
About Us
Built on the passion for pets and their people.
Founded by pet lovers that just knew registration needs be easier, to now having a team of industry veterans to ensure clients' success.
BarkPass: From Idea to Innovation
The Spark
Josh Larson, a web developer with a passion for entrepreneurship, was inspired by Indie Hackers to create a SaaS product that could generate passive income for his growing family. He understood the importance of launching with a paying customer—an approach that would shape his vision for a sustainable business.
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The Idea
In 2019, when Waukee, IA opened its first dog park, Josh and his wife Bri were excited about the benefits for their community. However, they found the pet registration process inefficient and frustrating. Discovering that no existing software addressed the unique needs of dog park management, Josh saw an opportunity for innovation. After discussions with local Parks and Recreation officials, they realized the administrative burden of incorrect and incomplete applications, and Josh set out to create a solution—BarkPass.
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The Journey
In its early days, BarkPass grew largely through client referrals, proving its value to dog park managers. As municipalities recognized how BarkPass could simplify park administration, the platform quickly expanded its capabilities to include pet licensing features. This dual-purpose software now streamlines both dog park management and pet licensing, helping local governments, shelters, and private park owners improve efficiency and reduce administrative overhead. Features like automated reminders, secure data storage, and an intuitive interface made BarkPass a must-have tool for communities.
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The Next Chapter
In December 2024, BarkPass was acquired by Steve Zeidman, a 25-year veteran in the pet-tech industry. Steve’s vast experience in creating and managing shelter platforms brought new energy and vision to BarkPass. His goal is to expand the software’s reach to more communities, leveraging his expertise and the platform’s modern design to create healthier environments for pets and people alike.
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The Future
Steve’s vision for BarkPass is clear: to help municipalities and animal service organizations thrive by demonstrating how pet licensing can become a sustainable funding mechanism. With his deep-rooted commitment to community and innovative technology, Steve is dedicated to improving the lives of pets and the people who care for them.
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The Team
Since the acquisition, Steve has been building a strong team focused on scaling the company’s impact. Josh and Bri continue to play a key role in BarkPass, collaborating with new talent to drive the company forward. We invite you to learn more about our leadership team and our mission to transform pet licensing and park management.
The Team

Steve Zeidman
Managing Partner
With more than 25 years' experience in the pet care data and technology space, Steve has been inspired to find innovative solutions that support the animal welfare movement’s efforts to save lives. Steve is the creator of PetPoint software and eventually oversaw both PetPoint and Chameleon software teams for Pethealth/24Pet. He also led the research and education team at PetSmart Charities, served as a founding board member of Shelter Animals Count, and Board Chair of Catalyst Council. With all his involvement, Steve is a familiar face and a trusted source as the leading expert in the animal welfare technology and shelter operations space.
Steve has a passion for driving product development that is focused on automation, efficiency and user experience. He will bring that commitment to BarkPass to support clients’ goals of maximizing revenue while reducing labor costs. As Managing, Steve with drive product development, business operations and partnership to ensure BarkPass is the most advanced tool in the pet licensing and dog park management space.
Partner
Brian Hatfield
As a partner at BarkPass, Brian Hatfield will lead company growth and client success. With a rich background in people operations and a career spanning industries from non-profits to Hollywood film studios, Brian brings a unique and valuable skillset to the pet licensing industry. Throughout his career, Brian has demonstrated an unparalleled talent for cultivating trust and rapport with clients and stakeholders alike while delivering white-glove service to those he’s been trusted to serve.
Brian’s expertise in identifying and addressing diverse customer needs has been honed through years of fostering collaboration, leveraging modern technology to streamline operations and removing barriers that bottleneck progress. As BarkPass continues to expand throughout the United States, Brian’s leadership will further efforts to empower communities by simplifying pet licensing and promoting healthier, happier lives for pets and their people.


Chris Roy
Chief Technology Officer
Chris has a deep passion for pet technology and has been a driving force in the pet tech industry. As the CTO of BarkPass, he is dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance pet licensing and dog park management. In addition to his role at BarkPass, Chris continues to lead Doobert as CEO, where he revolutionized animal transport and foster care management with his innovative online software platform for animal rescuers.
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Chris's leadership and expertise are pivotal in developing solutions that simplify operations, boost compliance, and support thriving communities. His dual roles allow him to bring unparalleled experience and vision to both organizations, advancing the pet tech industry as a whole.
Sean Tellis
Marketing Advisor
Having spent over 20 years in marketing, Sean is a results-driven leader who thrives on building meaningful connections and getting things done. With expertise spanning marketing strategy, customer engagement, communications and operations across major retailers and in business-to-business environments, Sean is a true marketing pro. His guidance and vision will be integral to building the company's marketing portfolio to deliver the BarkPass experience.
Sean's has a deep understanding of pet organizations and pet people having worked alongside animal welfare organizations for many years. Coupled with his knowledge of the software products that serve animal agencies and their communities, he is a welcome addition to the BarkPass team.


Aubrie West
Client Success Specialist
Aubrie West is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background in operations, performance improvement and talent management. Aubrie’s expertise is understanding clients’ organizational goals and using cutting-edge technology to give stakeholders an effortless experience. Throughout her career, Aubrie has earned a reputation for her sound judgement and calm, cool, collected approach which endears her to those she supports.