Dog Bed Certifications Explained: CertiPUR-US vs OEKO-TEX vs GOTS in 2026
Dog Bed Certifications Explained: CertiPUR-US vs OEKO-TEX vs GOTS in 2026
Dog bed certifications like CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GOTS, and GOLS verify different aspects of material safety — but no single certification guarantees a dog bed is truly non-toxic. CertiPUR-US applies only to polyurethane foam and still permits VOC off-gassing below certain thresholds. OEKO-TEX tests finished textiles for harmful substances but doesn't regulate foam fillings. Understanding what each certification actually tests is essential for evaluating safety claims.
You've done the research. You know to avoid flame retardants, VOCs, and synthetic chemicals in your dog's bed. But when you start shopping, you're hit with a wall of certification logos—CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX, GOTS, GOLS—each claiming to guarantee safety.
Here's the problem: not all certifications are created equal, and most weren't designed with pets in mind.
Some certifications test for a handful of chemicals while ignoring others. Some apply only to specific materials. And some have become little more than marketing tools that create a false sense of security.
This guide breaks down exactly what each major certification tests for, what it misses, and which ones actually matter when choosing a non-toxic dog bed.
For a full overview of what to look for when choosing a safe bed — including materials, chemicals to avoid, and buying recommendations — see our complete guide to non-toxic dog beds
Why Certifications Matter (And Why They're Confusing)
Certifications exist because manufacturers can claim almost anything. Words like "natural," "eco-friendly," and "non-toxic" have no legal definition in the pet product industry. A bed can be marketed as "chemical-free" while still containing harmful substances.
Third-party certifications provide independent verification. A certified product has been tested by an outside laboratory against a defined standard. This is valuable—but only if you understand what that standard actually covers.
The confusion arises because:
- Different certifications test different things. CertiPUR-US focuses on foam. OEKO-TEX focuses on textiles. Neither tests the finished product as a whole.
- Certifications have varying strictness. Some ban substances outright; others allow them below certain thresholds.
- Most certifications were designed for human products. Dogs have different exposure patterns—they chew, lick, and sleep with their noses pressed directly against materials for 12-14 hours daily.
Understanding these distinctions is the difference between genuine safety and expensive marketing.
CertiPUR-US: The Foam Standard
What It Is
CertiPUR-US is a certification program for polyurethane foam used in mattresses, furniture, and pet beds. It's administered by the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam, an industry trade group.
What It Tests For
CertiPUR-US certified foams are analyzed for:
- Ozone depleters — Chemicals that damage the atmosphere
- PBDE flame retardants — A specific class of brominated flame retardants
- TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants — Chlorinated "Tris" compounds linked to cancer
- Heavy metals — Lead, mercury, and other toxic metals
- Formaldehyde — Limited to below 0.5 ppm
- Phthalates — Regulated under Consumer Product Safety Commission standards
- VOC emissions — Must meet low emission standards for indoor air quality
What It Doesn't Test For
This is where CertiPUR-US falls short for pet owners:
- Other flame retardants — Only specific PBDEs and chlorinated Tris are banned. Newer flame retardants like TCPP (Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate) and antimony trioxide are not restricted.
- Adhesives and glues — The foam may be certified, but the glues used to assemble the bed are not tested.
- Cover fabrics — CertiPUR-US only certifies the foam core, not the textile covering.
- Long-term degradation — Testing occurs on new foam. As foam breaks down over years, chemical release patterns may change.
The Bottom Line
CertiPUR-US is better than no certification for foam products, but it's an industry-run program with limited scope. It was designed to address the worst offenders in mattress foam, not to guarantee a completely non-toxic product. If you're buying a foam dog bed, CertiPUR-US certification is a minimum baseline—not a guarantee of safety.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100: The Textile Standard
What It Is
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is an independent testing and certification system for textiles at all stages of production. It's administered by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology, based in Europe.
What It Tests For
OEKO-TEX tests for over 350 harmful substances, including:
- Formaldehyde — Strict limits based on product class
- Heavy metals — Lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and others
- Pesticides — Residues from cotton and wool production
- Chlorinated phenols — Wood preservatives sometimes found in textiles
- Phthalates — Plasticizers in coatings and prints
- Organotin compounds — Used in some textile treatments
- Allergenic dyes — Dyes known to cause skin reactions
- VOCs — Volatile emissions from finished textiles
- pH value — Ensures skin-safe acidity levels
The Product Class System
OEKO-TEX uses a tiered system based on skin contact:
| Class | Description | Strictness |
|---|---|---|
| Class I | Products for babies (0-3 years) | Most stringent |
| Class II | Products with direct skin contact | High |
| Class III | Products without direct skin contact | Moderate |
| Class IV | Decorative materials | Least stringent |
For dog beds, look for Class I or Class II certification. These have the strictest limits on harmful substances.
