FAQ
What products must be registered?
Animal Feed, Pet Food, Treats, Chews* & Dietary Supplements.
*Some single-ingredient chews like pig ears, bones and bully sticks are exempt from registration in most states.
Is licensing and registration required for companies that only sell online?
Yes. Some states are partnering with Chewy and other online retailers to take away the “BUY” button if the product is shipping to a state where it is not registered. More states will follow… the money.
Does every state charge the same fees?
No. Each state has different requirements and fee structures. It costs approx. $5,000 in state fees to register 1 product in every state. Dry feed / food can cost more based on tonnages sold in certain states.
How do state feed officials find out about unregistered products?
Inspectors regularly visit stores, distributors, warehouses and websites in an effort to discover non-compliant companies and brands that are selling products into their state.
Can compliance.pet help resolve current state license, registration and Stop-Sale issues?
Yes. Our team introduced bully sticks, pig ears and other single-ingredient treats to North America in 1989, and we’ve been building relationships and resolving issues with the federal and state officials since.
What are the risks of non-compliance?
State feed officials can issue a ‘Stop Sale’ order meaning products may not be sold in the state until the offense has been remedied. A ‘Stop Sale’ can be ordered for lack of company / product registration as well as egregious label claim violations. Customers lose trust and retailers may charge back for lost sales or simply discontinue selling the products.
What triggers a ‘Recall’?
From unapproved ingredients to adulteration such as salmonella and live bugs in packaging, a ‘Recall’ can happen to any brand at any time. Recalls activate the FDA and require specific compliance tasks. Recalls are expensive and undesirable, but managing them properly saves time and money.
As private label offerings grow so do product liability complaints and insurance costs. How do suppliers protect themselves from possible product liability claims submitted via their private brand partners?
Our team has helped develop, manufacture, source, test and sell hundreds of pet foods and treats. This in-depth knowledge of ingredients and processes as well as our decades of pet industry experiences are critical in evaluating consumer versus product liability.
How does Veterinary Customer Service help brands?
Our amazing and experienced veterinarians provide professional and empathetic fractional support for pet brands of all sizes. From day-to-day product issues to a recall, our team is ready to engage.