Paws for Thought: Why Clean Beauty Standards Belong in Pet Care, Too

Whether it's a weekend getaway or an international adventure, the best trips are the ones shared with your canine companions. Inspired by a desire for better products for their own pups, Cara Santana-Leto and Stephanie Suganami founded Lil Luv Dog, a pet-care brand rooted in clean ingredients, thoughtful design, and a commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Whether navigating city streets in New York, wandering through London's parks, or settling into a new destination, dogs have become essential travel companions for many of us. Inspired by a desire for better products for their own pups, Cara Santana-Leto and Stephanie Suganami founded Lil Luv Dog, a pet-care brand rooted in clean ingredients, thoughtful design, and a commitment to reducing environmental impact. Drawing from the standards of the beauty and wellness industries, the pair set out to create products that are as safe, effective, and intentional as the ones we choose for ourselves, because wellness extends to every member of the family, including those with paws. 

This season, select Lil Luv Dog essentials will also be available for purchase at 1 Hotel Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, West Hollywood, and Mayfair, making it even easier to support your dog's well-being on the go.
We spoke with Santana-Leto and Suganami about redefining "clean beauty" for dogs, setting new standards for ingredient transparency, and the travel rituals they never skip when exploring the world with their beloved companions.

Leading the Pack with Founders Cara Santana Leto & Stephanie Suganami

What inspired you to create Lil Luv Dog, and what gap did you see in the pet-care market?

Cara Santana-Leto:
We wanted to create a brand that had the same standards we have for ourselves in terms of ingredient formulation, stylistic sophistication, and thoughtfulness when it comes to environmental impact. It felt like the pet space was so far behind in terms of innovation, and we wanted to elevate it for ourselves and for the most important part of our family: our dogs.
Stephanie Suganami:
For me, it simply started out of care for Binx. I wanted the best, cleanest, safest products for him, and I just wasn't finding them. I wanted a product I could feel really good about using on him every day, and it didn't exist, so we decided to make it.

The beauty and wellness industry has increasingly embraced clean ingredients and transparency. What does "clean beauty" mean when it comes to caring for our dogs?

Cara Santana-Leto:
It was certainly undefined, so we spent a ton of time researching and talking to vets and scientists, while working with the Environmental Working Group to help build that standard. From considering pH levels and a dog's skin barrier to how they respond to fragrance and absorb ingredients, we worked to create something that is both effective and safe for their little bodies. We feel like we've accomplished that, and we're excited to continue learning more.
Stephanie Suganami:
There's very little regulation or oversight in pet care, so we felt like we had to set our own standard. We referenced trusted benchmarks like the Credo and Sephora blacklists as a starting point, then worked with experts to build on those specifically for dogs, from pH balance to ingredient safety. Third-party verification was also really important to us because we didn't want "clean" to be just a marketing claim. We wanted consumers to know there was something real backing it up. At the end of the day, our philosophy is pretty simple: if we wouldn't use it on ourselves, we're not putting it on our dogs.

Our guests often travel with their dogs as part of their wellness routine. What rituals do you never skip, even when you're away from home?

Cara Santana-Leto:
Wipes, always. Their feet are on every floor, street, and airport. I also love our dry shampoo in the on-the-go sachet for a quick scent refresh. Plus, it dissolves in water, so there's no worry about waste.
Stephanie Suganami:
I try to keep Binx's routine as consistent as possible when we travel, his walks, mealtimes, and all the things that make him feel like himself. Honestly, a really long walk when we get somewhere new is always our first move. It helps him settle in, and it's usually my favorite way to explore a new place, too.

Sustainability is a shared value between Lil Luv Dog and 1 Hotels. How do you approach creating products that are both effective and environmentally conscious?

Stephanie Suganami:
We try to look at sustainability at every touchpoint, from the ingredients and packaging to how something is made and what happens to it at the end of its life. There's rarely a perfect option, so it's really about asking the right questions and making the most responsible choice available without compromising how well the product works.

What's your favorite destination to travel to with your dog, and why?

Cara Santana-Leto:
Everywhere with my dog is the best destination. I do love New York City, though. It's so fun to watch them explore the city.
Stephanie Suganami:
I would say London or Montecito. I love the park culture in London. We'll hang out at Hampstead Heath and Hyde Park for hours. And Montecito because Binx absolutely loves the beach. Basically, anywhere he can be outside and run around off leash, he's happy.

What's always in your dog's travel bag?

Cara Santana-Leto:
Poo bags, dry shampoo, and wipes. My go-tos.
Stephanie Suganami:
Kong tennis balls, multiple, obviously, his blanket, a couple of bones, his Mountain Dog leash, and a bandana because he loves to accessorize. Definitely poo bags (ours are so cute and coming soon) and his Tractive tag. It's like his Oura Ring!