About
How We Review
Our method, in plain language, including what we do not do.
The short version: our guides are research based. We do not currently test products in a home or lab, and we never pretend otherwise.
Method
Our Four Steps
The same process applies to every guide.
Define the category
We map what the product type needs to do and the questions owners actually ask before buying.
Gather the evidence
Manufacturer documentation, published veterinary and training guidance, specifications and owner feedback.
Compare like for like
We compare on safety, materials, usability, maintenance, compatibility and long-term cost, including subscriptions.
Publish and update
We publish what we can support, flag what we cannot, and revise the guide when things change.
What we do not do
- We do not publish star ratings or scores for products we have not assessed hands-on.
- We do not accept payment for placement, and no brand can buy a recommendation.
- We do not publish prices, discounts or coupon codes, because they change and vary by region.
- We do not invent specifications, coverage details or availability. Where a detail matters, we point you to the provider.
How we handle affiliate links
Some links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Pages that carry them show a disclosure. Our affiliate disclosure explains this in full.
If we start testing
If we introduce hands-on testing, each tested guide will say what was tested, over what period, with what kind of pet, and what the limits of that testing were. Until then, “research based” means exactly what it says.
Tell us when we are wrong
Corrections make the site better. Send them through the contact page and we will review and update.
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