From a simple idea born beside a rescue dog to a movement touching 50,000+ pet families. This is how Paws Source was born — and why we do what we do.
"I just wanted someone to help me take care of Barnaby like I wanted to. That didn't exist back then — so I built it."
In the winter of 2018, Maya Patel adopted Barnaby — a frightened, malnourished pit bull mix from a shelter on the outskirts of Portland. Like many first-time pet parents, Maya quickly realized how overwhelming it was to find trustworthy advice, quality food, and reliable care providers.
She spent months calling veterinarians, reading countless product reviews, and piecing together a nutrition plan. What she discovered was a fragmented, confusing industry that often left pet parents feeling lost and unsure if they were doing the right thing.
That frustration became fuel. Maya, alongside her co-founder and longtime friend David Torres — a software engineer and fellow pet enthusiast — decided to build something better. Something that put the pet parent first.
In a small rented workspace with two desks and four rescue animals running around (Barnaby was just the first), Paws Source was born in early 2019.
Since day one, we've been guided by a set of principles that go beyond business — they're promises to every pet and every pet parent we serve.
Every product we recommend, every service we offer, and every partnership we form is evaluated through one question: "Does this truly make a pet's life better?" If the answer isn't a resounding yes, we don't do it.
We believe pet parents deserve honesty above all else. That's why we publish ingredient lists, vet our suppliers publicly, and never hide behind marketing jargon. What you see is what your pet gets.
Premium pet care shouldn't be a luxury. We work tirelessly to keep our services affordable and inclusive, because every pet — regardless of their owner's income — deserves to thrive.
We collaborate with shelters, rescue groups, and fellow pet businesses. We've always believed that the pet care ecosystem grows stronger when we lift each other up.
From our 100% recyclable packaging to our carbon-neutral shipping, we're committed to protecting the planet our furry friends share. Because caring for pets means caring for their world too.
Science evolves. So do we. Our veterinary advisory board meets quarterly to review and update our recommendations. We stay curious, stay humble, and stay committed to evidence-based care.
From a two-person startup to a thriving pet care platform — here are the moments that defined who we are.
Maya adopts Barnaby and realizes the pet care industry needs a better approach. The idea for Paws Source is born during a late-night conversation with David.
We officially launch with a curated selection of 50 vet-approved products and a waitlist of 2,000 pet parents. Our first office has four desks and six resident pets.
Amid the pandemic, we launch our telehealth platform, connecting pet parents with 50 licensed veterinarians. Demand triples within the first month.
We hit our first major milestone — serving 10,000 active pet families. We expand to grooming services and open our first physical pop-up experience in Portland.
We launch our commitment to donate 5% of profits to animal shelters and rescue organizations. That year alone, we partner with 120 shelters nationwide.
Every shipment, every package, every operation — we achieve carbon-neutral status. Our eco-packaging is now 100% recyclable and made from post-consumer materials.
We celebrate serving our 50,000th pet family. Our team has grown to 80+ passionate pet lovers, and we now operate in 30 states across the US.
We launch AI-powered personalized care plans, expand internationally, and open our first Paws Community Center — a free resource hub for pet parents everywhere.
We're not just a company — we're a pack of pet-obsessed humans who believe in what we're building.
A lifelong animal advocate with a degree in Veterinary Science. Maya's personal experience with Barnaby inspired everything Paws Source stands for.
A full-stack engineer and dog dad to two golden retrievers. David built Paws Source's platform to be as reliable and intuitive as the bond between a pet and their parent.
A licensed veterinarian with 15 years of clinical experience. Dr. Kim leads our team of 200+ vets and ensures every recommendation meets the highest medical standards.
A product designer who believes that great design should be invisible. Amara crafts every touchpoint to feel warm, intuitive, and genuinely helpful for pet parents.
We measure our success not just in growth, but in the tangible difference we make in pets' lives and our communities.
"We've helped over 3,000 rescue animals find their forever homes through our adoption partnerships, and every single one of them starts their new life with a complimentary Paws Source care package."
Paws Source exists to close the gap between premium pet care and the everyday pet parent. We combine veterinary science, thoughtful product curation, and genuine community to ensure no pet parent ever has to navigate the complexities of pet care alone.
Our mission isn't a tagline — it's the compass that guides every product launch, every hiring decision, and every line of code we write. When we can't trace a business decision back to this mission, we don't make it.
Vet-approved, always
Together we're stronger
Guilt-free by design
Empathy in every pixel
Whether you're a pet parent, a pet professional, or a future team member — there's a place for you in our pack. Let's make pet care better, together.
Join the Pack →