Kurgo
| Company type | Brand |
|---|---|
| Industry | Outdoor dog equipment |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Kitter Spater, Gordie Spater |
| Headquarters | Knoxville, Tennessee , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand |
| Owner | Radio Systems Corporation |
Kurgo is a brand specializing in outdoor equipment for dogs, currently owned by Radio Systems Corporation.
Its merchandise is available through prominent retailers such as PetSmart and Petco, positioning Kurgo as a foremost producer of pet travel and safety products across the United States and Canada. Additionally, the brand caters to customers in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
The company’s main office is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, with an additional branch situated in Amesbury, Massachusetts.
History
Kurgo was established by brothers Kitter and Gordie Spater, motivated by their passion for dogs and outdoor activities. The brand’s inception traces back to when Kitter’s dog, Zelda, repeatedly leapt into the front seat during drives, leading him to create the initial prototype of the Backseat Barrier from his garage workshop.
Over time, Kurgo broadened its offerings to encompass carrier backpacks, active harnesses, protective cold-weather jackets, seat covers, and various other outdoor dog accessories.
In 2008, Kurgo formed a partnership with Toyota aimed at enhancing pet travel safety. Later, in 2011, it joined forces with AAA to conduct a survey focused on pet travel safety.
Radio Systems Corporation acquired Kurgo in October 2018.
Product Awards
The Tru-Fit Smart Harness Quick Release was honored as Best Dog Harness by Wirecutter in 2020.
In 2021, The Dodo awarded its Paw of Approval to the G-Train Backpack.
Sources
- "Nearly One in Five Respondents to AAA/Kurgo Survey Admit to Taking Hands off the Wheel to Keep Dogs from Climbing in Front Seat | AAA NewsRoom." AAA NewsRoom. 19 July 2011. http://newsroom.aaa.com/2011/07/2011-kurgo-pet-surve/.