Cleaning up after dogs is something all pet owners deal with every day. It might seem like a small task, but over time, the impact of how we do it becomes massive. Millions of people use plastic bags to pick up their dog’s waste. These bags are usually single-use and not biodegradable. Once they are thrown away, they sit in landfills for years, causing harm to the environment.
With more people becoming aware of their environmental impact, this everyday routine needs to change. Plastic pollution is a growing problem, and finding sustainable solutions is more important than ever.
Tracy Rosensteel saw this problem and wanted to do something about it. That’s why she created Pooch Paper, an eco-friendly alternative to the plastic bags people usually use to pick up dog waste. Her product is made of biodegradable and compostable paper, which means it breaks down naturally and doesn’t harm the planet.
She took her innovative idea to Shark Tank Season 12, hoping to find a partner who could help her scale up her business and get her product into the hands of more people. On the show, she asked for $250,000 in exchange for 12% equity in her company. What followed was an interesting pitch and negotiation that caught the attention of Kevin O’Leary.
Pooch Paper Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Tracy was looking for an investment of $250k in exchange for 12% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, she valued her company at around $2.08 million. Tracy successfully secured a deal with Kevin for an investment of $250k in exchange for a $1 royalty per unit sold forever. Since no equity was given, the company’s net worth stayed the same at around $2.08 million. After the show was aired, the company experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Pooch Paper is around $4.5 million.
Shark(s) name | Offer & Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
Kevin O’Leary | 1# $250,000 for 50% equity 2# $250,000 for a royalty of $1 per unit sold on perpetuity | N/A | Yes |
Lori Greiner | Out | N/A | N/A |
Kendra Scott | Out | N/A | N/A |
Barbara Corcoran | Out | N/A | N/A |
Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | N/A |
Tracy Rosensteel Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Tracy Rosensteel, the founder of Pooch Paper, had always been concerned about the environment. As a dog owner herself, she became increasingly aware of the number of plastic bags she was using to clean up after her pet. She realized that this small act, repeated by millions of pet owners, was contributing to a much larger environmental issue.
This awareness drove her to come up with an alternative—something that would serve the same purpose as a plastic bag but wouldn’t sit in landfills for centuries. That’s how she came up with the idea for Pooch Paper.
Starting the business wasn’t easy. Tracy had to go through the usual challenges of sourcing the right materials, ensuring they were safe and effective for pet waste, and finding manufacturers that could produce her product sustainably. She also had to deal with marketing and educating consumers about why switching from plastic to paper was important.
She launched the business and made $50,000 in sales within just seven months. This showed there was a demand for eco-friendly pet products, and she felt ready to take the next big step by appearing on Shark Tank.
During her pitch, Tracy confidently explained her product and the problem it solves. She introduced Pooch Paper as a recycled and biodegradable paper that could be used instead of plastic bags for picking up dog waste. She also shared the numbers behind her business. It cost her $3.66 to make and land a package of Pooch Paper.
She sold it wholesale at $6.99, and it retailed at $12.99. She was operating at a 47% profit margin. Tracy was clear and passionate about her mission, and she wanted $250,000 in exchange for 12% of her business.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
As always, the sharks had many questions. Mark Cuban was the first to speak. He said he liked the idea and admired the mission behind it, but it just wasn’t the type of business he usually invests in. So, he decided to pass.
Barbara Corcoran expressed her concerns about the level of competition in the market. She believed that even though Pooch Paper was a great product, competing with large companies and other brands would be very tough. For that reason, she also chose to step out.
Lori Greiner appreciated Tracy’s work and product, but she felt that Tracy didn’t need a shark. Lori thought that Tracy had already done a great job on her own and could continue growing the business without giving up any equity or royalties. So, she also didn’t make an offer.
Guest shark Kendra Scott shared a similar opinion. She supported the idea and said it was a good product, but didn’t feel it was the right investment for her.
Kevin O’Leary, however, saw potential. He offered two options. His first offer was $250,000 for 50% equity in the company. His second offer was for the same amount of money, but instead of equity, he asked for a $1 royalty on every unit sold—forever.
Tracy was hesitant. She didn’t want to give away 50% of her company, and she also wasn’t comfortable giving up $1 per unit forever. She tried to negotiate, but Kevin stood firm. Eventually, seeing no better option, Tracy accepted the deal: $250,000 in exchange for a $1 royalty per unit in perpetuity.
Product Availability
Pooch Paper is made in the USA using renewable energy. It is crafted from recycled, non-chlorine-bleached paper, which means it’s safe for the environment. It’s also compostable and biodegradable, so it doesn’t add to plastic pollution. The product comes in two sizes to suit dogs of different sizes. They also offer dispensers and carrying accessories to make the experience easier for pet owners.
Tracy’s company sells these products on their official website, and they are also available on major retail platforms like Chewy.com. The company has even launched a subscription service, which makes it easier for customers to receive regular shipments without having to reorder each time.
What Happened To The Pooch Paper After Shark Tank?
Right after the episode aired, Pooch Paper saw a huge spike in sales. They sold out quickly on their website, which showed that there was a strong interest in the product. Since then, the company has continued to grow. In addition to the original product, they have introduced new sizes and accessories. Their customer base has expanded, and they have built a strong online presence. As of today, Pooch Paper is still in business and doing well.
They’ve kept up with the demand and have managed to keep their products in stock. The company has also made efforts to educate people on why choosing paper over plastic is important. Their mission remains strong: to reduce plastic waste and give pet owners a better, greener option for cleaning up after their dogs.
The company’s website offers full details about the product line, pricing, and the subscription model. They even have an affiliate program for people who want to promote the product.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tracy Rosensteel entered Shark Tank with a simple goal: to help the environment by offering a better solution for a daily pet owner task. She pitched Pooch Paper with passion and clarity, offering a clear vision and solid sales figures. Though most sharks passed due to competition concerns or felt she didn’t need investment, Kevin O’Leary saw potential and made a unique royalty-based deal.
Since the show, Pooch Paper has grown steadily, expanded its product line, and remained committed to its mission. Tracy’s journey on Shark Tank showed that even when most sharks say no, one yes can still lead to success. Today, Pooch Paper continues to help pet owners make eco-friendly choices, proving that small changes can make a big difference for the planet.

Hey, I’m Amna Habib, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Shark Tank has always been one of my favorite TV shows because it offers a unique glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. The way entrepreneurs present innovative solutions to everyday problems aligns with my academic interests and fuels my curiosity about business strategies. Each pitch showcases creativity and strategic decision-making, which I find both insightful and inspiring. Watching the show has deepened my passion for business and motivated me to explore the world of entrepreneurship even further. Beyond business and writing, I love food, shopping, and spending time with my friends and family.