JW Pet, Canine Hardware Sold to Petmate

Pet products giant JW Pet Co. Inc. and a smaller manufacturer, Canine Hardware Inc., were acquired Monday by Arlington, Texas-based Petmate.

Terms were not disclosed.

JW Pet, based in Teterboro, N.J., makes a range of products for dogs, cats, birds, fish and small animals. Among its offerings are Hol-ee Roller dog toys, Cataction cat toys and Activitoy bird toys.

Canine Hardware, out of Seattle, is noted for its Chuckit line of fetch games.

“We...look forward to building upon each brand’s legacy of quality and innovation by working to ensure the brand visions are implemented to the best of our ability,” said Joe Messner, CEO of Petmate.

JW Pet’s Hol-ee Roller toys have a patented honeycomb design and are made for fetching, chewing, tugging and treat dispensing.

Petmate will incorporate both brands into its catalog, which includes kennel and bedding products, feeding and watering devices, grooming supplies, litter maintenance items, pet toys, and collars and leashes.  

JW Pet was founded in 1998 by Jon Willinger, who called the takeover “an exciting transition." He will become Petmate’s vice president of toys and accessories.

“I look forward to leading Petmate’s expanded pet toy and accessory category into the future,” Willinger said.

Canine Hardware released its iconic Chuckit line 13 years ago.

“We are excited about Petmate’s commitment to bring the resources to drive innovation and fulfill the Chuckit mission of enhancing the bond between people and their pets through play,” said Mark Oblack, president of Canine Hardware.

Among Petmate’s brands are Aspen Pet, Wetnoz, Bamboo, Booda and Fat Cat.

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