Concerned about pet toys made in China? - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

yorkiesmiles · 09-04-2007, 10:01 AM

I posted on a thread a week or so ago about China made products. Yep, I had just bought darling dog dishes when all the China-lead paint stuff hit the media. The dogs hadn't used them at that point - so back to the store they went.

I just googled US made dog toys and found this site:
http://www.dogtoys.com/madeinusa.html

those kong toys that I've never bought are on there. Also Nylabone, and Jolly Pet. Be careful, those it looks like only toys on that exact page are US made not all the toys on their site.

Also, found these 2 sites with only US made toys: http://www.westpawdesign.com/ - cute, cute stuff

http://www.pet-toyz.com/

Here's another one with balls, etc.: http://www.doggiezbest.com/Planet_Dog_s/44.htm

And a ball to hide treats in: http://www.busydogball.com/

Here's a cute site too (looks like everything is made local: http://www.schnoodleware.com/

This one has organic toys, looks like some of them benefit an Indian reservation: http://www.pristineplanet.com/natura...10413_a_0.html

Also: look at this great forum I found: http://www.nomoremadeinchina.com/

AND here' s another good site: http://www.howtobuyamerican.com/
this one list all kinds of American toy companies for skinkids

Sure there is more out there! At least I hope........

mizzwanned · 09-04-2007, 11:53 AM

What about those organic toys? Are they safe? These :

http://trixieandpeanut.com/toys/m12975.html

Judy in Waco · 09-04-2007, 02:29 PM

I have emails out to several companies, and I will let you know what they say. Thanks for those other sites, I will check them out.

Thank you to everyone who shares my paranoia! lol

Judy in Waco · 09-04-2007, 07:38 PM

(This is a copy of the email response I received from Petco today. Below it you can see my original question. They did NOT answer my question, so I have to assume that ALL squeaky balls from PETCO are made in China. What else am I supposed to think??? This ticks me off!!

)

Dear Judy,

Thank you for contacting PETCO Customer Relations with your product concerns. PETCO requires and expects all products supplied by vendors to be safe for animals and people.

We require all vendors to comply with all U.S. government laws and requirements, including regulations issued by the U.S. Customs Service, the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA's Animal Plant Health Inspection service, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In addition, vendors must meet all international law, rules and regulations, applicable trade laws, and laws of national, state and local governments where vendors do business.

At this time, we have no reason to believe our products are anything but appropriate for sale and use by pets and humans.

Thank you for your continued patronage. Please contact us again if you need any further assistance.

Sincerely,

Maribel C.
Customer Relations Coordinator

At PETCO, Animals Always Come First... Our People Make it Happen!

----------------------------------Original Message-----------------------------------

-----Original Message-----
From: AstuteCRHelp@petco.com [mailto:AstuteCRHelp@petco.com]
Posted At: Monday, September 03, 2007 8:23 PM
Posted To: Emails
Conversation:
Subject:

Email Address: judyxxxxxxx
First Name: Judy
Last Name: xxxxx
PALS Number:
Order ID:
Address: xxxxxx
City: Waco
State: TX
Zip: xxxxxxxx

Phone Number:
Subject: Pets/ProductsQuestion/Suggestion
Message: The squeaky soccer ball listed below is my small dog's favorite toy. I am concerned though, is it made in China? I couldn't find the info on the website and I no longer have the package. I am concerned because of the recent toy recalls due to lead in products made in China. If it is made in China, do you sell a squeaky soccer ball made of Latex or Vinyl that is NOT made in China? Thank you, Judy xxxxxxx

Toy Buddies Soccer Ball Latex Squeaky Dog Toy
3" Diameter - Assorted - Soccer Ball
SKU: 599816
The stretchable latex construction of the Toy Buddies Soccer Ball Toy allows your dog's teeth to pull and stretch without cutting through, as in rigid toys.

Great loud squeaker drives dogs wild!

Made from pure, natural latex, non-toxic materials and colors.

Little Bit · 09-04-2007, 08:31 PM

How evasive can you get? Sounds like the answers I got from Nutro about their dog food!

Petco could have said the same things about the dog food they sold that was tainted. They expected it to be within guidelines, etc. But no one made sure it was.

