Last week, the Safely team headed to New York City for The Lead Summit, one of the top gatherings for challenger brands, innovators, and industry leaders. And we did not come empty handed.
We brought our newest safety solution Safely Dog Spray to New York to help fill a critical gap in personal protection. While pepper spray laws in New York remain restrictive, dog spray offers a legal option for defense against aggressive animals. It is not a replacement for pepper spray, but it can provide peace of mind during walks, commutes, or time spent outdoors — especially in states with stricter laws around personal safety tools.
We also brought along our boldest travel companion yet Pinky the pink skeleton. From pitch rooms to selfie stations, she turned heads and made safety impossible to ignore. And that is the point. Safety should be part of everyday conversations, and sometimes all it takes is a bright visual reminder to start that dialogue.
We Taught People How to Use Safety Tools
One of our favorite moments of the week was showing people how to actually use self-defense spray. We believe education is just as important as the tools themselves. Whether someone had never held a spray canister before or was already carrying one in their bag, we walked them through exactly how to unlock, aim, and spray for real world readiness.
We even demoed our Practice Spray, a 100% water based version that lets people train without the risk. Confidence comes from practice, and we were proud to be the ones offering it.
The Pitch Competition Was Packed
The Lead Summit wrapped up with the DTC Pitch Competition, where Safely co-founder Meagan Doyle took the stage to share our mission. The room was full, the energy was high, and the lineup of brands brought everything from protein packed frozen desserts to elegant safety jewelry.
While we did not take home the top prize, we left with something more important new allies, new awareness, and new opportunities to make an impact. Congratulations to Alisa Brady of Sweetums for her well deserved win.
What This Means for New York
New York is one of just a few states that restrict online pepper spray sales and limit access to stronger self-defense sprays. That means residents have fewer options when it comes to personal safety tools.
Our Dog Spray offers a legal and humane way to protect yourself from aggressive animals. It is designed specifically for use against threatening dogs and is legal in all fifty states. Whether you are walking your own dog, spending time outdoors, or encountering unfamiliar animals in public spaces, dog spray can help you feel more confident and in control.
Thank You, New York
We are incredibly grateful to The Lead Summit for giving us the platform to share our mission and connect with fellow founders, partners, and safety advocates. New York gave us a powerful reminder of why we started this company and why we are just getting started.
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