Eco-Friendly Certifications for Pet Brands — and Why They Matter
- The Earth Pup
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
“Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good.” — Jochen Zeitz

Perusing through eco-friendly pet products one comes across a vast array of certifications touting “greenness.” But what do they mean? Is one better than another? And is it one-and-done, or is something that may be here today, gone tomorrow?
In the growing world of sustainable pet products, it may not be enough for a brand to say they’re “eco-friendly” in order to win customers and grow market share. Many of today’s conscious consumers want proof — and that means certifications.
If you're searching for eco-friendly dog beds, dishes, crates, toys, apparel, or accessories, you may be one of those looking for certifications.
But understanding eco-certifications is crucial. Not all are created equal.
While some do validate sustainability claims, help build consumer trust, improve product quality, and ensure product supply chains lives up to green (and your) values, others may be applicable to an aspect of less concern to you.
So, The Earth Pup decided to dig in and do a little research on these certifications and brands using them.
Below is your go-to guide to the top eco-friendly certifications for pet products — what they mean, how manufacturers earn them, where they apply, and how long they last.
The 10 Most Valuable Eco Certifications for Pet Products
GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard
Best for: Dog beds, apparel, collars, and leashes made from organic fabric.
What it means: Ensures textiles are at least 70% organic, with strict limits on chemicals and fair labor practices.
How to get it: Manufacturers must undergo on-site audits and supply documentation on materials and practices.
Valid for: 1 year (renewed annually).
Applies in: Global (especially US, EU, Asia).
Pet brands to check out: Colette et Gastón (apparel), Avocado (mattresses, pillows, bedding)
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
Best for: Pet bedding, toys, or apparel in contact with skin (or mouths!).
What it means: Tests for harmful substances like pesticides, heavy metals, and VOCs.
How to get it: Labs test samples and facilities may be inspected.
Valid for: 1 year (annual re-testing required).
Applies in: Worldwide.
Pet brands to check out: P.L.A.Y. (chill pads, snuggle beds), Black Lab Brands (dog beds)
FSC – Forest Stewardship Council
Best for: Wooden or bamboo crates, brushes, bowls, or product packaging.
What it means: Wood is harvested from responsibly managed forests.
How to get it: Chain-of-custody certification plus audits.
Valid for: 5 years with annual audits.
Applies in: Global.
Pet brands to check out: BetterBone (sustainable chews with FSC packaging), Doglyness (FSC certified birch brushes)
GRS / RCS – Global Recycled Standard / Recycled Claim Standard
Best for: Products made from recycled plastic, rubber, or fabric (e.g., collars or toys).
What it means: Verifies recycled content and chain of custody.
How to get it: Manufacturers provide evidence of recycled inputs and pass audits.
Valid for: 1 year (renewed annually).
Applies in: Global.
Pet brands to check out: EarthHero (Awoo collars), Seawoof (collars & leashes)
USDA Certified Biobased
Best for: Compostable waste bags, grooming products, bioplastic toys.
What it means: Product is made (partly or wholly) from renewable biological materials.
How to get it: Product is tested in an independent lab for % biobased content.
Valid for: 3 years.
Applies in: US-based products; accepted globally.
Pet brands to check out: The Original Poop Bags, Doggy Do Good (waste bags)
Certified B Corporation
Best for: A business as a whole (not just products).
What it means: Measures total social and environmental performance — including transparency, governance, and worker rights.
How to get it: Complete a rigorous impact assessment; legal accountability required.
Valid for: 3 years (renewal requires new assessment).
Applies in: Worldwide.
Fair Trade Certified
Best for: Textile and accessory production (especially abroad).
What it means: Ensures safe working conditions, fair wages, and community development.
How to get it: Factories undergo social audits and regular worker interviews.
Valid for: 1 year (renewed annually).
Applies in: Global.
Pet brands to check out: Chilly Dog (sweaters), Felt & Yarn (unique beds)
GreenGuard Certification
Best for: Indoor-use pet beds, crates, or furniture.
What it means: Product is tested for low chemical emissions to protect indoor air quality.
How to get it: Product samples tested in lab conditions.
Valid for: 1 year (retesting required annually).
Applies in: Mainly North America, globally recognized.
Pet brands to check out: Naturepedic (beds), TailZzz (modern wooden beds)
PETA-Approved Vegan / Leaping Bunny
Best for: Vegan-friendly petwear or grooming products.
What it means: No animal ingredients or animal testing at any stage.
How to get it: Submit full materials list and cruelty-free documentation.
Valid for:
PETA: Ongoing (reapply only if formula changes).
Leaping Bunny: 1 year (annual recommitment).
Applies in: US, UK, Canada, EU.
Pet brands to check out: Earth Rated (grooming wipes), kin + kind (grooming products, supplements)
And perhaps for the future – we’re not finding any dog products with this certification yet…
Cradle to Cradle Certified®
Best for: Durable items like crates, toys, packaging.
What it means: Evaluates product safety, circularity, clean energy, and social responsibility.
How to get it: Submit data on materials, water use, and emissions; third-party verification.
Valid for: 2 years (renewal requires proof of improvement).
Applies in: US and EU; gaining recognition globally.
Why This Matters for Eco-friendly Shopping
Today’s eco-friendly pet parents aren’t just buying a dog bed or leash — they’re buying into a brand’s values, values that are similar to their own. Having legitimate, third-party certifications builds credibility, sets products apart from non-green competitors, and simply makes it easier for people to “go green”.
Though not inexpensive (certification costs can range from ~$1,000 to 50,000 per year), whether brands are sourcing from manufacturers or developing their own products, certifications can be valuable investments not just for a brand, but the future of the planet, its people and pets.
TEP Tip for Brands:
Don’t just display the badges — explain them! Create a certifications page on your website with short, consumer-friendly descriptions and links for those who want to learn more. And be sure to include the certifications in the product description for SEO.
And, so, powered by purpose, paws, and planet-first thinking, The Earth Pup will also try to include certifications with future product finds!
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