What It Doesn't Test For
- Foam and filling materials — OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifies textiles, not foam cores. A bed could have an OEKO-TEX certified cover over uncertified, chemical-laden foam.
- Finished product assembly — Like CertiPUR-US, it tests components, not the assembled product.
- Flame retardant treatments — While some flame retardants are restricted, textiles treated to meet flammability standards may still contain chemicals not on the OEKO-TEX list.
The Bottom Line
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is one of the most comprehensive textile certifications available. It's independently administered (not industry-run) and tests for a wide range of substances. However, it only applies to fabric components. A dog bed with an OEKO-TEX certified cover tells you nothing about what's inside.
GOTS: Global Organic Textile Standard
What It Is
GOTS is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers. It covers the entire supply chain—from harvesting raw materials to manufacturing, packaging, and labeling.
What It Tests For
GOTS certification requires:
- Organic fiber content — Products labeled "organic" must contain at least 95% certified organic fibers. Products labeled "made with organic" must contain at least 70%.
- Prohibited inputs — Toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, and GMO technology are banned.
- Restricted substances — Comprehensive list of chemicals that cannot be used in processing.
- Wastewater treatment — Facilities must have environmental management systems.
- Social criteria — Fair labor practices throughout the supply chain.
What Makes It Different
GOTS goes beyond chemical testing to address:
- The entire production process — Not just the finished product, but how it was made.
- Environmental impact — Wastewater, energy use, and waste management are evaluated.
- Traceability — Every step from farm to finished product is documented and auditable.
Limitations for Pet Products
- Primarily designed for cotton and wool textiles — Less applicable to beds with foam, latex, or synthetic components.
- Availability — Truly GOTS-certified pet products are rare because the certification is expensive and rigorous.
- Cost — GOTS-certified products typically carry a significant price premium.
The Bottom Line
GOTS is the gold standard for organic textiles. If you find a dog bed with legitimate GOTS certification, you can trust that the fabric components were produced without harmful chemicals and with environmental responsibility. However, GOTS certification on pet products is uncommon, and it doesn't address non-textile components like foam.
GOLS: Global Organic Latex Standard
What It Is
GOLS is the equivalent of GOTS for latex products. It certifies that latex foam is made from organic raw materials and processed without harmful chemicals.
What It Tests For
- Organic content — Must contain at least 95% certified organic raw material.
- Prohibited substances — Heavy metals, pesticides, and harmful chemicals are banned.
- Emissions testing — Finished products must meet strict VOC emission limits.
- Processing requirements — Fillers and additives are restricted.
Relevance to Dog Beds
Natural latex is sometimes used as an alternative to polyurethane foam in premium dog beds. GOLS certification ensures:
- The latex is derived from organic rubber tree plantations
- No synthetic latex or petroleum-based fillers are added
- VOC emissions are minimized
Limitations
- Rare in pet products — GOLS-certified latex dog beds are uncommon.
- Latex allergies — Some dogs (and humans) are sensitive to latex proteins, regardless of organic certification.
- Only covers latex — Doesn't address covers, adhesives, or other components.
The Bottom Line
If you're specifically seeking a latex dog bed, GOLS certification provides strong assurance of organic content and low chemical exposure. For most pet owners, however, this certification won't be relevant to their purchase.
REACH: The EU Chemical Safety Standard
What It Is
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) is a European Union regulation that addresses the production and use of chemical substances. It's not a product certification but a regulatory framework that manufacturers must comply with to sell products in the EU.
What It Covers
REACH maintains:
- A restricted substances list — Chemicals that cannot be used above certain concentrations in products sold in the EU.
- A candidate list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) — Chemicals identified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction, or persistent in the environment.
- Authorization requirements — The most harmful substances require special authorization to use.
Why It Matters for Pet Products
Products manufactured in or imported to the EU must comply with REACH. This means:
- Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury are restricted.
- Certain flame retardants are banned or limited.
