(PRESS RELEASE) On Jan. 13, Aquapaw’s Daniel Lentz and Tom Zipprian appeared on ABC’s hit TV show Shark Tank seeking investors for their pet product, the Aquapaw Pet Bathing Tool. It is the world’s first pet bathing glove that connects indoors and out, and is designed to make bath time easier for both pets and their owners. Aquapaw received multiple offers from sharks but ultimately decided not to take a deal.
As a wearable, sprayer-scrubber combination, Aquapaw allows users to seamlessly control the flow of water to the silicone-based device by making a fist and pressing the innovative on/off button in the center of the palm. The gloved design allows the user to bathe their pet like they are petting them; water flows from the tips of the rubber nubs in its palm, soaking the coat while eliminating the harsh water spray that frightens most dogs. Its slim and flexible, one-size-fits-all design allows pet owners to use both hands to wash and maneuver their pet. Aquapaw quick-connects to either a shower head or garden hose using custom adaptors included with every product.
During the Shark Tank episode, Lentz discussed Aquapaw’s success on crowdfunding site Kickstarter, back in November of 2016. Raising more than $42,000 in less than 30 days, the company exceeded their fundraising goal and quickly generated buzz throughout the pet industry. After fulfilling all orders placed through Kickstarter, Aquapaw used crowd feedback and the momentum of the campaign to grow and expand the brand.
“You go on Shark Tank hoping one of the sharks will make you an offer, and we were thrilled to receive three. It’s validation that we’re on the right track.” said Lentz. “Aquapaw is one of those products that when shown to pet owners, they immediately light up and can see the benefit it can offer them when bathing their own dogs…and this was our first opportunity to show it to real investors. The sharks really liked the product overall as well as the potential of the company.”
Since its creation, Aquapaw has received numerous accolades for its efforts including Best in Show in the dog category at the pet industry’s largest annual trade show, Global Pet Expo; an Industry Recognition Award from Pet Business magazine; and an Editors’ Choice award from a leading industry publication, Pet Product News. The product has also appeared on Country Living, Real Simple and Buzzfeed.
In addition to Aquapaw’s pet bathing tool, Lentz is the founder of the Aquapaw Slow Treater, which gives dogs a treat incentive to get in and stay in the tub during bath time. For more information on Aquapaw products, please visit www.aquawpaw.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram.