Federal Regulations for Warning Labels on Dog Beds

All home textile products have strict labeling requirements established by several federal regulatory acts. These labels often contain warnings to not remove the label unless you are the consumer. While these labels rarely make sense to consumers who make jokes about the tags, the information you find on the label provides valuable details about the fabrics and chemicals used in making the textile. According to the Federal Trade Commission, labeling is not required for dog beds, but if a manufacturer chooses to add a label, it must comply with the textile regulations.

  1. Fire Retardant Labeling

    • If a chemical fire retardant is used on a mattress pad, the pad needs to be clearly labeled with this warning information, according to the Flammable Fabrics Act of 1974. The label should have a clear and legible "T" to designate the use of chemical fire retardants applied in the process of making or after making the mattress. This label should also clearly state the month and year of manufacturing as well as the location where the mattress pad was made. This label is voluntary for dog beds, but if the manufacturer chooses to place one, it must comply with these regulations.

    Fabric Disclosure

    • The Textile and Wool Acts require full disclosure of the fabrics used in the bedding materials. Full disclosure includes the percentage of each fabric used in the various components, whether the fabrics are new or recycled and origin of the fabrics. These disclosures may appear on the same label as care instructions and do not need to be permanent, though they should be easily found by the consumer. If a retailer chooses to remove and replace a label with his own brand name, his label must include the same disclosures as the original manufacturer.

    Made in the USA

    • A label stating that the dog bed was "Made in the USA" may be a good advertising statement but it must comply with federal standards to be true, otherwise it is considered misleading. To be true, all components of the dog bed must be dyed, made and assembled in the United States. If the bed has textiles manufactured or dyed in another country but assembled in the United States, it must disclose the other country of origin. Failure to do so violates Federal Trade Commission regulations.