There is a little pen type thing that you can buy to test ceramics to see if there is lead in the glaze, I wonder if it would detect lead in the paint on toys?? Not sure where you get one, but could probably find one if you google it. Try "lead detector ceramic" or something.

Judy in Waco · 09-04-2007, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Bit

How evasive can you get? Sounds like the answers I got from Nutro about their dog food!

Petco could have said the same things about the dog food they sold that was tainted. They expected it to be within guidelines, etc. But no one made sure it was.

There is a little pen type thing that you can buy to test ceramics to see if there is lead in the glaze, I wonder if it would detect lead in the paint on toys?? Not sure where you get one, but could probably find one if you google it. Try "lead detector ceramic" or something.

That's a good idea. Thanks. I'll see what products are out there to test lead.

I sent a pretty scathing response back to PETCO, and I will let you know if I hear back.

yorkiesmiles · 09-04-2007, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Bit

There is a little pen type thing that you can buy to test ceramics to see if there is lead in the glaze, I wonder if it would detect lead in the paint on toys?? Not sure where you get one, but could probably find one if you google it. Try "lead detector ceramic" or something.

Every time I have seen these talked about in a report on TV, they caution that these pens for the average consumer can fail to detect the lead in products - basically they aren't perfect & you have to follow the process to a T or you won't get the needed info.

Just heard on the news tonight they are now recalling a Barbie product - wasn't paying close enough attn to know which Mattel Barbie it was.

Judy in Waco · 09-05-2007, 02:44 PM

Finally, a company that gets it!!! Here's the response I got from them today about the Orbee Tuff balls and toys. I'm switching to these now.

***********************************************88
Hi Judy,

Thank you for your email. All of our Orbee-Tuff Toys are proudly made in
the US. Our plush lines are manufactured in China. The companies that
manufacture our plush lines in China have signed off on our specs for
product safety and we visit our manufacturers there at least once a
year.

I hope this information allows you to make an informed decision.

Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Wags,

Katharine

Customer Service Planet Dog

simonandhallie · 09-05-2007, 05:30 PM

Thank you so much for posting this. My mom called me tonight and we talked about this too. Great links, thanks for sharing them~

Judy in Waco · 09-18-2007, 03:53 PM

I am still looking for a USA made rubber squeaky soccer ball....anyone find one yet?

Also, Petco has NOT responded to my second email asking for specific information. I think it's pretty safe to assume that Petco products are made in China.

doortego · 09-18-2007, 06:37 PM

I appreciate all of your efforts in trying to find the answers to the safety of our items intended for our pets use. I hate to say it but I don't think you can depend on the manufacturers or retailers to do that for us. In the absence of clear made in USA markings, I would just not buy anything from them. The only thing that will cause them to try harder is a loss of income from their sales. If people quit buying their stuff, they will find a way to make it safe & prove to us that it is instead of us having to try to find out on our own.

yorkiekist · 09-18-2007, 06:45 PM

I am banning everything made in china, or as much as possible. 100% ban on stuff for the dogs. I can make my own toys and use stainless steal bowls. The shampoo I use is cruelty free and made in the USA!!!!!! I am so tired of everything being out-sourced. Not only are they ruining our economy, they are taking our jobs and making us sick.

lara2913 · 09-18-2007, 11:41 PM

I have thrown out all toys that are made in China and all that don't say where they are made. Currently I have only found Kong and Orbee that I know are safe so I think I will buy a few more from their ranges.

Little Bit · 09-19-2007, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lara2913

I have thrown out all toys that are made in China and all that don't say where they are made. Currently I have only found Kong and Orbee that I know are safe so I think I will buy a few more from their ranges.

Some kongs are made in China, but the company says they are safe.
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95139

Judy in Waco · 09-19-2007, 03:09 PM

Correction from Planet Dog!!!

Hi Judy,

Thank you for your email. Currently all of our cut-and-sew lines are
made in China. We do produce all of our Orbee-Tuff lines in the United
States. I will pass along your request for domestically made plush toys
to our Product Development Team.

