How to Find Handmade Pet Accessories That Actually Give Back
If you've ever searched for a bandana or bow for your dog and thought — I wish buying this meant something more — you're not alone. A growing number of pet parents are looking for accessories that are made with care and connected to a cause. The good news is they exist. And even better news, we are telling you what to look for!
#1 Start with how it's made.
Handmade doesn't just mean charming — it means someone made intentional decisions about every stitch. When an accessory is made by hand rather than mass-produced, you're supporting a real person's craft, not a factory line.
Look for small businesses that are transparent about their process. Do they tell you who makes the products? Do they describe their materials? Transparency is usually a good sign that the brand has nothing to hide and a lot to be proud of.
#2 Look for a giving model that's specific.
"We give back" can mean almost anything. The brands worth supporting are the ones who tell you exactly how. At Nermington's, 5% of every sale is donated to the Greenville Humane Society — a partnership that has been in place since the day we opened.
When we participate in events hosted by or in partnership with local rescues, 5% of every sale during that event goes directly to the partnering rescue. And for our Care Package program, 100% of all proceeds and donations go to sponsoring a specific shelter dog. Not a general fund. A specific dog, by name, with their own story.
#3 Find brands where the mission is personal.
The most meaningful giving models come from founders who have a real reason to care. Nermington's was born out of a deeply personal journey — one that involved healing, hope, and a puppy named Sherman who changed everything. That origin story is what drives every bandana and bow we make. When a business is built on something real, the giving back isn't a marketing strategy. It's the whole point.
#4 What to ask before you buy.
Before purchasing from any small pet brand, try asking: Where is this made? Who makes it? What percentage of my purchase supports animals, and where does it go? A brand with a genuine mission will have clear, specific answers — and will probably be happy to share them.
Finding handmade pet accessories that actually give back isn't as hard as it used to be. It just takes knowing what to look for — and choosing to look.
Nermington's is a women-owned, handmade pet boutique based in Greenville, SC. Every purchase supports shelter animals at the Greenville Humane Society.
