Pet Grooming Product Packaging: Design, Labeling & Compliance for New Brands

If you’re starting a pet grooming brand, your product packaging is a big deal. It’s not just about looking good; your pet product packaging helps pet owners trust your product, explains what it does, and makes sure you’re following the rules. 

From dog shampoos to butter creams and paw balms, how you design and label your products can affect how people see your brand and whether they choose it over others. It can even impact whether you’re allowed to sell it in certain stores or countries. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the three most important parts of pet grooming product packaging for your pet grooming products: 

  1. Design – how it looks 
  1. Labeling – what information to include 
  1. Compliance – how to stay legal 

Let’s break it all down in a simple way so you can get it right from the start. 

1. Packaging Design: First Impressions Matter 

Your pet grooming product packaging is the first thing people see, and it should make a strong first impression. A well-designed package catches attention, tells a story, and helps your product stand out in a growing pet care market. 

Key Design Elements 

Here are the most important parts of your pet grooming product design: 

  • Brand Name & Logo: Should be clear and readable. 
  • Colour Scheme: Pick colours that match your brand personality (fun and bright, soft and natural, etc.). 
  • Typography: Fonts should be easy to read and not too cluttered. 
  • Visuals: Use pet-friendly images or illustrations, but don’t overcrowd the label. 
  • Packaging Material: Bottles, jars, pouches—whatever you choose, make sure it’s practical, durable, and easy for pet owners to use. 

Design Tips for New Brands 

  • Keep it simple: Avoid overcomplicating the label. Make sure the product’s purpose is obvious at first glance. 
  • Stay consistent: Use the same style, colours, and tone across all your products for brand recognition. 
  • Think like a pet parent: What would make you pick up the product in a store? Focus on trust, safety, and ease of use. 

You can go for custom packaging if you want to ensure these above-mentioned factors in your brand. 

2. Labeling: What to Include on Your Product 

Pet product labelling requirements are about giving customers the info they need, and in the pet industry, it’s also a matter of safety. 

Here’s what every pet grooming product labelling should include: 

Essential Information 

  1. Product Name: Be clear and descriptive. For example: “Soothing Oatmeal Dog Shampoo” is better than just “Pet Wash.” 
  1. Net Contents: Indicate how much product is in the container (e.g., 16 fl oz / 473 ml). This should be clearly visible on the front of the package. 
  1. Directions for Use:  Include instructions on how to apply the product, how much to use, and how often. 
  1. Ingredients List: This is very important, especially for pets with allergies. List ingredients in order of concentration, using INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) terms if possible. 
  1. Warnings & Cautions: Common examples: 
  1. “For external use only.” 
  1. “Avoid contact with eyes.” 
  1. “Keep out of reach of children and pets.” 
  1. “If irritation occurs, discontinue use.” 
  1. Manufacturer or Distributor Info: Include your business name, address, website, and/or customer service phone number. 
  1. Batch Code or Lot Number: Used for quality control and tracking in case of recalls or safety issues. 
  1. Country of Origin: Many countries require that you state where the product was made. 

3. Compliance: Following the Rules 

Now that your design looks great and your label has all the right info, you also need to make sure it’s compliant with industry regulations. 

Pet grooming businesses and products fall into a grey area. They’re not always regulated like human cosmetics or medicines, but that doesn’t mean there are no rules. Depending on where you’re selling, there are still standards you need to follow. 

U.S. Compliance (FDA, EPA, FTC) 

In the U.S., here’s how pet grooming product compliance works: 

  • FDA: Oversees animal drugs and some animal health products, but most grooming products are considered “cosmetic” and not strictly regulated. 
  • EPA: If your product makes claims to kill or repel fleas, ticks, or bacteria, it’s a pesticide and must be EPA-approved. 
  • FTC: The Federal Trade Commission requires that marketing claims (like “all-natural” or “hypoallergenic”) must be truthful and not misleading. 

Other Countries 

If you’re planning to sell internationally: 

  • EU: The European Union has stricter rules, and your product may be treated more like a cosmetic. You may need a responsible person in the EU. 
  • Canada: Labels must be bilingual (English and French), and regulations depend on the product category. 
  • Australia & New Zealand: Similar to U.S. rules, but check with local authorities for veterinary product compliance. 

Quick Compliance Tips 

  • Don’t make medical claims unless your product is officially approved. 
  • Be careful with “buzzwords” like “organic,” “natural,” and “veterinarian recommended.” 
  • Keep records of all your ingredients, batches, and lab tests. 

Bonus: Eco-Friendly Packaging Matters 

Pet parents are more eco-conscious than ever, and packaging is a big part of your environmental footprint. Hence, you should adopt eco-friendly packaging for pet care brand. 

Sustainable Packaging Ideas: 

  • Recyclable Bottles made of PET or HDPE 
  • Refillable Pouches or bulk options 
  • Biodegradable Labels and soy-based inks 
  • Minimal Packaging to reduce waste 

Not only is this better for the planet; it’s also a great marketing point. If your packaging is eco-friendly, show it off proudly on the label! 

Common Packaging Mistakes to Avoid 

Even great brands can make these simple mistakes: 

  • Using tiny fonts that are hard to read 
  • Overcrowding the label with too much text 
  • Leaving off important info like ingredients or directions 
  • Making unproven claims like “cures hot spots” 
  • Choosing packaging that leaks or breaks easily 

Avoiding these errors saves money and builds trust from the start. 

Final Thoughts 

Your private label pet grooming product packaging does a lot more than just hold your shampoo or balm. It’s a reflection of your brand, a guide for your customers, and a way to stay legally compliant. 

For new brands, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. But if you focus on the three big areas, design, labelling, and compliance, you’ll be off to a strong start in creating your pet grooming brand. 

Remember: 

  • Keep your design clean and pet-parent friendly. 
  • Include all the essential info on your label. 
  • Always double-check your compliance based on where you’re selling. 

Whether your products end up on store shelves or ship out to customers online, great packaging helps your brand stand out and keeps tails wagging. 

FAQs 

Q. Do pet grooming products need FDA approval? 

Ans. Most pet grooming products (like shampoos and sprays) do not require FDA approval in the U.S., unless they are classified as drugs (e.g., if they treat a medical condition). However, you must still follow general safety, labelling, and advertising guidelines. 

Q. Can I label my product as “natural” or “organic”? 

Ans. Yes, but only if it’s truthful. In the U.S., there are no strict definitions for “natural” in pet grooming products, but misleading claims can lead to penalties. “Organic” claims should align with USDA or other recognised certification standards. 

Q. How do I choose the right packaging material? 

Ans. Choose packaging that protects the product, is easy for customers to use, and reflects your brand values. For eco-conscious consumers, recyclable or biodegradable materials are a great option. 

Q. Do I need bilingual labels if I sell in Canada or the EU? 

Ans. Yes. In Canada, labels must be in both English and French. In the EU, labels usually must be translated into the official language(s) of each country where the product is sold. 

Q. Can I design the label myself, or do I need a professional? 

Ans. You can design it yourself using tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator, but hiring a professional graphic designer can help ensure your packaging looks polished and meets technical print requirements.