Wags,

Katharine

Customer Service Planet Dog

09-04-2007, 10:01 AM	#16
yorkiesmiles Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,493	I posted on a thread a week or so ago about China made products. Yep, I had just bought darling dog dishes when all the China-lead paint stuff hit the media. The dogs hadn't used them at that point - so back to the store they went. I just googled US made dog toys and found this site: http://www.dogtoys.com/madeinusa.html those kong toys that I've never bought are on there. Also Nylabone, and Jolly Pet. Be careful, those it looks like only toys on that exact page are US made not all the toys on their site. Also, found these 2 sites with only US made toys: http://www.westpawdesign.com/ - cute, cute stuff http://www.pet-toyz.com/ Here's another one with balls, etc.: http://www.doggiezbest.com/Planet_Dog_s/44.htm And a ball to hide treats in: http://www.busydogball.com/ Here's a cute site too (looks like everything is made local: http://www.schnoodleware.com/ This one has organic toys, looks like some of them benefit an Indian reservation: http://www.pristineplanet.com/natura...10413_a_0.html Also: look at this great forum I found: http://www.nomoremadeinchina.com/ AND here' s another good site: http://www.howtobuyamerican.com/ this one list all kinds of American toy companies for skinkids Sure there is more out there! At least I hope........ __________________ yorkiesmiles Loved by Bubba & Roxy *Holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come*

09-04-2007, 11:53 AM	#17
mizzwanned Donating YT 11K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: new york Posts: 14,007 Blog Entries: 2	What about those organic toys? Are they safe? These : http://trixieandpeanut.com/toys/m12975.html __________________ Primrose, Teddy..RIP, Livie..RIP, And can never forget my duo Sophie and London, Run in Peace <3 Last edited by mizzwanned; 09-04-2007 at 11:55 AM.

09-04-2007, 02:29 PM	#18
Judy in Waco Gizzy & Kandi spoil me Donating Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 8,477	I have emails out to several companies, and I will let you know what they say. Thanks for those other sites, I will check them out. Thank you to everyone who shares my paranoia! lol __________________ The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. -Mother Teresa ( RIP Gizmo 3/9/07-8/18/12)

09-04-2007, 07:38 PM	#19
Judy in Waco Gizzy & Kandi spoil me Donating Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 8,477	They Did Not Answer My Question!!!!! (This is a copy of the email response I received from Petco today. Below it you can see my original question. They did NOT answer my question, so I have to assume that ALL squeaky balls from PETCO are made in China. What else am I supposed to think??? This ticks me off!! ) Dear Judy, Thank you for contacting PETCO Customer Relations with your product concerns. PETCO requires and expects all products supplied by vendors to be safe for animals and people. We require all vendors to comply with all U.S. government laws and requirements, including regulations issued by the U.S. Customs Service, the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA's Animal Plant Health Inspection service, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In addition, vendors must meet all international law, rules and regulations, applicable trade laws, and laws of national, state and local governments where vendors do business. At this time, we have no reason to believe our products are anything but appropriate for sale and use by pets and humans. Thank you for your continued patronage. Please contact us again if you need any further assistance. Sincerely, Maribel C. Customer Relations Coordinator At PETCO, Animals Always Come First... Our People Make it Happen! ----------------------------------Original Message----------------------------------- -----Original Message----- From: AstuteCRHelp@petco.com [mailto:AstuteCRHelp@petco.com] Posted At: Monday, September 03, 2007 8:23 PM Posted To: Emails Conversation: Subject: Email Address: judyxxxxxxx First Name: Judy Last Name: xxxxx PALS Number: Order ID: Address: xxxxxx City: Waco State: TX Zip: xxxxxxxx Phone Number: Subject: Pets/ProductsQuestion/Suggestion Message: The squeaky soccer ball listed below is my small dog's favorite toy. I am concerned though, is it made in China? I couldn't find the info on the website and I no longer have the package. I am concerned because of the recent toy recalls due to lead in products made in China. If it is made in China, do you sell a squeaky soccer ball made of Latex or Vinyl that is NOT made in China? Thank you, Judy xxxxxxx Toy Buddies Soccer Ball Latex Squeaky Dog Toy 3" Diameter - Assorted - Soccer Ball SKU: 599816 The stretchable latex construction of the Toy Buddies Soccer Ball Toy allows your dog's teeth to pull and stretch without cutting through, as in rigid toys. Great loud squeaker drives dogs wild! Made from pure, natural latex, non-toxic materials and colors. __________________ The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. -Mother Teresa ( RIP Gizmo 3/9/07-8/18/12)

