How we write and check every answer

The answer comes first

Every article opens with the direct answer in a highlighted box: yes, no, or be careful, with the one reason that matters.

Sources we trust

Health and safety claims are checked against veterinary and welfare organisations (ASPCA Animal Poison Control, American Kennel Club, International Cat Care, PDSA, VCA Animal Hospitals) and veterinary-school or peer-reviewed research. We link the main sources at the end of each article.

Reviewed dates

Each article shows when it was last reviewed. We re-check health articles at least once a year, and straight away when guidance changes.

When we’re unsure, we say so

If the science is unclear, such as why grapes are toxic to some dogs and not others, we explain the uncertainty instead of guessing, and we lean toward the safer advice.

Opinions are labelled

Where we give our own view, such as which kind of insurance we would buy or how we would handle a habit, it sits in a box marked “Our take”. Everything outside those boxes is written to the sources listed.

About our pictures

Most photos on The Pet Brief are AI-generated illustrations made for the article, and the drawings and charts are made by us. They show the topic, not a real case or a real patient.

Not veterinary advice

The Pet Brief gives general information. It never replaces an examination by your vet.

Corrections

Found an error? Email hello@thepetbrief.com. We fix confirmed errors quickly and update the reviewed date.

Money and independence

Ads and affiliate commissions keep the site free. Advertisers and affiliate partners have no say over what we write. Sponsored content is always labelled.