BARK (NYSE: BARK), a leading global dog brand, has announced its key role in creating the first international safety standard for dog toys. The company has launched an innovative dog toy testing lab, which simulates real-world use with advanced technology. Led by BARK Safety Director Brian Grochal, the lab has completed more than 2.5 million chew cycles and aims to test 1,500 toys by the end of 2024. Grochal also chairs the ASTM International Pet Product Safety Subcommittee, which works on global safety standards for dog toys and other pet products. BARK’s commitment includes strict quality control and transparency, urging the entire industry to adopt its safety protocols.
Positive
- BARK is leading the development of the first international safety standard for dog toys.
- Launched a state-of-the-art dog toy testing lab.
- More than 2.5 million chew cycles have been completed and 1,500 toys are planned to be tested by the end of 2024.
- BARK’s Director of Safety, Brian Grochal, chairs the ASTM International Pet Product Safety Subcommittee.
- Strict quality control with over 2,000 inspections annually, testing 800,000+ toys.
Company Sets New Safety Benchmark for Dog Toys with Innovative Testing Lab and Inaugural Leadership Position on ASTM International Pet Product Safety Subcommittee
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Using more than a decade of expertise and a deep understanding of dog play styles and preferences gained from designing thousands of dog toys, BARK set out to develop a dedicated lab test for the safety of toy in 2022. The lab is equipped with advanced technology that simulates real-world use , focusing on chomping, dropping, pulling, and general wear and tear. With oversight from BARK Safety Director Brian Grochal, the lab rigorously tests and evaluates BARK toys with accurate replicas of dog jaws designed to simulate chewing, pulling, and thrashing from others’ other breeds, such as Pitbulls, Chihuahuas, Boxers, and German Shepherds. Since the lab opened, BARK has completed more than 2.5 million individual chew cycles, approximately 30 days of aggressive chewing on each toy, and is on track to test 1,500 toys by the end of 2024.
Grochal, an award-winning safety and standards executive named chairman of the inaugural subcommittee on Pet Product Safety by ASTM, a prominent international standards organization, leads a group of manufacturers, retailers, testing labs, veterinary professionals, consultants , and consumers to define safety standards for dog toys sold around the world. In his committee leadership role, Grochal has been instrumental in establishing industry-wide best practices for design safety for dog toys, as well as other dog products, and those made for cats , birds, fish, reptiles and more.
“There are more than 40 safety standards for different children’s products in
BARK’s approach to safety is based on the extensive background of various toy design team members from previous roles, as well as knowledge and preference data from serving 6.5 million dogs since founding the BARK in 2011. This unique combination has informed the development of a comprehensive testing protocol and drives our commitment to creating the safest and most enjoyable toys for dogs. BARK’s team of inspectors completes more than 2,000 inspections each year, checking more than 800,000 toys for even the smallest imperfections. A strict quality control process ensures that every toy produced by BARK meets the highest safety and durability standards.
BARK’s Commitment to Industry-Wide Safety Standards
BARK believes in the importance of industry-wide safety standards for the welfare of dogs. By sharing its learnings and collaborating with other companies, BARK aims to raise safety standards across the industry, offering consumers the assurance that their dog toys are among the safest available. BARK is also committed to transparency and invites other companies to adopt its safety standards. The company plans to share its safety protocols with the public, encouraging industry-wide adoption to ensure the highest level of safety for all dog toys on the market.
BARK’s mission goes beyond toys. The company also leads safety standards for a wide range of pet products, including harnesses, leashes, collars, crates, travel carriers, beds, and more yet, which further emphasizes its commitment to the safety and happiness of all dogs.
“I’m proud of BARK’s leadership role in the first safety standard for dog toys, furthering our mission to keep dogs happy,” said Matt Meeker, CEO and Co-Founder of BARK. “Toy standards and lab testing are just the beginning. We’re committed to making the world a safer place for all dogs and raising safety standards throughout the dog industry.”
Learn more about BARK’s toy testing lab and safety standards here.
About BARK
BARK is the world’s most dog-centric company, dedicated to making dogs happy with the best products, services and content. BARK’s dog-obsessed team applies a unique, data-driven understanding of what makes each dog special to designing playstyle-specific toys, great treats, great food for your dog, effective and easy-to-use dental care, and canine experiences that promote the health and happiness of dogs everywhere. Founded in 2011, BARK faithfully serves dogs nationwide with themed toys and treat subscriptions, BarkBox and BARK Super Chewer; custom product collections through its retail partner network, including Target and Amazon; the high quality and nutritious food made for your breed with BARK Food; and products that meet the dental needs of dogs in BARK Bright®. At BARK, we want to make dogs as happy as they make us because dogs and people are better together. Sniff at BARK.co for more information.
About ASTM International
Dedicated to serving global societal needs, ASTM International positively impacts public health and safety, consumer confidence, and the overall quality of life. We combine consensus standards – developed with our international membership of volunteer technical experts – and innovate services to improve lives… Helping our world work better.
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Source: BARK, Inc.
FAQ
What role does BARK (NYSE: BARK) play in dog toy safety standards?
BARK led the development of the first international safety standards for dog toys and launched a state-of-the-art testing lab for this purpose.
How many chew cycles has BARK completed in its testing lab?
The state-of-the-art lab has completed over 2.5 million chew cycles to date.
When did BARK start building its dedicated toy testing lab?
BARK began building the toy safety testing lab in 2022.
Who chairs the ASTM International Pet Product Safety Subcommittee?
Brian Grochal, BARK’s Director of Safety, chairs the ASTM International Pet Product Safety Subcommittee.
What is BARK’s goal for toy testing by the end of 2024?
BARK aims to test 1,500 toys by the end of 2024.
How many inspections does BARK complete annually?
BARK completes over 2,000 inspections annually, testing over 800,000 toys.