- Phthalates in plastics are regulated.
European-made pet products generally meet stricter chemical safety standards than those manufactured elsewhere.
Limitations
- Not a certification — You won't see a "REACH certified" label. Compliance is a legal requirement, not a voluntary certification.
- Enforcement varies — Products sold outside the EU aren't subject to REACH.
- Doesn't guarantee non-toxic — REACH sets maximum limits, not zero tolerance.
The Bottom Line
REACH compliance indicates a product meets European chemical safety standards, which are among the strictest in the world. Products manufactured in the EU or by companies that export to the EU are more likely to be free of the most harmful substances. East Perry's sheepskin products are eco-tanned in Europe under REACH standards, ensuring they're free from heavy metals and restricted chemicals.
Head-to-Head Comparison: What Each Certification Actually Covers
| Substance/Concern | CertiPUR-US | OEKO-TEX 100 | GOTS | GOLS | REACH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde | Limited | Strict limits | Banned | Banned | Limited |
| Lead & Heavy Metals | Tested | Tested | Banned | Tested | Restricted |
| PBDE Flame Retardants | Banned | Restricted | Banned | N/A | Restricted |
| All Flame Retardants | Partial | Partial | Banned | N/A | Partial |
| Phthalates | Limited | Tested | Banned | Tested | Restricted |
| VOC Emissions | Tested | Tested | Low limits | Tested | Not tested |
| Pesticide Residues | Not tested | Tested | Banned | Tested | Not tested |
| Allergenic Dyes | Not tested | Banned | Banned | N/A | Not tested |
| Organic Content | No | No | Required | Required | No |
| Covers Foam | Yes | No | No | Latex only | Yes |
| Covers Textiles | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Covers Adhesives | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Independent Testing | Industry-run | Independent | Independent | Independent | Government |
What Certifications Should You Actually Look For?
The answer depends on what type of bed you're buying.
If You're Buying a Memory Foam Bed
Minimum: CertiPUR-US certification on the foam Better: CertiPUR-US foam + OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (Class I or II) cover Best: Avoid foam entirely and choose natural materials
Even with certifications, foam beds present inherent risks. Foam degrades over time, certifications don't cover all harmful substances, and dogs' close contact with bedding increases exposure. For a deeper understanding of specific chemicals to avoid, read our guide to toxic chemicals in dog beds.
If You're Buying a Fabric or Filled Bed
Minimum: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification (Class I or II) Better: GOTS certification on organic cotton or wool components Best: Natural, untreated materials that don't require certification
If You're Buying a Latex Bed
Minimum: GOLS certification Better: GOLS latex + OEKO-TEX or GOTS certified cover
If You're Buying a Natural Wool or Sheepskin Bed
Look for: REACH compliance, eco-tanning certifications, transparency about processing Why certifications matter less: Natural wool and sheepskin are inherently non-toxic. They don't require flame retardant treatments (wool is naturally flame resistant), don't off-gas VOCs, and don't contain synthetic chemicals. The key concern is the tanning process—ensure hides are processed without chromium or heavy metals.
Why East Perry Goes Beyond Certifications
Certifications exist to make synthetic and processed materials safer. But what if you started with materials that were safe by nature?
This is the philosophy behind East Perry's approach to pet bedding.
Natural wool and sheepskin don't need chemical certifications because:
-
No flame retardants required — Wool is naturally flame resistant due to its high nitrogen and water content. It doesn't ignite easily and self-extinguishes. This eliminates the need for chemical treatments that other materials require.
-
No VOC off-gassing — Synthetic foams release volatile compounds because they're made from petroleum. Wool is a natural protein fiber that doesn't off-gas harmful chemicals.
-
No phthalates or plasticizers — These chemicals are used to make plastics flexible. Natural fibers don't contain them.
-
Naturally antimicrobial — Wool's structure resists bacteria and dust mites without chemical treatments.
What we do certify:
East Perry's sheepskin products are eco-tanned in Europe under strict REACH standards. This ensures:
- No chromium VI (a carcinogenic heavy metal common in leather tanning)
- No arsenic, lead, or mercury
- No formaldehyde
- No azo dyes
We choose transparency over logo collections. Rather than relying on certifications designed for synthetic products, we use materials that are fundamentally safe—then process them responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CertiPUR-US certification enough for a safe dog bed?
