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It might be your first pet rodeo, but nobody has to know.

Courtney Hayes is a freelancer who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping since 2019, covering a wide range of topics including home decor, fashion, beauty and skincare, gift guides, pet products, and more.

Promising review: "I adore this book! I learned so much from it, and now I keep it in the sitting area of my grooming salon in case any parents would like to read it. It's engaging, educational, and easy to read. The illustrations make everything that much more effective, since much of what is explained requires a visual representation to really help it sink in. It can be hard to unlearn what we've been taught about dog behaviors, but it's so worth it to help your dog and dogs everywhere be better understood. This book is awesome! I can't say enough good things about it!" —Jay Kay

Promising review: "Just got a new puppy and she makes messes. This is the perfect cleaner. It leaves the area clean and fresh." —PE

Get it from Amazon for $16.98+ (available in three scents, two sizes, and in two-packs).

Promising review: "Works great for our puppy. She eats super fast, and this helps her slow down and digest better. We got the medium size, and it will definitely work for when she’s bigger!" —Tori

Get it from Amazon for $6.39+ (available in three sizes and six colors/styles).

Promising review: "Honestly worth it! I’ve taught my cat to sit, come, spin, and even get on a skateboard. Both the booklet and online training resources were helpful. Also having the option to use the stick/pointer OR just the clicker truly made a difference. Well made!" —Dana

Promising review: "I have these in my living room, nobody knows they are pee pads for my Pomeranians who have the odd accident." —Maria Cochran

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in nine sizes and different quantities).

Promising review: "This has been one of the best toys I've ever bought for my young beagle. Keeps him busy in the evening before bedtime, and it doesn't overstimulate him while he works on it. I don't have to worry about him choking on this, unlike with bully sticks. I bought another one for my senior dog; she was jealous that he had something so interesting. 😁 She enjoys hers also. I looked up everything you can use in it. So many." —Lolee Gon

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes and three colors).

Set the pad on the stain, stomp on it, and toss the pad after it has absorbed the stain.

Promising review: "Amazing! I've been using these things with a new puppy in the house, and they have been perfect for accidents on the carpet. A couple of times, I had to let them sit for 24 hours, but after that, no noticeable staining or discoloration at all. Great product!!" —Chris Nystrom

Promising review: "My pug kept ear infections and the stink coming from his ears like corn chips made him almost unlovable (not by us but definitely by guests). This is a miracle game changing bottle for his ears. I will be buying regularly. Initially I used them everyday for 3–4 days and now I use every other day. I cannot recommend these enough especially if your pet struggles with ear infections! I wish I had a before picture, prior to using product both his ears were red and irritated and filthy as you can see now the normal pale color they are supposed to be." —Michelle Howell

Get it from Amazon for $13.59+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "We bought these treats to help with training our puppy, especially with potty training, and they've been great. She absolutely loves them, which makes rewarding her easy and effective. I also like that they're freeze-dried and lightweight, so I can keep a handful in my pocket throughout the day without making a mess. They're the perfect size for frequent training rewards, and we'll definitely keep buying them." —Amberlee

Get it from Amazon for $11.49+ (available in two sizes and five flavors). 

Promising review: "Our dog loves these balls. They are his favorite toy. We toss it daily. The quality is great, it holds up to his super chewy puppy teeth." —Caro O.

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ for two (available in two varieties and multi-packs)

Promising review: "We have purchased a few of these over the years. Our cat loves it and destroys it every time. So every 10 months to a year. We purchase a new one of these to replace it. It's a fantastic product. The quality is there. It allows our catch to show it's aggression and sharpen its claws without taking it out on our furniture. Fantastic!" —Iwona R.

Get it from Amazon for $18.89+ (available in three sizes and three styles).

Promising review: "This rake is so helpful. We have a puppy who sheds a ton, and it was getting out of hand. I came across this product, and I now recommend it to everyone who has animals. I read reviews that this product was too short and everyone was breaking their backs to use it. This product is adjustable to whatever length fits you best to ensure the best clean-up of the hair. 10/10 recommend this!!" —Jules

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in different styles and in sets/bundles).

Promising review: "A wonderful product! With two new puppies running around our yard, these bags are great. Just the right thickness and no odor/moisture gets through. The box works well for keeping them organized, too." —james gilbert

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in three scents, unscented, and in quantities of 120, 270, and 600 bags).

Promising review: "This worked great. I struggled so much with getting my puppy to take pills. I put it in here, and it was gone in two seconds. Definitely recommend!" —Klm1

Get a pack of 60 from Amazon for $19.96+ (clip the coupon on the product page to get it for $17.96+; available in four flavors and a variety pack).

Promising review: "I use these pads in my kitten playpen enclosure, and I’m really happy with them! I love the size, the price, and how well they absorb. They have good moisture resistance, help control odors, and don’t slide around too much. They’ve worked well for my kittens, and I can see them being great for dogs too!" —Julie

Get 100 pads from Amazon for $19.20 (also available in larger sizes and different quantities).

Promising review: "So. Cute. It’s even cuter than I thought it would be! The plastic material keeps my dog’s tags from jangling super loudly. It also matches her collar perfectly." —Cameron

Get it from BuffoPet on Etsy for $22.99+ (available in two sizes, two fonts,  seven tag colors, and seven font colors).

Promising review: "I only wish I had this sooner! With a new puppy in the family, I am SO glad to have this. Not only does it pick up all dog hair, but it also grabs dust and dander. This works like a charm. I've already recommended it to friends and family, and they love it too." —Girlandherpup

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three colors).

