Vending Machines for Dogs

When is the last time you ate something out of a vending machine?

Last time we did, we thought, "Wow! This tastes like dog food."

Then again, maybe it was.

Hey Buddy, the pet project of ex-international fashion model Carlotta Lennox, is installing vending machines full of dog treats in parks around America.

"I'd always see pet parents and their dogs playing at local parks," Lennox says. "I felt sad for the dogs because they typically had no toys, just fetching sticks. They were always thirsty, because there was no water around. That's when it hit me. Wouldn't it be great if there was a vending machine that sold toys, treats, and water for dogs."

Now there are. Hey Buddy has machines in Florida, Texas, Georgia, and coming soon to New York and California. The machines sell everything from pick-up bags to leashes to vitamin water. Franchising opportunities are available.

"Our plan is to make Hey Buddy as ubiquitous as Coke and Pepsi machines," Lennox says. "And we may look to expand into other pet-related areas as we continue to grow.”

There’s certainly a large market to tap: over $40 Billion in 2007.

"My ultimate goal is to allow people to spend more quality time with their pets and not worry about racing home or going to the pet store for food, toys, and treats."

Whatever treats she's putting in her machines, dogs must like them. Lennox's own two Laboradors weigh in at a combined 300 pounds.

Let's hope she's stocking plenty of pick-up bags.