New research reveals how unregulated toy materials are harming pets and what pet owners can do right now
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Center for Pet Safety (CPS), the non-profit research and advocacy organization dedicated to consumer and companion animal safety, released an alarming report identifying pet toys as the leading manufactured product reported to the organization for injury and death.
"Pet toys are a multi‑billion‑dollar industry with no required testing, recalls, or injury reporting," says Lindsey Wolko, Founder & CEO of Center for Pet Safety. "Our review of owner interviews, incident reports, and veterinary records shows a clear and disturbing trend: indigestible toy materials are driving preventable emergencies and fatalities."
Because pet products are not classified as consumer products, most toys on the market contain rubber, nylon, plastics, plush fabrics, stuffing, wire, batteries, and small parts. These materials can cause life‑threatening GI obstructions. Emergency care often costs $4,000 for endoscopy or $8,000 for surgery, and some pets do not survive.
CPS also warns of troubling industry practices:
- Flavorings and scents added to indigestible materials encourage unsafe chewing.
- Digestible treats paired with indigestible holders confuse pets and increase ingestion risk.
- Poor quality control by manufacturers means "indestructible" toys often break down during normal play, increasing risk to pets.
What Pet Owners Can Do
- Choose digestible chew options
- Remove toys when pets are unsupervised
- Increase exercise to reduce destructive chewing
New Resource: Center for Pet Safety "Safer Choice"
To help pet owners avoid hazardous products, CPS Safer Choice offers an independent, data‑backed resource featuring safer product lists and guidance for high‑risk categories like pet toys.
To learn more about the Pet Toy Report and Center for Pet Safety's Safer Choice program, email [email protected].
About the Center for Pet Safety
Founded in 2011, Center for Pet Safety (CPS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research, advocacy and educational organization dedicated to consumer and companion animal safety. A member of the Consumer Federation of America, and based in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, Center for Pet Safety's mission is to have an enduring, positive impact on the survivability, health, safety, and well-being of companion animals and the consumer through scientific research and product testing. CPS is not affiliated with the pet products industry and does not accept funding from pet products manufacturers. For additional information, visit CenterforPetSafety.org.
Media Contact
Grace Platon, Center for Pet Safety, 1 800.324.3659, [email protected], https://CenterForPetSafety.org
SOURCE Center for Pet Safety
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