Whether animals are your passion, your family, or your hobby, today’s #BuyFromHer holiday shopping guide is here to inspire and delight you!

We’re shining a spotlight on incredible products from women-owned businesses in British Columbia that cater to all things animal-related. From unique pet accessories to custom-made fishing lures and spinners that are designed specifically with the fish in mind, these businesses offer a wide range of thoughtful and high-quality items.

By choosing to #BuyFromHer, you’re not only finding the perfect gifts for the animal lovers in your life but also supporting talented women entrepreneurs and their local communities.

Follow WeBC on Instagram to discover other women-owned businesses you can support from all over BC and enter to win weekly prize packs.  

MEET THE FEATURED BUSINESSES

Wanderruff

Location: Vancouver

Wanderruff makes dog collars, harnesses, and leashes out of recycled water bottles for the wagging adventurer — merging comfort and consciousness. They focus on using recycled materials in their products and donate to sustainable causes with every purchase!

“Shopping local is important because it directly supports the people and businesses in our community – people like us at Wanderruff, who pour our hearts into what we create,” says Anisa Musmary, owner.

“Local businesses often have a smaller environmental footprint. At Wanderruff, for example, we source materials with sustainability in mind and use eco-friendly practices because we care about both our community and the planet. When you shop local, you’re supporting businesses that care about the same things you do. Every purchase, shoutout, or word-of-mouth recommendation from our community keeps us going. It’s incredible to see people not only believe in what we create but also share our passion for making a positive impact on the planet.

Through our partnership with 1% for the Planet, we donate a portion of every sale to environmental causes that help protect the planet we all share. But it’s not just about money – we also focus on doing our part by using sustainable materials, like recycled bottles and deadstock fabric, reducing waste, and supporting eco-friendly practices.

We believe that giving back isn’t just a one-time thing; it’s baked into everything we do. Whether it’s creating products that help pet parents make greener choices or supporting causes that align with our values, we aim to make a positive impact. Our goal is to build something meaningful that benefits not only our customers and their pups but also the planet and the community around us.”

Learn more and connect with Wanderruff

Website: Wanderruff 

Instagram: @wanderruff    

Facebook: @wanderruffsupplyco   

LinkedIn: @wanderruff  

Evolution Equestrian Co

Location: Courtenay

Looking for the perfect gift for a horse lover? Discover Evolution Equestrian Co., your go-to, friendly tack shop for all things equestrian!

With a wide selection of both new and used items, they offer options for every budget. Not sure where to start? Their knowledgeable staff is always ready to answer questions and guide you through their collection. Dedicated to exceptional customer service and community connection, Evolution Equestrian also hosts events like helmet awareness promotions and themed contests, helping foster an informed, engaged riding community. Find something special and experience the Evolution difference!

Their USP is their outstanding customer service, not just for you but also for your horses! They are always looking out for the best interest of you and your equine friends.

Owner Samantha Matsuda thinks it’s important to shop local because “local businesses give back directly into the community. Throughout the year, Evolution Equestrian sponsors local horse shows, clinic, Pony Club and many other events. Being a member of the community is incredibly valuable to me. I pride myself on being a resource for education and support. I love being able to donate prizes to events and donate time for educational nights.”

Learn more and connect with Evolution Equestrian Co

Website: Evolution Equestrian Co  

Instagram: @evolutiontack   

Facebook: @evolutiontack  

Kissamo

Location: Vancouver

Kissamo is a Vancouver-based brand creating the coolest custom-made pet ID tags. Their pet tags are made by hand embracing a minimal waste approach and sourced in part from recycled material. Their designs are fun and expressive just like our furry family. The company has been featured in Vogue, Insider, Buzzfeed, Modern Dog and Dogster; as well as local publications Vancouver Magazine, the Daily Hive and BC Business.

Unlike traditional metal pet tags, Kissamo tags are made of acrylic making them rust-proof, lightweight, jingle-free and pet-safe. The company also supports many animal rescues through donations.

“Today people want to know the people behind their products and expect greater transparency,” says Laurel Murray, owner. “By shopping local there is more opportunity to connect with local businesses, meet the makers, learn about their practices and support those best suited to your values.”

Learn more and connect with Kissamo

Website: Kissamo

Instagram: @kissamo   

Name: Purrfect Catbird

Location: Kelowna

Offering superior quality and customer service, Purrfect Catbird makes handmade, wall-mounted cat hammocks and scratchers. Creating stylish, modern cat furniture, their sturdy space-saving vertical design provides a cozy perch for your cat. Cats are often thought to figuratively ‘look down’ on their humans and now they, literally, can too!

“Small local shops often offer something different or special; choices and services beyond the big box stores,” says Robyn Griffiths, owner. “Community support of my business literally feeds my family and that of two other women’s families as well.”

Learn more and connect with Purrfect Catbird

Website: Purrfect Catbird   

Instagram: @purrfectcatbirdseat    

Facebook: @catbirdseat    

Name: Katswi Creations

Location: Victoria

Katherine (Kat) Williams is the ‘thinker tinkerer’ behind Katswi Creations. She’s a scroll saw artist, a writer, and illustrator, who creates fun, funny, and fantastical things. Kat uses a scroll saw to make animal-themed wooden figures, magnets, ornaments, and puzzles. Her ideal target market is “people whose lives are enhanced because of their relationships with companion animals.”

Kat’s pieces capture the affection we have with our companion animals, and each pet and their person can be purchased as a duo. She can then make additional people and pets that articulate with the base pair so people can create their unique pet family by adding, for example, a black cat or a brown floppy-eared dog.

“People typically spend more time in their communities than elsewhere. When people spend money in their communities, they are supporting local product and service providers who, being proximally closer to their consumers are generally more receptive to customer needs, which in turn helps them fine-tune their offerings regionally. This reciprocal relationship fosters a closer community,” explains Kat.

“I love meeting community members who tell me about their special relationships with their pets and meeting their pet families¾something only possible at local, outdoor markets. Through these connections, I’ve adapted my products as I receive requests to create items that accommodate their growing pet families.”

Learn more and connect with Katswi Creations

Website: Katswi Creations   

Instagram: @katswicreations   

Facebook: @KatswiCreations   

Square Online: @katswi-creations     

Name: MTB Lures

Location: Telkwa

Made For Fish, Not Just Made

MTB Lures owner Michelle Finch set up a small store in her town offering custom-made fishing lures and spinners for Canadian lakes and rivers. Designed and manufactured in Telkwa, their USP is that the lures are made by a fisherman, who designed them to contain weight.

“Lures need to be made for fish!” says Michelle, whose lures are designed utilizing the UV spectrum, which takes into account how fish see and what colors they see.

Michelle is also all about community. She created a ‘learn to fish’ and small fishing derby at her local lake; she has 12 volunteers; gave away BBQ, food, prizes, and ice cream (all made possible by donations from her community) and had 400 people attend last year. She also does free fishing classes, and takes people fishing to learn the ecosystem, fishing regulations, types of fish. Michelle also upcycles rods and tackle, repairing them and giving them out for free to people in need.

“Unfortunately with the access to buy online, we have lost touch with the quality behind the product,” she says.

Learn more and connect with MTB Lures

No Website

Instagram: @mtblures

Facebook: @MTB-Lures