Carlson® Turns 20!

This year we are thrilled to celebrate a huge milestone. Carlson® Pet Products turns 20! From our humble beginnings in 2006 to becoming the #1 Pet Gates brand in the USA, it has been an incredible journey built on hard work, innovation, and a whole lot of love for pets.

How It All Started

Carlson® Pet Products began with a simple idea. Pets deserve better. The founders, Mark and Wendy, realized that pet owners were relying on baby gates, which were not designed for animals, and knew there had to be a better solution. With that spark, Carlson® set out to create pet gates that were purpose built for dogs, cats, and small animals, not repurposed from products meant for people.

From low step over designs for easy access, to extra tall gates that discourage determined jumpers, our line was crafted with real pet behavior in mind. Our signature patented small pet door was one of the first innovations that set us apart and showed pet parents we were serious about creating thoughtful, practical solutions.

Pictured: Carlson®’s founders, Mark and Wendy, with their late dog, Duke.

Family Owned, Pet Focused

Being a family owned company based in the midwest has always shaped the way we do business. Safety, quality, and affordability are not just buzzwords. They are part of our DNA. Every product we create is designed with the same care we give our own pets. That is the heart behind our tagline, Pet Inspired. Pet Approved.

Over the past 20 years, our approach has remained the same. Listen to pet parents, refine our designs, and make products that truly help make life with pets safer and easier.

Pictured: Keeping it in the family, Carlson® is now second generation.

Signature Patented Pet Door

One of the innovations that truly put Carlson® on the map was our signature patented small pet door. Designed with real households in mind, it offered a simple but powerful solution. Small pets could pass through freely, while larger pets remained safely contained.

This thoughtful feature helped set Carlson® apart early on. It gave pet parents more flexibility, more convenience, and more control over their spaces without sacrificing safety.

Today, the patented small pet door remains one of the most recognizable and trusted features across many Carlson® gates, continuing to make everyday life easier for multi-pet homes.

Pictured: Carlson®’s signature patented small pet door in action.

A Brand Loved by Pet Parents Everywhere

In two decades, we have grown from a single idea into a brand trusted by thousands of pet owners across the country. From pressure mounted gates to chew proof all metal guards, our solutions have helped create safe spaces for pets of all shapes and sizes.

But numbers only tell part of the story. What really matters to us are the countless stories from happy customers. From pups who finally stay off the stairs to curious cats safely exploring their space. That trust and loyalty fuels every product we make.

Pictured: Our Convertible Pet Yard, a long-time favorite for pet parents.

More Than Just Gates

Today, Carlson® is so much more than pet gates. We have expanded our line to include:

• Pet ramps and pens
• Comfortable pet beds
• Convenient pet strollers

Every product still meets the same standards of durability, safety, and pet first design that launched the company 20 years ago.

#1 Pet Gates in the USA

After 20 years of innovation, listening to our customers, and designing products with pets in mind, Carlson® has become the #1 Pet Gates brand in the USA. This milestone represents more than sales or rankings. It represents trust.

Pet parents across the country choose Carlson® because they know we care about safety, quality, and real life solutions. From first puppies to senior dogs, from apartments to family homes, our gates are there for life’s everyday moments.

We did not get here overnight. We got here through hard work, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to our customers. And this is only the beginning.

Pictured: One of our top-selling pet gates, trusted by pet parents nationwide.

Thank You for 20 Years

To every customer who chose Carlson® to protect and care for their fur family, thank you. Whether you are a long time supporter or just discovering us now, we are honored to be part of your pet’s everyday life.

Here is to the next 20 years of innovation, safety, wagging tails, warm snuggles, and peace of mind for pet parents everywhere.

Happy 20th Anniversary, Carlson®!