09-04-2007, 08:31 PM	#20
Little Bit Tiny Dog Big Heart Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 6,205	How evasive can you get? Sounds like the answers I got from Nutro about their dog food! Petco could have said the same things about the dog food they sold that was tainted. They expected it to be within guidelines, etc. But no one made sure it was. There is a little pen type thing that you can buy to test ceramics to see if there is lead in the glaze, I wonder if it would detect lead in the paint on toys?? Not sure where you get one, but could probably find one if you google it. Try "lead detector ceramic" or something. __________________ Little Bit Last edited by Little Bit; 09-04-2007 at 08:33 PM.

09-05-2007, 02:44 PM	#23
Judy in Waco Gizzy & Kandi spoil me Donating Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 8,477	Planet Dog Rocks! Finally, a company that gets it!!! Here's the response I got from them today about the Orbee Tuff balls and toys. I'm switching to these now. ***********************************************88 Hi Judy, Thank you for your email. All of our Orbee-Tuff Toys are proudly made in the US. Our plush lines are manufactured in China. The companies that manufacture our plush lines in China have signed off on our specs for product safety and we visit our manufacturers there at least once a year. I hope this information allows you to make an informed decision. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. Wags, Katharine Customer Service Planet Dog __________________ The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. -Mother Teresa ( RIP Gizmo 3/9/07-8/18/12)

09-05-2007, 05:30 PM	#24
simonandhallie *I Love My Monkeys!* Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Falling Waters, WV Posts: 11,166	Thank you so much for posting this. My mom called me tonight and we talked about this too. Great links, thanks for sharing them~

09-18-2007, 03:53 PM	#25
Judy in Waco Gizzy & Kandi spoil me Donating Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 8,477	I am still looking for a USA made rubber squeaky soccer ball....anyone find one yet? Also, Petco has NOT responded to my second email asking for specific information. I think it's pretty safe to assume that Petco products are made in China. __________________ The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. -Mother Teresa ( RIP Gizmo 3/9/07-8/18/12)

09-18-2007, 06:37 PM	#26
doortego Little Bit & Buttons Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: US Posts: 2,160	I appreciate all of your efforts in trying to find the answers to the safety of our items intended for our pets use. I hate to say it but I don't think you can depend on the manufacturers or retailers to do that for us. In the absence of clear made in USA markings, I would just not buy anything from them. The only thing that will cause them to try harder is a loss of income from their sales. If people quit buying their stuff, they will find a way to make it safe & prove to us that it is instead of us having to try to find out on our own.

09-18-2007, 06:45 PM	#27
yorkiekist YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: HOT, HOT, HOT AZ Posts: 3,150	made in china!!!!! I am banning everything made in china, or as much as possible. 100% ban on stuff for the dogs. I can make my own toys and use stainless steal bowls. The shampoo I use is cruelty free and made in the USA!!!!!! I am so tired of everything being out-sourced. Not only are they ruining our economy, they are taking our jobs and making us sick.

09-18-2007, 11:41 PM	#28
lara2913 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: UK Posts: 1,920	I have thrown out all toys that are made in China and all that don't say where they are made. Currently I have only found Kong and Orbee that I know are safe so I think I will buy a few more from their ranges. __________________ Indy, Benjamin and Malachi There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face- Ben Williams

09-19-2007, 03:09 PM	#30
Judy in Waco Gizzy & Kandi spoil me Donating Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 8,477	Correction from Planet Dog!!! Hi Judy, Thank you for your email. Currently all of our cut-and-sew lines are made in China. We do produce all of our Orbee-Tuff lines in the United States. I will pass along your request for domestically made plush toys to our Product Development Team. Wags, Katharine Customer Service Planet Dog __________________ The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. -Mother Teresa ( RIP Gizmo 3/9/07-8/18/12)