Are Pet Toys Regulated?

There are few federal or state laws that specifically apply to the manufacture and sale of pet toys only. However, due to past consumer concerns, it is possible that in the future, pet toys may be limited in the amount of lead and/or other chemicals that can be contained in them. Here are some emerging issues and considerations to ensure your products are safe.

Although pet toys are "consumer products," the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has stated that the agency does not have the resources or authority to regulate pet products unless a person is injured by the product. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 gave the CPSC additional authority to regulate children's products, including lowering the amount of lead allowed, increasing CPSC funding, and imposing additional penalties for violations. Although pet products were not mentioned in the bill, a committee report during the negotiations for the bill discussed whether the CPSC had the authority to review the safety of pet products, which may be an area of growing concern. Since there are no specific pet toy laws or regulations, this webpage discusses requirements for similar products: children's toys.

Because pet toys may be used by children and are often found in homes with children, you may choose to have your product meet the specifications of the CPSC regulations for lead and other hazards in children's toys and other children's products. Some retailers may also require products to meet this or similar standards to ensure that the product meets their specifications. However, please note that these standards are what children's products are required by law to meet, and pet products are not required by law.

Another issue related to pet toys is plastic softeners, also known as phthalates. Some consumers have expressed concerns about these chemicals because many believe they are endocrine disruptors. Many states and foreign governments have begun considering regulations regarding these chemicals only for children's products, such as toys and baby bottles.