We were lucky to catch up with Meghan Wolfgram recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Meghan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for SwiftPaws came from my love for pets and a realization that there weren’t enough accessible ways for dogs to get both mental and physical enrichment. Back in 2011, I discovered the sport of lure coursing and immediately saw how much dogs loved it. It brought out their natural instincts in a way that was fun and engaging, but the equipment was expensive and events where you could participate in the sport were hard to find—especially in Florida, where I lived.

I thought, “Why can’t we make something like this more accessible to pet owners?” My dad and I put our heads together and built our own version of a lure coursing machine in our garage. We hosted a fun-run event to test it, and the response was overwhelming. Seeing so many happy dogs and excited pet owners made me realize this wasn’t just a fun project—it could actually be a business. That’s when the idea for SwiftPaws really took root.

Meghan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, I’m Meghan Wolfgram, the founder and CEO of SwiftPaws. My journey into this industry started with my love for animals and my desire to create something that would enrich their lives. Growing up, I always had pets—they were more than companions; they were family. That bond sparked my interest in finding ways to give pets the best lives possible.

SwiftPaws began almost by accident. Back in 2011, I discovered the sport of lure coursing and immediately saw how much dogs loved it. It was exciting, engaging, and brought out their natural instincts. But the equipment was expensive and inaccessible to the average pet owner. That’s when my dad and I decided to build our own version. We hosted a backyard event with friends to test it out, and the overwhelming positive response was a lightbulb moment.

In 2012, SwiftPaws officially launched, and since then, we’ve been creating enrichment products for pets, focusing on their mental and physical well-being. Our flagship product is the SwiftPaws CHASE!, a home-based lure coursing system that allows dogs—and even some cats!—to enjoy the thrill of the chase right in their own backyard.

What Problems We Solve:

SwiftPaws addresses a significant challenge that many pet owners face: guilt. We all want to give our pets the best lives possible, but with busy schedules, it can be hard to find the time to provide them with enough physical activity and mental stimulation. Our products offer an engaging way to enrich pets’ lives, even if you only have 10 or 15 minutes to spare.

Beyond just solving a practical problem, SwiftPaws is about strengthening the bond between pets and their people. When you see your dog’s tail wagging as they chase the flag, or you hear their happy bark at the end of a run, it’s a reminder of the pure joy pets bring into our lives.

What Sets Us Apart:

What truly sets SwiftPaws apart is our dedication to quality and our passion for creating products that genuinely enhance the lives of pets and their owners. Our products are made with care, assembled in the U.S., and designed to last. We also listen to our community—we’re constantly engaging with pet owners to understand their needs and create solutions that work for them.

I’m also incredibly proud of how we’ve managed to stay true to our mission while growing. SwiftPaws started as a backyard experiment, and today, we’re helping pets all over the world live happier, healthier lives.

What I’m Most Proud Of:

The thing I’m most proud of is seeing the impact SwiftPaws has on pets and their owners. I’ve received so many heartfelt messages from people sharing how our products have brought joy to their pets or even helped with behavioral challenges. Knowing that what we do makes a difference is the most rewarding part of this journey.
Another proud moment was being featured on Shark Tank. It was a whirlwind experience, but the exposure allowed us to connect with even more pet owners and share our mission on a larger scale.

What I Want Readers to Know:

SwiftPaws isn’t just a brand—it’s a community of pet lovers who are passionate about enrichment and creating stronger bonds with their pets. We’re constantly innovating and looking for ways to bring more joy and engagement to pets’ lives.

For anyone thinking about trying SwiftPaws, I’d say: It’s all about the experience you’ll share with your pet. Seeing their excitement, their energy, and their pure love for the game creates memories that will bring you just as much joy as it brings them. And if you’re uncertain whether it’s the right fit, we’ve got you covered—we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. If your pet doesn’t love it, simply send it back to us.

And for those who’ve supported us along the way, thank you. SwiftPaws wouldn’t be where it is today without the incredible community of pet lovers who believe in what we do.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

When I started SwiftPaws, I had absolutely no background in manufacturing. The first lure coursing machine was something my dad and I built together. We didn’t have fancy tools or a big budget, just a lot of determination and a belief that we could create something amazing for pets. It worked, and when we saw how much people and their dogs loved it, I knew we had something special.

As we grew, I had to figure out how to scale up production. It wasn’t easy. I didn’t know how to find vendors at first, but I learned as I went—by asking questions, networking, and not being afraid to knock on doors. Finding the right manufacturing partners was a process of trial and error. I needed people who believed in our mission and were committed to quality as much as I was.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you have to stay involved. Even now, I’m very hands-on with manufacturing. Quality control is everything to me, and I’ve worked hard to make sure every product that leaves our warehouse meets the high standards our customers expect.

It’s been a journey, but one I’m really proud of. Starting with nothing but an idea and seeing it grow into a product that’s loved by pets around the world is incredibly rewarding.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

SwiftPaws absolutely started as a side hustle. Back in 2012, it was something I worked on in my spare time because I loved the idea of bringing joy to pets and their owners. The first big moment happened the year before I founded SwiftPaws, when I hosted a fun-run event that 60 dogs attended, and everyone loved it. That event showed me there was real potential here—not just as a hobby, but as something bigger.

Turning it into a full-time business wasn’t an overnight decision. It took years of hard work and a lot of faith. Some key milestones really stand out. Launching a Kickstarter campaign in 2018 was huge. We raised over $73,000, which helped us create a more accessible, at-home version of our product. It was proof that people believed in what we were doing.

Another big moment was appearing on Shark Tank in 2022. That exposure gave us a chance to share our story with so many people, and the response was incredible. Securing a deal with Lori Greiner wasn’t just about the financial backing—it was about having someone who really believed in our mission on our team.

Now, SwiftPaws is my full-time focus, and it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come. From a backyard project to a brand that’s loved by pets and their people—it’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful for every step of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://swiftpaws.com/
• Instagram: swiftpaws_official
• Facebook: SwiftPaws
• Linkedin: Swiftpaws
• Twitter: Swiftpaws
• Youtube: SwiftPaws
• TikTok: SwiftPaws