Match size and play style
Choose toys that are appropriate for the animal’s species, size and typical way of playing. A toy that is safe for supervised gentle play may not be appropriate for unsupervised chewing.
Inspect regularly
Loose strings, broken pieces, exposed stuffing, damaged batteries or sharp edges can change the risk profile of a toy. Retire damaged items rather than trying to stretch their life indefinitely.
Use rotation
A smaller selection rotated over time can reduce clutter and keep familiar toys more interesting. It also creates a natural inspection point before a toy returns to use.
Food-dispensing toys
If a toy dispenses food, account for that food in the pet’s overall feeding plan and clean the toy thoroughly enough to remove residue.