From Diamonds to Dogs
According to Aristotle, human beings are "social animals" and naturally seek the companionship of others as part of their well-being.
Modern technology and the struggle to balance work and personal life have drained our motivation to genuinely engage with the world. As a result, we have become more detached and disconnected than ever before. Humans are social creatures. We thrive on interaction and connection.
Over the last 20 years, I have been building a career in NYC, continuing to hustle and grind. Working nights, weekends, and holidays became the norm for me. I was missing out on so much in my personal life, and my mental health was at an all-time low.
Once Covid hit and the world went into lockdown, I was relieved to have some much-needed downtime to decompress, rest, and reflect. During that time, I finally found my little muse in the shape of the most adorable 4-month-old black and tan dachshund, named Fred.
I started dreaming of ways that Freddy and I could spend more time together, and started building a Pinterest board of my favorite things. The concept of Social Animal came to life.
I had a real awakening, I had decided that enough was enough and left a career that I had once adored, but no longer satisfied my soul.
I created Social Animal with the vision of making the world a happier place through playful, versatile products and striking designs that inspire conversation and connection. These designs have been created to bring more joy and convenience to your life, making it easier, more entertaining, and engaging, all while you spend more quality time with your favorite accessory—your pet.
In the wise words of Maya Angelou, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
Laura Long
Founder, Social Animal
The Long Road To
QUALITY & DESIGN
Inspiration
The journey to creating Social Animal was one of persistence, precision, and passion.
Achieving the perfect balance of luxury, durability, and ethical craftsmanship required navigating countless challenges—from securing the right manufacturing partners to refining intricate design details that would meet the brand’s exacting standards.
Action
Over 2 years of development, the process included four rounds of prototyping, countless material tests, and over 350 hours of meticulous design refinement.
Each iteration brought the collection closer to perfection, ensuring that every element—from the supple vegan leather to the solid brass hardware and contrast edge paint—met the highest standards of quality and performance.
Result
Through dedication, patience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Social Animal was crafted to be more than just a pet accessory brand.
It’s a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, timeless style, and the deep bond between pets and their people.
TAIL-ORED WITH LOVE
ITALIAN VEGAN LEATHER
Vegan Leather by Viridis: A washable, corn-based material sourced from Italy, that has been tested and certified to be free of harmful substances, is sustainable and PETA-approved
WOVEN TO ENDURE
EUROPEAN CRAFTSMANSHIP
Our products are born from a lineage of artisanal mastery. For over 30 years, Monarchy has remained a family-run atelier rooted in tradition and artistry. Its founder, Atilla, honed his craft alongside Italy’s master artisans—the very hands that supply raw materials for iconic brands like Chloé and Hermès.
Today, that legacy lives on through his personally trained team in Budapest, who uphold the same meticulous standards and refined techniques. Every stitch, every cut, every detail carries the spirit of old-world excellence—reimagined for the modern animal.
GOOD AS GOLD
PREMIUM HARDWARE
Our solid brass fittings are sourced from a luxury supplier that was established in 1945, both known for their superior, anti-tarnish finishes.
Brass is a premium, heavy-duty material, offering superior quality compared to commonly used alloys. Though more expensive, it ensures lasting strength and elegance.
Each piece undergoes a multi-layer plating process—including zinc, copper, and a protective lacquer—to prevent tarnishing, maintaining a polished, refined finish over time.
The result? Hardware that doesn't just hold up—it shines on.
BUILT FOR THE RUFF
PRODUCT TESTING
Each product has undergone rigorous testing in Spain, designed for dogs up to 80 pounds with a max pull strength of 125 pounds.
OUR INSIGNIA
DOG TAG
Inspired by the founder's family crest, with its original carved relief recreated from a debossed wax seal to maintain intricate detail and quality. Drawing from Laura’s fine jewelry expertise, this often-overlooked element was carefully refined. Special attention was given to the connector rings, ensuring the tag sits perfectly on the collar, unlike many lower-end alternatives.
The Dog: The emblem of faithfulness & guarding in heraldry. A symbol of courage, vigilance, and loyal fidelity.
The Horseshoe: The age old symbol of good luck.
The Olive Branch: A symbol of victory, peace, and prosperity.
The Wings: A representation of freedom & strength.
GIVING BACK
Sustainability with Purpose
Sustainability is a core value at Social Animal, influencing both material selection and production practices.
We believe in creating products that are as kind to the planet as they are to pets. The brand is committed to using eco-friendly, plant-based materials, recycled packaging, reducing waste, and supporting responsible manufacturing.
Beyond a Product
Social Animal dreams beyond collars and leashes. Every walk ignites a wagging social network that turns each stroll into a nationwide block party where pups play, humans connect, and love goes viral.