Good Dog, Better Products: Meet The Brand That’s Raising The Bar In Pet Care (Win!)

Barkus is the clean-beauty-meets-dog-care brand you didn’t know you needed—until now. In this Q&A, founder Vernadette Saguil shares how her background in luxury beauty inspired a new standard in canine wellness. From refillable grooming sprays to a game-changing dog toothbrush, this Toronto-based brand is elevating essentials for modern pet parents. —Noa Nichol

What inspired you to launch Barkus, and how did your background in the luxury beauty industry influence your approach to pet care?

Honestly, it started with my own dogs. I’m a huge believer that dogs are family. They deserve the very best, just like we do for our kids or ourselves. But when I started looking at what was actually available for them, I was consistently disappointed. So much felt…basic, full of questionable ingredients, and frankly, aesthetically underwhelming. My background is in design and co-founding Fredicus –  working with Aveda, and recently indie brands like Color Space and Back of Bottle for over a decade – really shaped my perspective. I learned the power of formulation, the importance of packaging, and the impact of a truly premium experience. I thought, “Why can’t we have that for dogs?” Barkus was born out of that desire to elevate the entire pet care experience. It’s about more than just getting the job done; it’s about celebrating the bond we share with our dogs.

Barkus emphasizes performance, intentionality, and responsible design—how do those values show up in your product development process?

They are everything to our process. It’s not about churning out products. First, performance is non-negotiable. Our products need to work – whether it’s our deodorizer truly neutralizing odour, or our toothbrush thoroughly cleaning teeth. Then comes intentionality. Every ingredient, every design element, every detail has a purpose. We aren’t throwing things in just to fill space. We’re meticulously considering the impact – on the dog, on the user, and on the planet. Responsible design means thinking about the entire lifecycle of a product – from sourcing to disposal. We prototype relentlessly, test rigorously (with plenty of canine volunteers, of course!), and aren’t afraid to scrap ideas that don’t align with these values. It’s a slower process, but it’s the right process.

Many pet care products on the market still contain harsh ingredients and single-use packaging. Why was it important for you to go the clean, refillable route?

It felt like a moral imperative. Seriously. We’re exposing our dogs to these chemicals, and then often throwing away mountains of plastic. It’s just not acceptable. I’m not interested in participating in that cycle. For me, there was no other option than to prioritize clean, gentle formulations and sustainable packaging. Refills were an obvious next step – reducing waste and offering a tangible way for our community to be part of the solution. It’s a commitment, and one that I expect we’ll continue to expand.

Your Odour Neutralizer sprays do more than just freshen up—what makes them unique, and how did you develop each formula?

That’s right. They don’t just mask odour; they eliminate it. We didn’t want to just spray a temporary floral scent. Our formulations use a blend of enzymatic cleaners that actually break down the bacteria that cause the odour – fermented saliva, wet dog smell, you name it. Each formula – the ‘Aroma-Free’, the ‘Earth’ and ‘Flower’ – was developed in collaboration with a fantastic chemist. We meticulously screened ingredients, ensuring they included nourishing plant-derived coat and skin benefits, as well as incorporated ingredients that make them a great conditioner and detangler. It took a lot of experimentation, but the result is truly something special.

The new 360° Soft Bristle Toothbrush is a standout innovation—can you walk us through what makes its design and functionality different from anything else available?

I’m so excited about our new 360° Soft Bristle Toothbrush! We noticed existing brushes were often stiff, difficult to use, or just plain uninspired, so we designed something truly different. The key is the 360° bi-directional, food-grade silicone brush tip, allowing easy access to all surfaces of your dog’s teeth without being harsh.

We designed this brush with sustainability and future-proofing in mind. Instead of replacing the entire brush when the bristles wear down, you simply replace the silicone tip – drastically reducing waste. And because the pet dental space is constantly evolving, we’ve incorporated a universal adapter that allows us to easily integrate new brush head designs as innovations arise. The handle itself is crafted from durable, solid machined anodized aluminum – a lasting investment in your dog’s health and a conscious choice for the planet. It’s a simple, effective solution that combines brilliant performance with our commitment to sustainability – because even brushing your dog’s teeth should be a positive experience.

As a female founder in a growing but still under-innovated industry, what challenges have you faced, and what opportunities do you see for change?

It’s definitely an industry ripe for disruption! One of the biggest challenges has been getting taken seriously. There’s a perception that pet care is somehow “less important” than human care, and that can make it hard to get aligned with retailers. But I’m seeing a real shift happening – consumers are demanding better, and they’re willing to pay for it. The opportunity lies in challenging those outdated assumptions and leading the way with innovation, transparency, and a commitment to quality.

Barkus treats dogs like family members—how do you see this perspective evolving within pet culture and consumer expectations?

I think it’s already happening! The humanization of pets is undeniable. People are spending more on their dogs, treating them to gourmet food, luxurious beds, and even custom clothing. It’s not just a trend; it’s a reflection of the deep emotional bond we share with our dogs. I believe we’re only going to see this intensify. Consumers want products that not only perform well but also align with their values and enhance the relationship they have with their pets.

Sustainability is clearly a core pillar for Barkus. How do you balance environmental responsibility with product performance and design?

It’s a constant balancing act, and it’s not always easy. But we’re committed to finding those solutions through continuous innovation and collaboration. We look at every ingredient, every piece of packaging, every material, manufacturing processes and ask ourselves, “Is there a more sustainable alternative?” It requires creativity, resourcefulness, and often adds cost, but it’s worth it.

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to bring a clean or conscious approach to a traditionally unregulated market?

Do your research! Understand the regulatory landscape, but don’t let it paralyze you. Focus on building a strong brand with a clear mission and values. Be transparent with your customers – tell them exactly what’s in your products and why. Build a community around your brand – connect with people who share your values. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo.

Looking ahead, what’s next for Barkus? Any new products or big ideas you’re excited to share with your growing community

Looking ahead, we’ve got some really exciting things in the pipeline. We’ve been collaborating on a new product designed to significantly improve the health and appearance of your dog’s coat and skin – we’re incredibly excited to share more about it soon! We’re also expanding our grooming offerings with a brand new product designed to make bath time easier and more enjoyable. And we’re reimagining the enrichment toy space, working on a completely new approach to canine mental stimulation. We can’t share too much yet, but stay tuned – we’re incredibly excited about the future and can’t wait to share these new developments with our growing community!

Win! A Barkus Prize Pack For Your Pet!

Congrats Stephanie L. of New Liskeard, ON, who will receive the FULL collection line of SKUs – all the sprays, various scents, and the toothbrush along with all the replacement heads! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.