Abstract: A starch-based flying pet treat comprising, compositionally, a starch-based edible material. The treat has an overall circular shape formed by a center ring providing a first surface area and at least one wing integrally extending from the center ring and providing a second surface. Apertures are positioned in the surface areas to provide a high glide ratio such that the treat is configured to fly through the air when thrown. The treat is throwable for exercising a pet such that the pet chases or retrieves the flying pet treat and is rewarded with an edible pet treat for chewing and consumption.

Abstract: A pet litter receptacle includes a first tray comprising a cavity defined by sidewalls and a bottom surface. The receptacle includes a first grate positioned within the cavity such that a top surface of the grate is positioned below a top edge of the cavity. A first fabric material is positioned on and covering the top surface of the grate and having a top surface of the fabric material positioned above the top edge of the cavity such that liquids pass through the fabric material and the grate and collect in the cavity and solids are retained on the top surface of the fabric material.

Abstract: A pet litter receptacle includes a back portion for accepting a selected amount of absorbent material and a front portion comprising a bottom surface having a plurality of protuberances extending upwardly therefrom. A wall separating the back portion and the front portion such that when the animal has completed utilizing the receptacle, the animal must step over the wall and engage at least on paw with at least one of the plurality of protuberances such that the animal's paw pads spread apart and release any absorbent material that was retained in the paw into the front portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for tethering an animal to a selected area or retaining the animal while exercising includes an anchor having a bottom portion for positioning into the ground and a top portion for positioning above the ground. The apparatus also includes a restraint having a housing with a receptacle and a lead. A proximal end of the lead is secured within the housing and a distal end is attached to the animal. The housing is positioned onto the top portion by lowering the housing such that the top portion positions within the receptacle. The apparatus includes a retaining mechanism that removably secures the housing to the top portion of the anchor such that the housing rotates about an axis of the top portion of the anchor to tether the animal in a selected area. The retaining mechanism is disengaged from the anchor such that the restraint can be utilized to exercise the animal.

Abstract: A waste disposal system includes a receptacle with a base adapted to receive a waste tray assembly on a top panel thereof. The top panel includes an inlet drain opening. A discharge drain is provided in the receptacle base. The waste tray assembly can include natural or artificial turf, and is removable from the top panel. A cover can be mounted on the receptacle base and can be movable between open and closed positions. Alternatively, a lid can be provided for removably mounting on the receptacle base.

Abstract: An apparatus for tethering an animal to a selected area or retaining the animal while exercising includes an anchor having a bottom portion for positioning into the ground and a top portion for positioning above the ground. The apparatus also includes a restraint having a housing with a receptacle and a lead. A proximal end of the lead is secured within the housing and a distal end is attached to the animal. The housing is positioned onto the top portion by lowering the housing such that the top portion positions within the receptacle. The apparatus includes a retaining mechanism that removably secures the housing to the top portion of the anchor such that the housing rotates about an axis of the top portion of the anchor to tether the animal in a selected area. The retaining mechanism is disengaged from the anchor such that the restraint can be utilized to exercise the animal.

Abstract: A bag dispenser includes a main body having a cavity extending from an open end to a closed end and includes an aperture that intersects the cavity. A gasket is positioned over the aperture and includes an opening therein. A roll of bags is rotatably positioned within the cavity and a lead bag is positioned through the opening in the gasket such that the gasket provides resistance to the bags as the bags are uncoiled with manual force. An end cap is secured to the open end to retain the roll of bags within the main body.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting an animal's movement includes a housing having a throughbore for accepting a shaft of a stake where the housing contains a retractable tether. A substantially conical support disposes about the shaft and attaches thereto and wherein the substantially conical support retains the housing at a selected elevation on the shaft and wherein a retaining mechanism retains the housing on the shaft.