simple yet profound understanding of feline behavior. Founded by Betsy Lipscomb, a dedicated cat behaviorist and the visionary behind SmartCat®, the company’s origins are deeply rooted in addressing the core reasons why cats were often surrendered to shelters – unresolved behavioral issues. In the late 1990s, Betsy recognized that many cat owners were struggling with their cats’ natural scratching instincts, often misdirected towards furniture and carpets. Declawing, a cruel and unnecessary procedure, was frequently seen as the only solution.
Pioneer Pet Products Logo Image
Driven by compassion and expertise, Betsy established Cats International, a free hotline providing guidance to pet parents facing feline behavioral challenges. For years, she personally responded to countless calls, offering humane and effective solutions. To further assist cat owners struggling with scratching, Betsy began crafting scratching posts from reclaimed wooden fence posts from her Wisconsin farm. Wrapped in sisal rope and mounted on sturdy bases, these handmade posts were initially given away to those seeking help. The overwhelming positive response to these scratching posts highlighted a significant need for behaviorally appropriate pet products.
This early success inspired Betsy to formally establish a company with a clear mission: to elevate the quality of life for pets by catering to their innate behavioral needs. A key objective was to provide viable alternatives to declawing, promoting humane and understanding pet ownership. After convincing her husband, John, to join her vision, they scaled up production of her original scratching post design, leading to the creation of the flagship product, The Ultimate Scratching Post, and the birth of SmartCat®.
The journey of innovation didn’t stop there. In 2009, SmartCat® evolved into Pioneer Pet Products®, marking an expansion into a broader spectrum of pet products, all while upholding the founding principles of quality and behavioral understanding. This growth continued in 2012 with the acquisition of Sticky Paws®, a brand known for its tactile deterrent tapes that discourage cats from scratching inappropriate surfaces. Sticky Paws® seamlessly integrated into the Pioneer Pet® family, reinforcing the commitment to providing pet owners with tools to manage pet behavior gently and effectively, respecting their natural instincts.
Today, Pioneer Pet Products stands as a testament to a mission-driven dream realized. While no longer a small farmhouse operation, the core values remain unchanged. The company’s trio of brands has earned the trust and affection of pet parents who prioritize their pets’ well-being. Pioneer Pet’s enduring mission is to deliver superior products designed by behavior experts, rigorously tested, and proven to enhance the lives of pets and strengthen the bond with their human companions. Every Pioneer Pet product is a reflection of this unwavering dedication to behavioral wellness and a deeper understanding of what pets truly need to thrive.
