About

About the Designer

Karen Santo Domingo is the founder and designer of Cave Canem. Karen's concept of a high-end line of pet carriers, complete with matching collars, leashes, dog bowls and scarves satisfies both practicality and style sought out by her customers. 

Influenced greatly by her Italian mother, Karen was raised in Europe where her Roman roots blossomed into a love of ancient history, architecture, and art, exemplified by a lifelong fascination with Pompei. In her many visits to those volcanic ruins, Karen always sought out the House of the Tragic Poet, which featured a mosaic warning visitors "Cave Canem" – beware the dog!

She learned early on that the modern interpretation of the phrase as indicative of danger was not at all what the ancient saying meant. Cave canem was a reminder for people not to step on the small, elegant dogs that were favored by Pompeians. In designing her classic carriers for today's miniature breeds, Karen was inspired to find a stylish and contemporary way that contemporary travelers could protect their pets who are their constant companions. 

Karen recognizes the exceptional relationship between people and their pets, and understands the level of commitment and treatment all dogs deserve. She currently shares her life with Marley, her poodle. It's safe to say that Marley looks great in a Cave Canem dog leash and collar.

 

Consistent with Karen's appreciation of her Italian heritage, the Cave Canem logo was inspired by a coat of arms she found in a Florence palazzo. She replaced the military regalia with images of dogs and cats on the shield to continue the sense of safety, comfort, and protection that influences every aspect of the Cave Canem products. 

 

To Karen's eye, the existing dog carriers resembled prison-like boxes or diaper bags – neither comfortable nor suitable for a pet. Karen saw the need for an elegant carrier that complements the pet's owner while offering comfort for a small canine traveler.

Along with elegance, functionality is key. Cave Canem provides cushiony comfort for the pet, while the extra pouches for storing pet supplies, food and dog bowls, and ease of cleaning provide practicality for the owner.  The entire carrier is both large enough to support the pet yet lightweight enough for the owner to shoulder the bag easily.