About Us

In early 2018, a horse named Louie was rescued from a Louisiana kill pen by an equine rescue group in Virginia Beach. It didn’t take long for a volunteer there – our very own Kim Schmidt – to recognize how special Louie was. Adopted by the Schmidt family that May, brothers Merrill and Owen made it their mission to help save more equines like Louie from slaughter. Shortly t hereafter, Happy Pops was literally…born in a barn.

After Louie’s adoption, Merrill and Owen spent countless hours researching, developing, and growing Happy Pops into what it is today: a unique animal treat business dedicated to: creating tasty frozen treats that result in joyful interactions between animals and their people, supporting equine rescue, and helping you to SHARE YOUR HAPPY!

In 2023, Merrill and Owen sold Happy Pops to us, Jonathan Estes and Megan Schlak. They needed time to work on important milestones in their life but wanted Happy Pops to grow to what they knew it could reach. We instantly fell in love with the Happy Pops as fellow entrepreneurs and animals lovers. We took the reigns on the business and strive every day to continue their mission. 

At Happy Pops, an important part of our mission is to financially assist reputable equine and canine rescues who help animals like our Louie find the right home. Horses and dogs have a unique way of connecting with humans, and in doing so can change lives! We strive to create a product that you and your pet will love, so together we can do more for these amazing creatures and the families who should be so lucky to love one.

We donate 10% of our profits to local shelters and rescues!