PawTrk was founded in Seattle by Katherine and her Golden Retriever Molly. Seven prototypes later, the Trail Series was born. This is the story.
The short answer: PawTrk is a Seattle-born outdoor dog gear brand founded by Katherine, built around one dog — Molly, a Golden Retriever born on April 14, 2021. The Trail Series is PawTrk's core product line: technically engineered waterproof jackets designed for dogs that spend real time outdoors in demanding, wet conditions. PawTrk launched officially in September 2024.
It Started with Molly
Seattle doesn't ease you into rain. It simply lives there — in the air, in the soil, in the trees.
Molly was born on April 14, 2021. Not a mascot. Not a marketing idea. She's Katherine's dog — the kind who trembles with excitement at the sight of a trailhead, who believes every puddle is meant for her. They went everywhere together: road trips, hikes, campsites, forests, beaches. Where Katherine went, Molly went.
Living in Seattle with an adventure dog means living with damp. At first, it was just muddy paws. Then more frequent baths. Then checking her skin a little more often than before.
By the time Molly was about a year and a half, things felt different. Red patches. Irritation. Moments where she scratched longer than she should. The routine that followed was familiar to any devoted dog owner: washing, drying, trying new shampoos, vet visits, medications. Sprays lined up in the bathroom.
"We were trying to care for her. But over time, the routine felt heavier. Wet coat. Bath. Dry. Repeat. You don't plan for the extra appointments. You don't plan for the quiet worry that maybe you're only managing the problem instead of preventing it. That wasn't the long-term answer for her."
The Work Behind It
The question became simple: was there gear that could actually reduce prolonged moisture exposure for a dog that lives this kind of life?
The answer was no. Not something built for wet, demanding conditions like theirs. Not something designed with real waterproof membranes, breathability, and construction that would hold up to repeated trail use.
So Katherine started learning. Waterproof membranes. Breathability ratings. Seam construction. How moisture behaves after repeated exposure. Seven prototypes later — testing, failing, refining, again and again — the result was something she felt safe putting on Molly.
"It wasn't about launching a product. It was about protecting our dog and the life we share with her."
September 2024: PawTrk Launches
In September 2024, PawTrk officially launched. By December, jackets were in customers' hands.
And then people wrote back.
Stories about sensitive skin. About muddy hikes. About finally feeling a little less stressed after coming home. It wasn't customer interaction — it was a connection. Dog lover to dog lover. That's when it became clear: we weren't the only ones living this cycle.
What PawTrk Really Is
PawTrk isn't about perfection.
Dogs will still find mud. They will still run into rain. That's not something to stop.
The goal is coming home feeling easier — less scrubbing, less stress, fewer unnecessary cycles. More time on the floor. More quiet moments. More freedom to explore without worrying about what comes after.
This is a small Seattle-born brand. Not loud, but intentional. Still learning, still refining, still growing.
If you've ever stood in your doorway holding a towel and wondering if there was a better way — this is why PawTrk exists.
With love, Katherine & Molly
The Trail Series: What PawTrk Makes
The Trail Series is PawTrk's core product line — technically engineered outdoor gear for dogs built around one standard: real protection in real conditions.
Trail Series Jacket
- 15,000 mmH₂O waterproof rating — built for sustained rain, not just drizzle
- 30,000 g/m²/24h breathability — active dogs don't overheat
- Full chest and belly coverage — protects where it matters on the trail
- 3-layer lightweight shell construction — durable across repeated use and washing
- Sizes 0–8, covering dogs from 15 lbs to 140 lbs
Designed in Seattle. Tested in the kind of weather Seattle actually delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is PawTrk based? Seattle, Washington. The brand was founded and is run from Seattle — a city that provided the real-world testing conditions that shaped every design decision in the Trail Series.
Who founded PawTrk? PawTrk was founded by Katherine, alongside her Golden Retriever Molly. The brand grew directly from the experience of caring for an active, outdoor dog in Seattle's wet climate.
When did PawTrk launch? PawTrk officially launched in September 2024. The Trail Series jacket reached customers by December 2024.
What makes the Trail Series different from other dog jackets? Most dog rain jackets are water-resistant, not waterproof — and most don't cover the chest and belly. The Trail Series was engineered from the ground up for sustained wet-weather use: 15,000 mmH₂O waterproofing, 30,000 g/m²/24h breathability, full-body coverage, and 3-layer construction. The specs are published transparently because they're the reason the jacket works.
Is PawTrk only for dogs in rainy climates? The Trail Series performs best in wet, variable, or cold conditions — which makes it ideal for the Pacific Northwest, Pacific coast, Northeast, and anywhere with real weather. That said, the breathability rating (30,000 g/m²/24h) makes it suitable for active use in warmer conditions too.
How do I find the right size for my dog? Use back length and chest girth — not weight or breed alone. Full sizing guide: How to Measure Your Dog for a Trail Series Jacket →
