When I started this company, I realized there was almost no regulation in the pet industry. I wanted to offer something different — peace of mind. A chemically safe, organic, and sustainable line of products that protects pets, people, and the planet. Coming from a science background, I knew it would be nearly impossible to prove that a dog or cat became sick from chemicals in a bed or toy. But we all know there are plenty of manufacturers that just use crap materials. We knew we could eliminate the worry by using only chemically safe, organic materials that eliminate these chemicals altogether. Pets spend years sleeping in their beds and carrying toys in their mouths — we owe them a safer, cleaner alternative.
Hidden Toxins in Conventional Dog Beds
Recent studies and consumer reports have revealed that some dog beds contain chemicals that can cause serious health problems in pets. Here are some of the most concerning toxins found in conventional dog beds:
Flame Retardants – Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and other flame retardants have been linked to hormone disruption and neurological damage in both animals and humans.
Formaldehyde – Commonly found in adhesives and synthetic fabrics, formaldehyde can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation.
Pesticide Residues – Non-organic cotton and synthetic fabrics may retain pesticide residues, which can be absorbed through the skin or ingested when pets lick their beds.
Heavy Metals – Some fabrics and dyes used in low-quality beds have tested positive for lead, arsenic, and mercury — all toxic over time.
Phthalates & VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) – Found in waterproof coatings and some synthetic foams, these chemicals off-gas into indoor air and can cause respiratory or skin problems.
Polyurethane Foam – A cheap filler that can degrade and release toxic fumes, creating both environmental and health concerns.
Real Cases of Chemical Toxicity in Dog Beds
In 2018, The Ecology Center tested several commercial pet beds and discovered hazardous flame-retardant compounds. Around the same time, The Clean Label Project found measurable levels of heavy metals — including lead — in certain popular dog bed brands. These findings raised serious questions about what our pets are being exposed to while they rest.
Pet owners have since reported rashes, itching, and respiratory distress in dogs after switching to certain bedding products. While direct causation is difficult to prove, those consumer experiences prompted recalls and reformulations by several major manufacturers. The message is clear: the materials in pet beds matter.
“Forever Chemicals” Are Reaching Our Pets
New research shows that our dogs and cats aren’t just exposed to everyday household toxins — they’re now carrying forever chemicals in their bodies.
A recent study by the New York State Department of Health tested the feces of household cats and dogs for 15 types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — the same chemicals used in nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and stain-proof furniture. Researchers found 13 different PFAS compounds, and some pets had exposure levels higher than accepted limits for humans.
While the study didn’t measure blood or tissue concentrations, the findings are alarming. PFAS have been linked to immune suppression, hormone disruption (especially thyroid imbalance), liver toxicity, and even cancer in animal studies. These “forever chemicals” persist in the body for years and rarely break down in the environment.
Even though PFAS use has declined since the early 2000s, they remain present in everyday products — from upholstery and carpet coatings to pet beds and outdoor gear. When pets lick their paws, groom themselves, or sleep on treated fabrics, they can easily ingest these invisible toxins.
What Experts Are Saying
Dr. Jessica Romine, DVM, DACVIM, a veterinary internist with BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital in Michigan, compares pets’ exposure risks to those of toddlers:
“They play on the floor, explore with their mouths, and are constantly in contact with surfaces that may contain residues from waxes, polishes, cleaning products, or fabrics treated for water resistance. Their exposures are potentially greater.”
Dr. Romine advises pet owners to reduce exposure by avoiding stain- and water-resistant furniture, carpets, and pet beds; reading labels carefully; and choosing natural cleaning products whenever possible. She notes that cats, in particular, are extremely sensitive to airborne compounds and should always be allowed to leave rooms where cleaners or essential oils are being used.
How to Minimize PFAS and Chemical Exposure at Home
Even if it’s impossible to eliminate every contaminant, there are effective steps you can take to keep your pets safer:
Avoid “waterproof” or “stain-resistant” fabrics unless they are certified PFAS-free or Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified.
Check food packaging — microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and fast-food wrappers often contain PFAS coatings. Keep these away from pets, as ingestion poses choking and chemical hazards.
Screen personal and pet-care products for ingredients containing “perfluoro” or “fluoro.” These terms signal the presence of PFCs, which can appear in shampoos, dental floss, or cosmetics.
Replace plastic and nonstick cookware with cast-iron, stainless steel, or ceramic alternatives to avoid PFAS and other endocrine-disrupting coatings.
Use natural cleaning products and avoid those containing bleach, phenols, or formaldehyde. Always ventilate spaces while cleaning, and keep pets away until surfaces are dry.
These precautions reduce not only direct chemical exposure but also the dust contamination that builds up indoors — one of the main ways pets ingest toxins.
Why Sit Stay Forever Is Different
At Sit Stay Forever, our mission is simple: to create pet products that are safe for dogs, cats, and the planet. We handcraft every bed, bolster, and pad using Oeko-Tex Certified fabrics, organic cotton, and natural fill materials — without flame-retardants, formaldehyde, PFAS, or other hazardous finishes.
Our beds are sewn in Maine in small batches, designed to be biodegradable, breathable, and washable, ensuring both comfort and sustainability. Every fabric we use is verified for harmful substances at every production stage — from fiber to finished product — giving you complete peace of mind.
We believe that safety and sustainability should never be compromised. A pet bed shouldn’t be a source of chemical exposure — it should be a sanctuary of comfort, warmth, and health. Choosing responsibly made products supports not just your animal’s well-being but also a cleaner planet for all of us.
The Bigger Picture
Our pets breathe the same air we breathe and walk across the same floors we clean. When chemicals are present in our homes, they are exposed too. That’s why this issue goes beyond pet wellness — it’s about shared environmental health.
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate PFAS and other industrial chemicals from modern life, awareness is the first step. Each mindful choice — switching to natural cleaners, buying organic textiles, or replacing a synthetic bed — helps reduce your pet’s toxic load.
Protect Your Pet Today
Explore our line of chemical-free, sustainable pet products and give your furry companion the clean, cozy rest they deserve. You’ll sleep better too, knowing your home is a safer place for every family member — four-legged or two.
Do you have concerns about toxic pet beds or questions about our materials? Share your thoughts in the comments or contact us to learn more about how we ensure product safety from fiber to finished bed.