Pet Product Testing Services

Targeted testing and robust insights for your pet products

Highlight’s platform connects your brand with carefully selected consumers who match your target demographics—ensuring your products are tested by the people (and pets!) most likely to purchase them.

From pet owners with specific breeds to those seeking specialized products like eco-friendly toys or premium food, we make sure your feedback comes from real users who matter most to your success. Get actionable insights that drive meaningful improvements and help your products resonate with your ideal audience.

Real-world product testing with actual pet owners

Testing products in labs isn’t enough. We involve real pet owners to gather valuable insights on usability, appeal, and functionality. This ensures your products perform as intended in everyday settings, giving you data to refine and improve them before launch.

With Highlight's in-home testing, pets (and their owners) can try your products in the comfort of their own homes and provide feedback through an online survey with video and photo options.

Testing in real-world scenarios is more cost effective and provides you with more accurate feedback compared to traditional pet product testing methodologies.

Test a wide range of pet products with confidence

Highlight provides pet product testing services across a diverse range of categories, including pet food, toys, collars, grooming tools, litter, and bedding.

Whether it's testing the durability of a chew toy, the palatability of pet food, or the effectiveness of grooming products, our carefully-vetted product testers provide precise and actionable insights.

This versatility ensures your products meet the unique needs of pets and their owners.

Challenge

This brand came to Highlight as an established brand in the cat litter category. Their project goals were to assess consumer overall experience, including fragrance acceptability and fit to lavender branded packaging front. Ultimately, they aimed to inform their brand team of fragrance fit to packaging front prior to launch.

[Case Study Image] Blurred Graphs [Cat Litter]

Solution

We packed and shipped n=21 products for a monadic, 7-day longitudinal HUT. Each respondent participated in several evaluation touchpoints: verbatims are captured at point of pour, then a robust survey at end of the week-long trial. Additionally, 10 participants submitted video uploads and Highlight conducted 5 IDIs.

21 Product samples sent nationwide.
100% Survey completion rate from targeted Highlighters.
5 Respondents participated in a 45-minute online qualitative IDI.

Result

In less than 10 days, the team was ready to adjust their formula, prioritizing the fragrance and packaging benefits that matter most, using consumer-friendly language.

What we delivered:

Personalized surveys at point of pour and post 7-day trial.
Instant access to a live dashboard of results coming in on day 1.
Deeper understanding of consumer feedback through verbatims from 10 video submission and 5 IDI's.
Understanding of key drivers of interest and product fit among different demographics through a post-trial report.

Pet Product Testing FAQ

What types of pet products can be tested with Highlight?

Pet product testing covers various aspects such as appearance, usability, durability, and performance, providing valuable insights that help refine and improve your products. Here's a breakdown of the types of pet products that can be tested:

Pet food. Evaluate taste, aroma, texture, and overall palatability to ensure it meets the preferences of pets and expectations of their owners.
Pet toys. Test for safety, durability, and engagement to guarantee they stand up to playtime without posing risks.
Collars and harnesses. Assess strength, comfort, and fit to ensure reliability and a positive experience for pets and their owners.
Food and water bowls. Review usability, stability, and cleaning ease for functional and consumer-friendly designs.
Grooming tools. Measure effectiveness, ease of use, and comfort for pets during grooming sessions.
Litter and bedding. Test for odor control, absorbency, and pet comfort to provide superior functionality.
Pet carriers and crates. Evaluate safety, durability, and ease of use for travel and transportation needs.
Pet clothing and accessories. Assess fit, durability, and comfort to ensure products are both functional and pet-friendly.

How is real-world pet product testing conducted?

Products are tested in the homes of pet owners to assess usability, safety, and performance in everyday environments. This approach provides authentic feedback from real users, reflecting how the product functions under typical conditions. Testers observe their pets’ interactions with the product and report on factors like ease of use, effectiveness, and overall satisfaction.

What is durability testing for pet products?

Durability testing measures how well products withstand chewing, pulling, and other common pet interactions. For example, chew toys might undergo stress tests to ensure they won’t break into hazardous pieces, while collars are tested for strength and wear resistance. This ensures that products remain safe and functional, even with repeated use.

How long does it take to test pet products?

Highlight delivers product insights in about 3 weeks on average—from recruit to insights in-hand.

In contrast, other methods like traditional lab testing or focus groups might take up to 6-8 weeks, as they often require additional steps like sourcing participants, setting up controlled environments, and lengthy analysis periods.

Can testing validate pet product marketing claims?

Yes, tests can confirm claims such as “most durable” or “preferred by pets.” By gathering measurable data and real-world feedback, you can confidently stand behind your product’s advertised benefits. This not only helps in building consumer trust but also ensures compliance with marketing regulations.

Learn more about claims testing.

How are different materials in pet products tested for durability?

In IHUT (In-Home Usage Testing), materials like rubber, nylon, and fabric are tested in real-world conditions by actual pets and their owners. For example, a dog might chew on a toy or a cat might scratch a bed, providing insights into how the product holds up during regular use. Participants report on wear and tear, functionality, and overall performance, allowing brands to assess whether their products meet durability expectations in practical, everyday scenarios.

Pet product testing with Highlight

Trusted by teams of 1 to 1000+

Targeted testing and robust insights for your pet products

Real-world product testing with actual pet owners

Test a wide range of pet products with confidence

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Pet Product Testing FAQ