The Pet Products category on Amazon is large. Pet owners are loyal customers and tend to reorder when they find brands they trust. Of course, this tendency is a great incentive for any seller. But before you can start on Amazon, you have to learn how to get category approval for pet products.
Some products (such as food or dog supplements) are very restricted, while others (such as toys and pet furniture) are less so. This article will cover everything you need to know to start on the Amazon marketplace as soon as possible, with a swift approval process!
Is the Pet Products Category Gated on Amazon?
It is partially gated. This means Amazon does not apply one single rule to everything labeled as a pet product.
Approval requirements depend on the product’s function:
- If the item affects a pet’s health, digestion, or nutrition, Amazon applies certain controls.
- If the product is just something like an accessory, approval is often not required.
You can basically expect more control with pet food or supplements.
Related article: How to get category approval to sell Beauty Products on Amazon
Pet Products That Don’t Require Approval
Many common pet products can be listed without requesting category approval. These items are considered low risk.
Examples include pet toys, beds, pet furniture, collars, leashes, bowls, clothing, and basic grooming tools.
These products fall into the sub-category called “Non-pet food”. And even though approval is not required, sellers must still comply with regulations that affect consumer goods, like the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and GPSD and REACH regulations in Europe.
In general, you’re responsible for safety, accurate descriptions, and labeling.
- Note: If you sell pet handicrafts, the rules change. You can learn more about them here.
For new sellers, these non-restricted products are often the easiest way to enter the Pet Products category.
Pet Products That Require Category Approval
Below are the main product types that require approval:
- Pet Food
- Pet Treats
- Pet Supplements
Pet Food and Treats
Pet food and treats fall under Animals & Animal-Related Products policies. Here are the key requirements:
- Products must be registered or licensed as required by law
- Must comply with all federal, state, and local laws
- Products must have proper labeling
The regulatory compliance requirements:
- FDA requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFCDA)
- AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) state requirements for manufacturing and selling pet food
- Products must be registered or licensed as required by law
Approval is required before sales can begin. You cannot list pet food unless you go through this process.
Pet Supplements
Pet supplements are governed by two key policies:
- Animals & Animal-Related Products policy
- Dietary Supplements policy (since they are supplements)
Required Documents:
- Third-party testing verification through Amazon’s approved Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) service providers
- FDA cGMP-compliant facility certification verified by accredited third-party audits
- Contaminant testing results for heavy metals, microbials, and potentially pesticides
- Content verification, ensuring ingredients match label claims
- Active pharmaceutical ingredient screening (if applicable)
Special Categories
Some extra insights to wrap up:
- Handmade pet food and treats are prohibited on Amazon Handmade
- All pet products must comply with the Animals & Animal-Related Products policy
- You must maintain seller performance targets: Order defect rate <1%, Pre-fulfillment cancel rate <2.5%, Late shipment rate <4%
What to Expect After Submitting Approval
Amazon reviews applications within 2 to 7 business days. You can track the status of the review through Selling Applications in New Seller Central:
Or through View Selling Applications in Classic Seller Central:
Conclusion
Selling pet products on Amazon is a strong long-term opportunity, especially for brands focused on trust and repeat purchases. But success in this category starts with understanding which products require approval and preparing the right documentation from the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do all pet products require category approval on Amazon?
No. Approval is usually required for consumable or health related products such as pet food, treats, supplements, and grooming items with active ingredients.
What documents does Amazon usually ask for?
This depends on the product type. Common requests include commercial invoices from manufacturers or distributors, ingredient lists, product labels, safety data sheets for chemical products, and compliance statements for pet food or supplements.
How long does the approval process take?
Some approvals are granted within a few days, while others may take one to two weeks.
What happens if my approval request is denied?
If your request is denied, Amazon usually provides a short explanation in Seller Central. You can reapply after correcting the issue, such as uploading a better invoice or clearer product documentation.
Ready to Get Your Pet Products Approved on Amazon?
Selling pet products can be a great opportunity, but the approval process can slow you down if you are not prepared.
By filling out the form below, you take the first step toward a smoother approval process. We will help you understand which pet products require approval, what documents Amazon expects, and how to submit everything correctly the first time.
Our team will review your product idea, sourcing setup, and compliance readiness. You will get practical insights you can use right away, not generic advice.
No pressure. Just clear guidance built around your goals.
Tell us about your pet product, and one of our Amazon specialists will reach out to help you plan the fastest and safest path to selling on Amazon.