Updated November 2026
How We Test Pet Products
Every product we call tested has been in daily use in our homes with Luna or Oscar, and each review says for how long. If we have not used a product ourselves, we label it Researched and explain why it made the list.
Who Tests
Two owners, each testing with her own pet.
Irene Smith
Tests cat products with Luna, her white PersianLuna has lived with Irene for 3 years. Long haired, picky and particular about her litter box, she is a demanding tester for litter boxes, grooming tools and beds.
More about Irene
Ashley Ross
Tests dog products with Oscar, her Golden RetrieverOscar has lived with Ashley for almost 4 years. A big, active dog who loves to nest in his bed, he shows quickly whether foam, fabric and hardware hold up.
More about AshleySelected health and food articles are reviewed by Dr. Anthony Schmitt, DVM, who has run Anth Pet Clinic in Rosenberg, Texas, for 20 years. Reviewed articles show his name and the review date. Meet Dr. Schmitt
Our 5 Step Process
The same steps for every review and roundup.
1. Research
We build a shortlist from owner reviews (we read the one and two star reviews first), veterinary guidance and product specs.
2. Buy
We buy the products we test. If a brand ever sends a sample, the review will say so. Brands never see a review before it goes live.
3. Use It at Home
Luna or Oscar use the product in daily life. We keep notes and take our own photos.
4. Write It Up
Each review covers who it suits, who should skip it, what we liked and what we did not.
5. Update
We recheck price and availability, replace discontinued products and log every change at the bottom of the article.
What We Look At
The points that decide whether a product earns a spot.
| Product type | What we check |
|---|---|
| Litter boxes | Whether the cat uses it, litter tracking and leaks, odor over time, cleaning time, size and build, value |
| Self cleaning litter boxes | Cat acceptance, reliability over weeks of use, odor, noise, setup and app, value |
| Dog crates | Safety and escape resistance, build quality, setup and folding, how the dog settles, size options, value |
| Dog beds | Foam support over time, which bed the dog chooses, washability, durability against chewing and nesting, size accuracy, value |
| Leashes and harnesses | Control and safety, fit and comfort, durability, ease of use, value |
Tested vs Researched
- Tested: we have used it at home with our own pet. You will see our photos and how long we have used it.
- Researched: we have not used it yet, but its specs, owner reviews and price make it worth a look. We say so right next to the product.
Safety Comes First
We stop using any product that seems unsafe for our pets. Food and health articles cite sources such as the ASPCA, AVMA and university veterinary schools, and none of our content replaces advice from your own vet.
How We Make Money
Some links are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. That money pays for the products we test. It never decides which product wins. Read our Affiliate Disclosure and Editorial Policy.
Questions or Corrections
Spotted something wrong or want us to test a product? Contact us.