Atlanta’s brimming with entrepreneurs and startups looking to disrupt and make a difference in the technology world. And, one of the city’s newest startups is also looking to make a difference for its local community.
Founded in July of 2017, Zach Zeller and Todd Stephenson launched PupSocks, a company that places personalized photos of pets and even people on its socks and gift items. The 23-year-old cofounders took America’s growing affection for pets and a new craze for outrageous, patterned socks to spread the love for animals not only by selling the patterned socks, but also tying it to a good cause.
Part of the company’s mission is to give back to a variety of animal charities. It started with the Atlanta Humane Society, an organization that cares for dogs and cats and works to get them adopted; and Ahimsa House, which is dedicated to helping the human and animal victims of domestic violence reach safety together.
“We wanted spread the love of animals and pets, and with every pair of socks sold, we get to help local animal nonprofits such as the Atlanta Humane Society and Ahimsa House,” said Zach Zelner, CEO.
In the first six months, the company sold more than 200,000 pairs of customized socks in the first six months of business. This allowed PupSocks to present the Atlanta Humane Society with $5,000 to support its work to rescue animals.
This donation will help AHS with taking care of and finding homes for its newest members. “The Atlanta Humane Society recently rescued 70 Labradors including puppies. The funds will go towards the medical needs of some of the dogs and the adoption outreach,” said Ashley Cassidy, director of human resources.
Atlanta Humane Society serves about 30,000 animals each year, and places approximately 9,000 dogs and cats into forever homes.
As PupSocks’ donation will support AHS, the employees also give back to the organization through volunteering, assisting in everyday tasks, and interacting with the other volunteers.
The community can also support AHS by volunteering time and resources to take care of the animals, fundraise, facilitate adoptions, or support special events.
“Giving back is a core mission of PupSocks. We plan to continue to volunteer and raise money for these local organizations and also give to animal charities around the country,” added Zelner.
In other news
Mercedes Benz USA is opening its Greatness Lives Here campaign and wants to recognizes local Atlantans who have a heart of gold and are going above and beyond in their efforts to help the community. MBUSA wants the community to share the work that deserves recognition by posting on the Greatness Lives Here Facebook page or by sending a story to GreatnessLivesHere@MBUSA.com.
Information: PupSocks, gopupsocks.com
Atlanta Humane Society, atlantahumane.org
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