Dragons breathe fire on this Montreal company's growth to meet global demand
MONTREAL, Oct. 6, 2023/CNW/ - Doggy Bathroom, a Montreal-based company, stole the show yesterday on CBC's Dragons' Den. Founders, Alain Courchesne and David Hébert, appeared before the Dragons with their furry four-legged companions, Sterling and Liam, to present their unique (and patent protected) Doggy Bathroom: a first to market litter box for small dogs. After cliff-hanging negotiations with three Dragons, the duo accepted a $350,000 deal with the legendary Dragon from Calgary, Arlene Dickinson.
"We practiced our pitch and prepared as much as possible, but nothing could prepare us for what actually happened in the Den during the 90 minute taping. As soon as the Dragons learned about our $4,000,000 sales figure - everything changed," said Doggy Bathroom co-founder David Hébert. "Before we knew it, they were pitching to us. After some tense back and forth, we decided that Arlene was the best fit for our company and we knew she has what it takes to help us scale Doggy Bathroom to 10 and 20 million dollars in sales," said the New Brunswick native.
Made in Canada since 2019
Doggy Bathroom was founded in 2019 by Alain Courchesne, an award-winning interior designer, originally from Sudbury, Ontario. Alain came up with the idea after adopting Sterling, an Italian greyhound puppy who refused to do his doggy business outside during his first cold Canadian winter.
Montreal-made Doggy Bathroom features vertical pee pads specifically designed for male dogs who lift their leg and has been granted a utility patent as well as 7 other design patents worldwide.
The Doggy Bathroom is made with 100% recyclable plastic and can be used as a potty training device, as a seasonal solution for small breeds who cannot withstand the cold winters, or as a permanent solution for senior dogs who can't make it outside in time. Custom designed, eco-friendly pee pads are outfitted with a special adhesive strip that secures them vertically while another pee pad lines the bottom. The closed environment is comfortable and makes dogs feel safe and secure, all while offering visual privacy for parents as well.
In 2022, Doggy Bathroom unveiled a special edition featuring the art of famed pop-artist Keith Haring at the world renowned design show, Maison et Objet in Paris. The company has also integrated its products in various 5-star hotels who offer high-end pet programs for guests and their pets.
Doggy Bathroom is quickly becoming a household name
With over 20,000 units sold throughout North America over the last four years (4.3M+ lifetime sales, 75% of which are in the USA), the company's growth continues to soar as they strive to meet global demand. Alain and his team have been the recipients of not only design awards - but business awards too for relocating manufacturing to Canada from overseas. These notable accolades include Osentreprendre 2021, Pet Innovation Award 2021, twice the Grand Prix du Design in 2021, Gold and Platinum, and the Mercad'Or Québec Export Award in 2023. Countless media and trade outlets have praised the company for its first to market concept and unique design.
Before watching Doggy Bathroom on CBC, almost 300 fans received complimentary viewing party kits which included custom swag and the same t-shirts that David and Alain wore during the taping. Click here to watch the Dragons' Den segment.
Doggy Bathroom was designed by Canadian award-winning designer Alain Courchesne for small dogs, including males who lift their leg. Having raised over 180k on Kickstarter and Indiegogo to get the concept off the ground, the social conscious company has sold over 20,000 units since its official launch in 2019. Doggy Bathroom holds eight patents worldwide and has been recognized internationally, winning the Osentreprendre 2021, Pet Innovation Award 2021, twice the Grand Prix du Design in 2021, Gold and Platinum, and in 2023 the Mercad'Or Québec Export Award.
SOURCE DoggyBathroom
For further information: Dominique Gagnon, Dadam Communications, [email protected], 514-817-8099
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