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. 

​

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. 

​

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. 

​

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. 

​

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. 

​

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.