Kurgo = Carry, Ergonomics & Go
By Leila Lotfi

The Backseat Barrier was the first pet product created by Kurgo and continues to be its number one seller. (Courtesy of Kurgo)

Kurgo’s motto is to make life simpler. 

“We feel that our products are innovative, the quality is there and there’s a need for them,” says Tim Boyd, vice president of sales.

Motivation Design, LLC, the company behind Kurgo, started in 2003 by brother duo, Kitter and Gordon Spater. Their mission was to develop quality products that would help solve everyday problems.

Kurgo, based in Newburyport, Mass., initially sold only automobile products, such as the tire tote and bolt bag, but the brothers soon found that pets went hand-in-hand with the automobile. 

Kitter’s dog Zelda inspired Kurgo’s first and No. 1 product, the Backseat Barrier.

Each time Zelda got into the car, she would aim for the center console and try to make her way to the front of the car. Not only was this habit a nuisance, it was also dangerous. Kitter and his wife tried different restraint systems, but nothing worked. Following discussions and more than two years of effort, Kitter and Gordon developed the Backseat Barrier in 2005.

“That’s how all of our products came about,” Boyd says. “All of our ideas came and continue to come from natural progression and circumstance.”

Kurgo's pet product line includes:

• Backseat Barrier
• Wander Hammock
• Auto Zip Line
• Tru-Fit Smart Harness
• Wander Bowl

Kurgo's Auto Zip Line allows dogs to move from side to side while providing safety. (Courtesy of Kargo)

All Kurgo pet products cater small to extra-large dogs; 10 pounds to over 100 pounds. Kurgo products are available online and in retail stores, including more than 400 Petsmart stores. 

Kurgo’s Auto Zip Line has also been a huge success. Like all Kurgo products, it was created to provide security and safety for the pet.

“More and more states are enforcing pet safety in cars now,” Boyd says. “We’re the only company out there that caters to this type of product.”

Since most animals don’t like to be restrained, the Auto Zip Line allows dogs to move from side to side while in the backseat of the car.

“It’s adjustable and easy to install,” he says.

Kurgo At A Glance Owners: Kitter and Gordon Spater Location: Newburyport, Mass. Flagship Pet Product: Backseat Barrier Number of Years in Business: 2003 Website: www.kurgo.com

In addition to harnesses and pet barriers, Kurgo offers different color harnesses and a new line of water and feeder bowls, booster seats and pet carriers. 

“We always have things in the works,” Boyd says.

While Kurgo has developed several pet products over the years, the backseat barrier continues to be its No. 1 product.

“We are currently the leader in pet travel for the automobile,” Boyd says. “We want to continue to develop innovative products that are functional and affordable.” <HOME>