Pet grooming product regulations: what you need to know for a compliant business

The pet grooming market is booming, and it’s easy to see why. More people are treating their pets like family members, which is driving up demand for safer, higher-quality products to ensure their comfort, hygiene, and care. According to IMARC Group, the global pet grooming market was valued at USD 14.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 22.7 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.84%. North America currently dominates the sector, accounting for over 43% of the global market, driven by high consumer awareness and a growing preference for premium pet grooming products.

This rapid expansion has inspired many entrepreneurs and brands to enter the market with innovative tools, shampoos and accessories. However, success in the pet industry hinges on more than just creativity or branding. In order to operate legally and build lasting trust, businesses must comply with a variety of regulations that define the safety, labelling and production standards of pet grooming products.

In this article, we will look at the most important pet grooming products regulations that every company should know about. This will help them to follow the rules in the US and other countries. We will also explain how following these rules helps to protect both pets and your brand’s reputation.

Understanding pet grooming product regulations

Entering the pet care market means entering one of the most closely monitored consumer industries. Every product is subject to a complex set of standards designed to ensure animal safety, product transparency and fair competition.

In the United States, pet products are regulated by various authorities, depending on their type and purpose. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees pet foods and certain grooming products that make therapeutic or nutritional claims. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates flea and tick treatments, as well as any product positioned as a pesticide. Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) governs advertising claims, ensuring that all promotional statements are truthful and verifiable.

Even seemingly simple products, such as combs, brushes or shampoos without active ingredients, must adhere to labelling and safety standards defined by consumer protection agencies, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Retailers often impose additional controls, such as demanding certifications or performance tests that go beyond regulatory requirements.

U.S. regulations for pet grooming products

When it comes to pet grooming products, regulatory oversight in the United States largely depends on the claims made by a product. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) distinguishes between simple grooming aids, such as brushes and combs, and shampoos that are purely intended for cleansing or beautifying purposes, and products that make therapeutic or pesticidal claims.

If a product merely cleans or enhances appearance, it generally falls outside the scope of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). However, if a label or advertisement suggests that the product can “cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent” a condition, such as skin irritation, shedding, or fleas, then it may be classified as a drug or pesticide. This triggers stricter requirements and mandatory approvals from the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Even products that are not regulated as drugs must comply with labelling and safety rules enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Such rules include accurate weight, volume, and ingredient disclosure, as well as verifiable marketing claims. Materials that come into contact with the animal, such as wood finishes, metal pins or silicone grips, must also meet general consumer product safety standards.

To summarise, U.S. law focuses less on what a grooming product is and more on what it claims to do. This means that compliance begins with communication: every phrase on your packaging or marketing materials determines how your product is classified and regulated. 

READ ALSO:

Wholesale pet grooming products: stock your store with white label solutions

Expand your grooming line with private label pet products dropshipping

Labeling and claims: where most compliance risks begin

In the United States, the distinction between a grooming product and a regulated item is often determined by the claims made on its packaging or marketing materials. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) require every statement about a pet product to be truthful and substantiated, and not misleading. 

For example, phrases such as “cleans”, “adds shine”, or “helps detangle” are considered cosmetic or aesthetic claims. However, once a product suggests that it “soothes irritation”, “heals dry skin” or “repels fleas”, it immediately enters a stricter regulatory domain. In these cases, the product may require FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval before it can be legally marketed.

To remain compliant, labels must also adhere to the Fair Packaging and Labelling Act (FPLA), which requires accurate information on net contents, instructions for use and place of manufacture.