Today we are celebrating Santos Agustin and Jennifer Wong as our Entrepreneurs of the Day! They are the founders of Gone to the Dogs, a Brooklyn-based social enterprise creating ethically handmade, sustainable pet goods that celebrate the bond between people and their pets.
Gone to the Dogs is much more than a pet brand. What sets it apart is the deep commitment behind every product. Santos and Jennifer, longtime collaborators, mothers, and makers, built the company with a shared passion for community, craftsmanship, and values-driven design. Their goal was not only to make beautiful, functional pet goods but to create a business that prioritizes how things are made and who makes them.
The brand is rooted in joy, integrity, and a belief that business can do good in the world. Each item is handmade using sustainable or rescued materials and supports fair wages for artisans around the globe. Gone to the Dogs partners with women, queer makers, and differently abled artisans locally in New York as well as internationally, including in Cambodia and beyond. This collaboration creates meaningful opportunities for makers who are often overlooked in mainstream markets.
This is not charity—it is a celebration of creativity, skill, and connection. From hand-stitched leashes to unique dog toys, every product carries a story and reflects care for both the makers and the pets who use them. At its heart, the company believes that how things are made matters just as much as the things themselves.
Gone to the Dogs also honors the special relationship between people and their pets. Santos and Jennifer see pets as family, and their products reflect that love and respect with thoughtful, beautiful design. Their goal is to offer customers a more intentional and ethical way to shop for their furry companions.
When asked for advice for women starting their own businesses, Santos and Jennifer said, “Start small, but start true. You don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need clarity, community, and trust you’ll grow into the unknown. For us, focusing on integrity, uplifting others, and making things that spark joy was key. Trust your instincts. Don’t wait for perfect. Ask for help when you need it—no one builds anything alone. Hold onto your values when things get hard, and keep going. You’ll figure it out.”
Gone to the Dogs is more than a brand; it is a movement rooted in ethical choices, creative collaboration, and love. It shows that everyday objects can carry deep meaning when made with care and intention.
