January 18, 2025
Interview with PawDrop’s Founder Josh Coucill
Interview with PawDrop’s Founder Josh Coucill
At the heart of PawDrop is a commitment to providing not just great products but an experience that values community, trust, and the well-being of both pets and their owners. We sat down with Josh Coucill, the founder of PawDrop, to discuss the inspiration behind the brand, its dedication to pet safety, and how it’s making a difference in the pet industry. Here’s a deeper look at the vision and mission of PawDrop, from Josh himself.
1. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind starting PawDrop and how it has evolved since its founding?
PawDrop was born out of frustration with the big players like Woolworths, Coles, and Green Cross. Their stranglehold on the market extends far beyond food—they’ve infiltrated almost every corner of our lives, including pet products. Shopping with them felt impersonal, and I knew there had to be a better way. That’s where PawDrop comes in: a boutique experience with a focus on community, trust, and genuinely great products. It’s a place where pet lovers can find products they trust, knowing they’re supporting a business that cares about pets, people, and purpose.
2. PawDrop emphasises product curation and testing. Could you walk us through your process for selecting and evaluating the pet products you offer?
Every product we carry goes through two levels of testing. First, it has to pass the “dog dad” test—if I wouldn’t give it to my own dogs, it’s out. Second, it has to survive my two fur babies, especially Chum Chum, my French Bulldog who’s practically possessed by the chewing gods. If she can’t destroy it immediately, we know it’s worth stocking. Beyond that, we avoid products with known safety issues, like certain puzzle toys and rope toys, and we rely on feedback from our customers to make sure we’re always refining our range.
3. How does PawDrop ensure that the materials and designs of its products prioritise pet safety? Are there any particular safety standards or certifications you follow?
We take a practical approach to safety—nothing too fancy, just common sense. We avoid products we know can be dangerous, like some puzzle toys or rope toys, and all plush toys have safe, non-toxic inserts. My dogs test every toy for durability, and while we don’t expect chew toys to last forever (let’s be real, that’s impossible), we make sure they remain safe as they wear down. If something doesn’t meet our standards or we get negative feedback, we pull it from the store. Our goal is to carry products that are safe, reliable, and enjoyable for pets and their owners.
4. You mention that PawDrop’s approach goes beyond retail, focusing on customer trust and well-being. Can you explain how your customer service model supports that philosophy?
At PawDrop, we know we’re not perfect—we’re a new business, and new businesses come with their fair share of hiccups. What sets us apart is how we handle those challenges. If something goes wrong, we’re committed to making it right. Whether it’s a product that didn’t meet expectations or an issue with an order, we’ll do everything we can to fix it. Our Aussie-based team offers personalised support, and we see every interaction as an opportunity to build trust. It’s about treating customers like part of the PawDrop family, not just another transaction.
5. Could you tell us more about PawDrop’s “Every Drop Counts” initiative and how it contributes to animal welfare through partnerships with organisations like RSPCA Australia and PetRescue?
The “Every Drop Counts” initiative is our way of giving back. We donate 10% of all profits to RSPCA Australia and PetRescue, two amazing organisations dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals. It’s about more than just selling pet products—it’s about making a difference. When you shop with PawDrop, you’re not just buying something for your pet; you’re also supporting a cause that helps animals in need. It’s a small way we can contribute to a better world for pets, and we’re proud to involve our customers in that mission.
6. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in building a pet product brand in the competitive Australian market, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is the dominance of Woolworths, Coles, and Green Cross. They have a stranglehold on the market, leaving little room for smaller players like us. But here’s the thing: they lack personality, community connection, and a genuine focus on pets. At PawDrop, we’ve tackled this by leaning into what makes us different—products we’ve personally tested and trust, exceptional customer service, and a commitment to giving back. Our customers know that shopping with us isn’t just about getting great products; it’s about supporting a business that cares about them, their pets, and their community.
7. You mentioned the possibility of collaborating on content creation and giveaways. How do you envision these collaborations benefiting both PawDrop and your potential partners?
Collaboration is all about building connections. We love working with like-minded creators and businesses to spread our shared values. Whether it’s a giveaway, or social content, it’s an opportunity to show pet owners there’s an alternative to the big guys. Our growing social media presence ensure these partnerships get the reach they deserve. Together, we can offer something special—quality products, meaningful contributions to animal welfare, and a sense of community that’s hard to find in today’s market.
8. What future goals do you have for PawDrop, and how do you plan to continue expanding your impact on both pets and the pet industry?
Our first-year goals are simple: don’t lose money, provide excellent customer service, and start working towards introducing more local products. While most of our range currently comes from overseas, that’s just the industry standard right now. Long-term, we’d love to partner with boutique Australian manufacturers to bring more locally made options to our customers. For now, we’re focused on getting the fundamentals right—high-quality products at reasonable prices, and building a brand that people can trust. It’s all about proving that a business can succeed while still doing good.
