29/10/2025 - Testing without testing: the new challenge for pet care brands

Banning cosmetic testing on animals: an undeniable ethical step forward.
But… how do you prove the effectiveness of a product? designed for the animals themselves without ever testing them?

Welcome to one of the most fascinating – and disturbing – paradoxes of modern cosmetics.

A market in full swing

Animal welfare is no longer a trend: it is a societal revolution.
Gentle shampoos, protective balms for paw pads, detangling sprays or food supplements…
The shelves are filling up with products that reflect a new reality: Our pets have become full-fledged members of the family.

Their comfort, their health, even their appearance, are priorities today.
But this development raises a delicate question:

how to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of these products without ever testing them on those for whom they are intended?

The ethical and regulatory dilemma

In Europe, the Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 formally prohibits animal testing for cosmetic products.
A major victory for animal welfare.
But when a product is created for a dog, a cat or a horseThe border becomes blurred.

To prove that a treatment is effective and well-tolerated, it is essential to evaluate it on the animal...
This approach clashes with the convictions of many brands in the human cosmetics industry.
One of them recently told us:

“How can we reconcile our ethical commitment with the fact that the animal cannot give its consent?”

Towards a new approach to testing

At Syres, we believe this debate deserves better than a deadlock.
Tester should not mean to force.
There is a middle way, respectful and rigorous, based on behavioral observation and transparency.

A few simple principles can guide this evolution:

• 🐶 Informed consent of the owner, with clear information on the protocol.
• ???? No known risk for the animal.
• 👀 Non-intrusive behavioral observation, with the option to stop at any time.
• 🩺 Ethical framework by veterinarians and behaviorists, guarantors of animal welfare.

The Syres approach: science, ethics and respect for life

Specifically, our studies are based on:

• non-invasive tests, without constraint or discomfort.

• A careful behavioral observation and caring.

• A reasoned selection Products to test.

• Un personalized follow-up for each animal, always under expert supervision.

Our conviction is simple:

Advancing science should never come at the expense of respecting life.

And you what do you think ?

Should we rethink the way we approve pet care products?
Between science, ethics and love of animals, The debate has only just begun.