Stay Compliant In The Pet Industry and Avoid These Words

Want to stay compliant in the pet industry and not tick off state, local, and federal agencies? There are specific words to avoid to help ensure that your marketing materials do not make misleading or unsubstantiated claims. 

If I told you what you are about to read is the best posts ever and is proven to make people stop in their tracks, would you believe it? I can’t 100 percent say it’s the best (even if I know it) nor can I say with certainty that people will stop in their tracks.

As a pet industry copywriter, I know the same holds true with marketing, advertising, claims, and labeling in the pet industry. There are simply words to avoid because they can create unrealistic expectations, mislead consumers, damage your brand’s reputation, and lead to a lot of legal hot water.

Words to Avoid To Stay Compliant in the Pet Industry

These words and iterations of these words can help prevent misleading claims and ensure consumer safety. Consider regulatory restrictions to ensure accuracy and compliance. Anyone working on copy, social media, or with content for your brand should adhere to your guidelines along with do’s and dont’s.

I’ll link out to some sourcing, which should be included in your brand and voice guide. I will also showcase some examples that get it right and those that are completely missing the mark (and are in violation).

Guaranteed Results

Guarantees must be realistic and based on thorough testing and evidence. You cannot say a dog shampoo is guaranteed to make your dog’s coat cleaner, but you can say something like, “Our pet shampoo is formulated with non-toxic, pet-safe ingredients and has been tested to meet FDA safety standards. It is also veterinarian-approved for regular use on dogs and cats.”

Keep detailed documentation of all testing and approval processes and be prepared to provide this documentation when needed.