Transparency first
Paws & Play exists to help you choose well for the animals you love. Some of the product links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission. You never pay more because of it, and a commission never buys a better ranking.
This page explains that relationship in plain language. It is here so you can decide, with your eyes open, whether a recommendation still feels right for your pet.
The short version
- We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this site.
- That commission does not change the price you pay.
- It does not change our research, rankings, or recommendations.
- Our readers — and their pets — come first.
You will usually see this relationship noted near product recommendations, including the line at the top of our articles: “Our readers come first. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, but our research and recommendations are always independent.”
What an affiliate link is
An affiliate link is a special URL that tells a retailer you arrived from Paws & Play. If you later purchase something after following that link, the retailer may pay us a small referral fee. That fee is one of the ways we keep this field guide free to read.
Clicking a link does not create any obligation. You can read a guide, close the tab, shop elsewhere, or skip the purchase entirely. We would rather you choose the right thing for your pet than follow a link that does not serve you.
How we choose what to recommend
We look past the packaging. Materials, safety, fit, value, everyday mess, and the claims that actually matter all count. We recommend products because they earn a place in real pet life, not because a retailer pays more.
A higher commission never moves a product up a list. A lower commission never knocks a better product off it. If we cannot stand behind a pick, we will not publish it — even if it would have been easy money.
Amazon Associates
Paws & Play is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other Amazon sites. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Other retailers and programs
We may also use affiliate links for other retailers, brands, and networks. The same rule applies everywhere: if we can earn a fee when you buy, we will say so clearly, and that fee will not steer the advice.
Retailers and programs can change over time. This page covers the relationship in general. Individual articles may name a specific shop or program where that extra detail is useful.
Products we receive for review
From time to time a company may send a sample, loan a product, or offer access so we can evaluate it. When that happens, we will say so in the relevant article. A free or loaned product does not guarantee a positive review, a ranking, or ongoing coverage.
We do not sell reviews, rankings, or “best of” placements.
Pricing, availability, and third-party sites
Prices, stock, shipping, and promotions change. The figures and retailer details you see on Paws & Play are accurate to the best of our knowledge when we publish or update a piece, but you should confirm them on the retailer’s site before you buy.
When you follow an affiliate link, you leave Paws & Play and are subject to that retailer’s terms, privacy policy, and return process. We are not responsible for the products, services, or policies of third-party sites.
Advertising and paid mentions
Occasionally we may display ads or paid placements. Paid placements are separate from our editorial recommendations. If a mention is sponsored or paid, we will label it so you can tell the difference.
Your choices
You are never required to use our links. Search for the same product on your preferred store, buy it in person, wait for a sale, or decide your pet does not need it. Independent advice only works if you still get to choose.
Updates to this page
We may update this disclosure as our partners, programs, or practices change. The date below reflects the most recent revision. Continuing to use Paws & Play after an update means you have had a chance to read the current version.
Questions
If something on this page is unclear, or you want to know how a specific recommendation was made, use the Contact link in the site footer. We will do our best to answer plainly.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
