Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Wolfgram.

Hi Meghan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

If you had told me years ago that I’d be running a pet enrichment company, I may not have believed you! SwiftPaws wasn’t something I set out to create—it all started with a simple problem I was trying to solve for my own dog, Pretzel.

Back in 2011, I discovered the sport of lure coursing, and I knew Pretzel would absolutely love it. But there was one big problem—the equipment was expensive and nearly impossible to get. So, with my dad’s help, I built a homemade machine just for him.

At first, it was just a fun backyard project, but then I invited some friends and their dogs to try it. That little gathering turned into something much bigger than I ever expected. People kept asking, “Where can I get one of these?” and that’s when it hit me—I might be onto something.

I officially founded SwiftPaws in 2012, but turning an idea into a real business was a wild ride. I had no background in product development or manufacturing, so I had to learn everything from scratch. There were plenty of challenges, but I kept pushing forward. We only made professional-grade machines for trainers, clubs, and even zoos for the first seven years. In 2018, we launched the concept for a home-use version on Kickstarter, and then in 2022, I took an even bigger leap by pitching SwiftPaws on Shark Tank where I won a deal, and Lori Greiner’s Golden Ticket.

Looking back, it’s been an incredible journey. What started as a simple idea for my own dog has grown into a company that helps pets all over the world live happier, healthier lives. And that’s what keeps me going—knowing that SwiftPaws brings real joy to pets and their people every single day.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Definitely not a smooth road! I don’t think any entrepreneur would say building a business is easy. SwiftPaws started as a passion project, and turning it into a real company came with a lot of challenges.

In the beginning, I had no experience in product development or manufacturing. I had to figure out how to take a homemade lure coursing machine and turn it into something that could be mass-produced while still being high-quality and safe for pets. That meant a lot of trial and error, countless prototypes, and plenty of setbacks.
Then there were the financial struggles. In the early years, every dollar the business made went right back into it. There were times when I wasn’t sure how we were going to keep going, but I believed in what we were building, and that kept me pushing forward.

Scaling is another huge challenge. When we launched our consumer product through Kickstarter in 2018, the demand was amazing—but it also meant we had to quickly figure out how to manufacture and fulfill a large number of orders. Then in 2022, Shark Tank gave us even more exposure, which was incredible, but also meant making sure we could keep up with even more demand while maintaining the quality and customer experience that SwiftPaws is known for.

On top of all that, running a business means facing unexpected obstacles all the time—supply chain delays, production issues, and just the everyday ups and downs of entrepreneurship. But through it all, what keeps me going is knowing the impact SwiftPaws has on pets and their people. Seeing the joy it brings to pets around the world makes every struggle worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of SwiftPaws. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

SwiftPaws is all about making life better for pets and their people. We specialize in pet enrichment—creating products that provide both mental and physical exercise in a way that’s fun, engaging, and incredibly rewarding for pets. Our flagship products, CHASE!, Home Original, and Home Plus, bring the excitement of lure coursing into people’s backyards, giving dogs (and even some adventurous cats!) a safe and stimulating way to play.

What sets us apart is our deep commitment to quality and innovation. We don’t just make toys—we create experiences that strengthen the bond between pets and their owners. Every product we develop is designed with a pet’s natural instincts in mind, ensuring they get the stimulation they crave. Plus, our flagship products are assembled right here in the U.S., because we care about the quality and craftsmanship of what we deliver.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. SwiftPaws started as a small backyard project, and today, we have pet owners all over the world sharing their stories of how our products have brought joy to their furry family members. Seeing the excitement in a dog’s eyes when they play with SwiftPaws—that’s what it’s all about.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: enrichment matters. Pets deserve more than just food, shelter, and vet care—they deserve play, engagement, and experiences that bring them happiness. That’s what SwiftPaws is here to provide.

Whether you’re looking for a way to help your pet stay active, burn off energy, or just have fun, SwiftPaws is here to help. We’re passionate about pet wellness, and we’re always working on new ways to make life more enriching for the pets who make our lives so much better.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?

I think the pet industry is going to continue evolving in some really exciting ways over the next 5–10 years. One of the biggest shifts we’re already seeing is a growing focus on pet wellness beyond just nutrition and vet care. More pet owners are recognizing that enrichment—both mental and physical—is just as important as food and exercise. I believe enrichment is going to become a bigger part of the conversation, with more people looking for ways to keep their pets happy, stimulated, and engaged.

Technology is also playing a bigger role in how we care for our pets. We’re seeing innovations in smart pet products, from interactive toys to AI-powered devices that help track a pet’s health, activity, and behavior. I think that’s only going to grow, giving pet owners new ways to understand and improve their pets’ quality of life.
Sustainability is another area that’s becoming more important. Pet owners are looking for eco-friendly products, responsibly sourced materials, and brands that prioritize sustainability in their manufacturing and packaging. At SwiftPaws, we’re always thinking about how we can do better in this space, and I expect this will become a larger industry-wide focus in the coming years.

Lastly, I think we’ll see even stronger connections between pet brands and their communities. Pet owners aren’t just looking for products; they want experiences, education, and a sense of belonging. Brands that build real relationships with their customers—through storytelling, shared values, and a commitment to their pets’ well-being—are the ones that will thrive.

The pet industry is an incredible space to be in because at the end of the day, it’s all about making pets’ lives better. I’m excited to see how the industry continues to evolve, and I’m even more excited for SwiftPaws to be part of shaping the future of pet enrichment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://swiftpaws.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/swiftpaws_official/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/SwiftPaws
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@SwiftPaws
• Other: https://tiktok.com/@swiftpaws

Image Credits

@smershey
@whisker.tango.foxtrot
@runwaglearn
@endgamedogs
@thesupercollies
@supercorgi_jojo
Diane A.
@harleyandremi_theaussiedoods
@corgipreach
@datathesamoyed
@maisieschnauz
@theshilohsquad