Coyote Vest Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 10
Paul and Pamela Mott pitched Coyote Vest, protective gear designed to safeguard small dogs from coyote attacks, on Shark Tank. They sought investment to scale their niche business.
Paul and Pamela Mott came on Shark Tank Season 10, Episode 23. They started Coyote Vest in 2015 after experiencing a personal tragedy. Paul was walking his dog Buffy off-leash at a dog park when a coyote attacked and carried her away. Buffy was never seen again.
After the attack, Paul began designing what would become the first Coyote Vest. He believed his invention might have saved Buffy.
Coyote Vest was designed as protective body armor for small dogs. The vest was made with Kevlar and featured hard plastic spikes around the collar, down the torso, and along the center from the neck to the rump. Since the spikes were plastic, they did not hurt the coyote but gave dog owners time to intervene during an attack.
Would the Sharks see the potential in this life-saving pet product and invest in the business?
About Coyote Vest
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Coyote Vest |
| Founders | Paul and Pamela Mott |
| Industry | Pet Products |
| Product | Protective body armor for small dogs |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | Self-funded |
| Investment Asked | $250,000 for 10% equity |
| Deal Status | No deal |
| Valuation | $2.5 million (at the time of Shark Tank pitch) |
Even before Shark Tank, the company had expanded its product line with accessories like the HawkShield, which added extra Kevlar protection against birds of prey. Customers could also purchase extra spikes, bristles, and even a remote-controlled electric zapper accessory. The company also offered protective vests for cats.
The basic Coyote Vest cost $99.95. Before appearing on Shark Tank, the company sold products through its own website and seven independent pet stores.
Coyote Vest Shark Tank Pitch
Paul and Pamela entered the Tank seeking $250,000 in exchange for 10% equity in Coyote Vest.
They demonstrated how the vest worked using dogs wearing the protective gear. They shared the story of their dog, Buffy, whose fatal coyote attack inspired them to create body armor for small dogs.
Paul explained that the vests were made from Kevlar and featured hard plastic spikes. Although the spikes were not sharp, they were designed to make predators hesitate by making the pet appear more dangerous and giving owners time to intervene.
Lori Greiner asked how the vest worked in real-life situations. Paul explained that the unusual appearance confused predators because they couldn’t tell whether the spikes were harmful, causing them to back away.
Robert Herjavec asked about sales. Paul shared that the company had generated $570,000 in lifetime revenue, including $260,000 in sales during the most recent year.
Mark Cuban asked how the company sold its products. Paul explained that they sold directly through their company website.
The founders also revealed that each vest cost $30 to manufacture and sold for $120. They explained they had initially built a small factory in California before securing a manufacturing partner capable of producing up to 1,000 vests per month.
Kevin O’Leary questioned whether customers might assume the product was only useful against coyotes. Pamela responded that the vest also helped protect dogs from attacks by other dogs.
When Kevin asked about future product innovations, the founders introduced the Coyote Zapper, a remote-controlled electric accessory designed to help deter an attacking animal and give owners time to react. Robert even tested the device himself during the pitch.
Paul and Pamela explained that they were seeking funding to build inventory and lower manufacturing costs as they prepared to grow the business.
What Made Coyote Vest Unique?
Coyote Vest stood out in the pet products market through a combination of safety-focused features and innovative design:
- Designed to protect small dogs from coyote attacks.
- Made with Kevlar and hard plastic spikes to deter predators without injuring them.
- Available with accessories such as the HawkShield, extra spikes, bristles, and the Coyote Zapper.
- Offered protective vests for cats.
Did Coyote Vest Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Mark Cuban was the first Shark to bow out. He believed the business was not ready to scale and was concerned about potential product safety issues, particularly around children.
Kevin O’Leary decided not to invest because he felt the company’s $2.5 million valuation was too high relative to its earnings. Paul explained that the product was patented; Kevin did not believe the profit potential justified the valuation.
Lori Greiner liked the concept but ultimately decided it was not the right investment for her.
Robert Herjavec said he thought the idea was good, but he didn’t believe every good idea made a good investment, so he also declined.
Daymond John, the final remaining Shark, passed as well. He felt the company was still at a risky stage and wasn’t confident enough to invest.
As a result, none of the Sharks made an offer, and Paul and Pamela left the Tank without a deal.
Coyote Vest Shark Tank Update
Although the founders didn’t secure a deal on Shark Tank, the exposure from the show significantly increased sales and brand awareness.
By 2021, the business had grown to approximately $1 million in annual revenue, with most orders continuing to come directly through the company’s website.
Product Expansion
As the business expanded, Coyote Vest introduced several new products, including the SpikeVest, BullyVest, SpikeHarness, and accessories such as the HawkShield, HawkEyes, and CoyoteWhiskers.
All of the company’s products are manufactured in California and are designed to provide protective gear for small dogs. Product prices now range from approximately $5 to $140.
Though the founders did not secure a big-box retail partnership, Coyote Vest successfully expanded its retail presence.
By July 2024, the company’s products were available through more than a dozen independent pet stores across the United States, while continuing to sell directly through its official website.
Media Recognition
The brand also received coverage from major media outlets, including Popular Mechanics, National Geographic, Field & Stream, BBC, and Inside Edition.
Coyote Vest products appeared in episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Paris in Love, further increasing the company’s visibility.
Latest Business Update
As of 2025, Coyote Vest remained in business and had grown its lifetime sales to approximately $2 million.
The company continues operating as a family-owned business led by Paul Mott, Pamela Mott, and Nicole Mellom, with the mission of helping protect small dogs and preventing other families from experiencing the loss that inspired the business.
Posts about Coyote Vest on Shark Tank Blog
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Coyote Vest had already gained attention for its innovative approach to protecting small dogs from predator attacks.
Learn more about the product’s design, features, and real-life success stories in our guide: The Coyote Vest Protects Small Dogs from Attacks.
Where Can You Buy It?
Coyote Vest products are available through the company’s official website and in a dozen independent pet stores across the United States.
You can also follow Coyote Vest on Facebook and X for product updates.
Quick Summary
- Paul and Pamela Mott pitched Coyote Vest, seeking $250,000 for 10% equity to grow their protective body armor business for small dogs.
- The Sharks declined to invest, citing concerns about scalability, valuation, and risk.
- Despite not securing an investment, Coyote Vest expanded its product line, grew to approximately $2 million in lifetime sales, and is now sold through its website and more than a dozen independent pet stores across the U.S.
Check out other Shark Tank Season 10 Episodes.
Curious about the other businesses featured in Shark Tank Season 10 Episode 23? Explore more updates and see which ideas made a splash in the Tank.
