On PetsRadar, we're dedicated to providing independent advice you can trust. Our team consists of experienced writers who all share two things in common: a passion for pets and a commitment to giving readers the best advice possible. We work alongside qualified vets and accredited trainers to produce accurate, useful, and up-to-date content to help you take care of your pets.
When it comes to our buying guides and reviews, we test the products we recommend whenever possible – and as pet parents ourselves, we know what to look for. We put products through rigorous testing, following standardized criteria that consider factors like quality, value for money, safety, and, most importantly, whether they're approved by our pets.
To learn more about how we test at PetsRadar, what our star ratings mean, and a little bit about our testers, you can find more information below:
How PetsRadar tests products
Here's our step-by-step process for testing products:
Step 1: Expert research
If we're reviewing health-related products or food, we consult our in-house vet team about the best ingredients to look out for (and the ones to avoid). We also ask the experts your frequently asked questions, like how to choose the right product and the best way to use it. This information gives us a better understanding before we start our next stage of research...
Step 2: Product research
Once we know what we're looking for, we browse the top pet retailers and hand-select the products that meet our criteria. Using our expertise, we check the ingredients and materials to ensure they're safe for your pet to use. For things like puzzle feeders and bowls, we'll keep an eye out for labels like 'BPA-free' and make a note of this in the guide. We try to include a variety of products that suit every budget, style, age, and breed.
Step 3: Online review check
Before we go ahead with testing, we check the online reviews to see what people are saying.
1. Our reviews are independent and brands won't sway our opinions.
2. When we say we've tested a product, this has been done by real pet parents, just like you.
3. We consult qualified vets before recommending health products.
Step 4: Product testing
Once we're confident in our selection, we find out what our pets think about the products. Our writers, including Georgia Guerin, Megan Milstead, Alexis de Leaver, and Kathryn Williams, will either give them to their own pets, or to one of our trusted testers within Future Plc. To ensure each product is tested fairly and to the same criteria, they'll answer the same set of questions.
Step 5: Reviewing
When the results are in, our writers compile them into a buying guide where you can compare all your options. We usually round up our top six picks, and if a product doesn't make the cut, we’ll include it in our 'other products to consider' section. Where possible, we include images of our pets trying the product to give you a better sense of how it looks and the overall user experience.
Who tests products for PetsRadar?
Our testing team is made up of PetsRadar's writers and pet parents who work at Future Plc. Here's a bit about them:
What our star ratings mean
| 5 stars | An exceptional product without any significant faults. Highly recommended - do not hesitate to purchase. |
| 4.5 stars | An excellent product with minor weaknesses that are subjective. |
| 4 stars | A great product that has a few areas for improvement. |
| 3.5 stars | A good product, but it didn't perform as well as its competitors. |
You can also learn about content funding on PetsRadar and more about us.
