Heart + Paw focuses on local makers, recycled grass & other sustainable finds for your BFF

Heart + Paw has stores in King of Prussia, Glen Mills, & Cherry Hill, and now the sustainability-minded pet supply chain has arrived in Philadelphia.

“When you think of what our brand stands for, one of our areas of focus has been millennial pet parents. Philadelphia has a great population density and pet ownership,” said Vincent Bradley, Heart + Paw’s CEO.

The company offers veterinary care, grooming and doggy daycare, and considers sustainability when designing its shops by using recycled materials and supporting local businesses.

The new Callowhill location, at 322 N. Broad St, opened Saturday. It’s the first of several Heart +Paw shops opening in the city, said Bradley. An East Market spot is next, slated to open later this month.

Indoor grass is green

Heart + Paw installs K9 Grass, a synthetic grass made from recycled plastic, in its play areas.

The innovative material is designed specifically for dogs. It is less stress on paws than other turf and serves as a flushing system.

“We wanted to create as much of a dog park like experience as we could indoors,” Bradley said.

“We were working to find a product that was sustainable and made of recyclable material. The K9 Grass has a flushing system for dog waste,” Bradley continued. “Instead of the waste going into a plastic bag that will end up in a landfill, it is put into our sewer system.”

Keeping it local

By purchasing supplies from local businesses, Heart + Paw is avoiding excess shipping – another choice that supports sustainability.

Those efforts to think local extend to other aspects of the business, the CEO told Green Philly.

“We highlight local artists and companies that share similar values and can grow with us as we scale,” said Bradley.

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Jamie is a junior at Villanova University double majoring in English and Communications with a specialization in Media Production. She is currently an Editorial Intern at Green Philly. In her spare time she enjoys writing poetry and short stories, along with watching movies and exploring Philly. View all posts by Jamie McClelland