Promising review: "Excellent kitty litter, low dust and exceptional clumping that does not break apart when scooping. Keeps litter box odor down, even though it’s unscented. Highly recommended and will not use any other litter again. You will not be disappointed." —Fire_Ice

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "The wipes seem to be working out well. I use it to wipe my puppy's feet, mouth, and sanitary areas. I love that it’s unscented and perfectly moist, and that the packaging has a nice resealable closure so that the wipes don’t dry out. The wipes are the perfect size, thickness, and durability for my mini dachshund puppy. It can be cut in half if cleaning a small area. Will definitely purchase again and keep on hand to clean my puppy’s messes." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (for 100; available in three scents, XL, eye or ear versions, and various quantities).

It comes with a brush tool, rinsing tool, crevice tool, and a bottle of cleaning solution.

I have this machine and have used it regularly for four years. It's saved my carpets during the puppy phase. I use it on rugs, my couch, and even my mattress when it needs a little refresh. 

Promising review: "Hands-down one of the best adult purchases I have ever made as a married college student with pets. It is compact and easy to stow away. The hose cleaning attachment is absolutely genius, especially with animal hair around. The reservoir's capacity is perfect for about everything I have needed; I almost never need to refill more than once through a spot. And it makes things so clean, I have deep cleaned my mattress, my couch, my car seats, I have spot cleaned so many times on my rugs because lord forbid a cat throws up on the hardwood floor. It is perfect, absolutely perfect." —Emily

Get it from Amazon for $99.99 (also available in three other styles)

Promising reviews: "This is such a great concept and idea! We got this for our fridge to remind us if the dog has been fed or not. This thing has the strongest magnets ever and has not moved at all since I put it on the fridge! It’s fantastic quality; super functional and durable! It works perfectly and it great for the price! It looks just like the picture" —Brooke

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in four styles).

Promising reviews: "Oh-so-soft and cuddly. My little dog crawled in and buried her nose in the side. Happy dog = happy mom." —Sandra G. Boyd

"My cats LOVE these beds and some of them won’t usually sleep in a pet bed. I have purchased three so far. Will be getting more lol. These are good quality and they’re warm for colder months!" —Gerald Litz

Promising review: "This is the second time I purchased this mat. The first time was for my cats. It has truly helped to control the amount of litter that cats can carry out of the box on their paws and onto the floor. This second one is for a friend facing the same problem with her little cat pal." —E. Maxwell

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in four sizes and four colors).

Promising review: "I had a new puppy back in November, and I bought one of these seats for my car. My puppy automatically loved it in just a few minutes! I bought another one next to my desk in my office. She loves it so much that she sleeps in it every day. I then bought two more, one for my daughter's car and one for my husband's office. The seats are very soft and comfortable, and easy to take apart and wash. We also take the seat in pet-friendly restaurants, and everyone always comments on how cute it is!! Best investment ever!!" —Diane E.

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two sizes and 10 colors).

Promising review: "It’s great, we will buy again. We have older dogs and sometimes, well, wet happens. So we cover the bed for days (nights aren’t an issue). It’s worked great, and nothing has broken. Through. We have small dogs, but it works, and it’s very soft. We love it." —hollympalmer

Get it from Amazon for $10.37+ (available in nine sizes and 13 colors). 

Promising review: "The dogs started using them right away. They are cool and wash very well and dry quickly by putting it outside. I would buy again." —Mary F Custer

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in nine sizes and five colors).

Promising review: "I’m really happy with this cat water fountain! It’s quiet, easy to set up, and my cat started using it right away. The running water seems to encourage my cat to drink more throughout the day, which I really like.

It’s also easy to clean and refill, and the design looks nice without taking up too much space. The water stays fresh and clean with regular maintenance. Overall, it’s a great little fountain and definitely a worthwhile purchase for any cat owner. Highly recommend!" —Johnny

Promising review: "I have a VERY anxious mastiff mix rescue pup. We don’t know much about his background, but he was definitely abused and suffers from bad anxiety and separation anxiety. We’ve tried EVERYTHING to help with his separation anxiety. After talking to his vet and dog trainers, we figured we’d try a crate cover to help keep him calm when we’re not at home. Before, he would chew and dig his crate, resulting in the bottom pan getting shredded and the door being severely bent. As soon as I put the crate cover on, it was an instant change. He was a bit hesitant at first because it’s new, but he LOVES it. He’s so much calmer and more relaxed. The cover makes it darker and more enclosed, like a den, so he feels a lot safer. The cover itself is great quality! It’s easy, super easy to install, and fits great, so my pup can’t get to the corners and chew them." —Emily

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in eight sizes and three colors).

Promising review: "These are the perfect size for my puppy. He’s 3–4 pounds and has tiny nails. They work with ease, and he lets me use them to cut his nails. I love that they are like scissors, which makes it easy to hold my puppy and trim his nails. Great quality and price!" —Schehera H

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in two colors).

It comes with five combs and attachments.

Promising review: "Easy to use groomer that does an amazing job! We have used this twice on our 4-month-old goldendoodle. She was a little hesitant with the sound of the groomer at first, but once we got going, she didn’t mind it. The clippers cut evenly and took about 20 minutes for a 20-pound puppy. We love the small size for easy storage, but if you have a large dog, you may have to stop and empty the bin a few times. Great purchase since this costs less than one trip to the groomer." —Amazon Customer

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Plus, the pet products we gave a 2026 Buzzy Award to and finds from Amazon, Chewy, Petco, and Walmart.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.