CertiPUR-US is a good starting point but not sufficient on its own. It only certifies the foam component, doesn't test for all flame retardants, and doesn't cover the fabric cover or adhesives. Consider it a minimum baseline rather than a guarantee of safety.
What's the difference between OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and OEKO-TEX Made in Green?
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tests finished products for harmful substances. OEKO-TEX Made in Green goes further by also verifying that products were manufactured in environmentally friendly facilities with safe working conditions. Made in Green is more comprehensive but less common.
Can a product have multiple certifications?
Yes, and this is often ideal. A dog bed could have CertiPUR-US certified foam inside an OEKO-TEX certified cover. Multiple certifications covering different components provide more comprehensive assurance than a single certification.
Are "organic" dog beds always safe?
Not necessarily. "Organic" refers to how raw materials were grown, not how the final product was processed. An organic cotton cover could still be treated with flame retardants or dyed with harmful chemicals. Look for GOTS certification, which covers processing as well as raw materials.
Why don't natural wool beds need certifications?
Wool possesses inherent properties that synthetic materials try to achieve through chemical treatment. It's naturally flame resistant, antimicrobial, and free of VOCs. The main concern with wool products is the processing—specifically, how hides are tanned. Look for eco-tanned or vegetable-tanned products processed under REACH standards.
What does "eco-tanned" mean?
Eco-tanning refers to tanning processes that avoid harmful chemicals, particularly chromium VI, which is carcinogenic. Eco-tanned leather and sheepskin use alternative tanning agents and must meet strict environmental and safety standards, particularly under EU REACH regulations.
How can I verify a certification is legitimate?
Most certification bodies maintain public databases where you can verify certified products:
- CertiPUR-US: Check their online participant list
- OEKO-TEX: Use their label check system with the certificate number
- GOTS: Search their public database by company or certificate number
If a company claims certification but can't provide a certificate number, be skeptical.
The Bottom Line
Certifications provide valuable third-party verification, but they're not a substitute for understanding what's actually in your dog's bed. Here's what to remember:
-
No single certification covers everything. CertiPUR-US covers foam. OEKO-TEX covers textiles. Neither covers the complete product.
-
Certifications set minimums, not ideals. A certified product may still contain substances you'd prefer to avoid.
-
Most certifications weren't designed for pets. Dogs have different exposure patterns than humans—more skin contact, more time on the bed, potential for chewing and licking.
-
Natural materials often don't need certification. Wool, sheepskin, and other natural fibers are inherently free of the chemicals that certifications test for.
The safest approach isn't finding the bed with the most certification logos. It's choosing materials that are fundamentally non-toxic—then verifying they've been processed responsibly.
Your dog trusts you to make that choice. Now you have the knowledge to make it wisely.
Ready to skip the certification confusion? Explore East Perry's Natural Dog Collection—100% natural wool and sheepskin beds that are safe by nature, not by chemical treatment
Sources:
CertiPUR-US
- https://certipur.us/about/ — Official program overview
- https://certipur.us/the-certipur-us-standard/ — Testing standards and restricted substances
- https://certipur.us/faqs/ — FAQ on what is/isn't tested
OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-standard-100 — Official standard overview
- https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/apply-here/oeko-tex-standard-100/oeko-tex-standard-100-limit-values — Limit values and tested substances
- https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-standard-100/product-classes — Product class system (baby, skin contact, etc.)
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
- https://global-standard.org/the-standard — Official GOTS standard
- https://global-standard.org/the-standard/gots-key-features — Key features and requirements
- https://global-standard.org/certification — Certification process
GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard)
- https://global-standard.org/the-standard/gols — Official GOLS overview
- https://global-standard.org/the-standard/gols-key-features — Testing criteria for organic latex
REACH (EU Chemical Regulation)
- https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/reach/understanding-reach — European Chemicals Agency overview
- https://echa.europa.eu/substances-restricted-under-reach — Restricted substances list
- https://echa.europa.eu/candidate-list-table — Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC)
Heavy Metals & Chemical Testing
- https://www.epa.gov/lead — EPA on lead exposure risks
- https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp13.pdf — ATSDR Toxicological Profile for Arsenic
- https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/mercury/ — CDC on mercury exposure
Flame Retardant Regulations (Context)
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Business--Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Upholstered-Furniture — CPSC flammability standards
- https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65 — California Prop 65 (referenced for chemical disclosure)
Greenwashing & Certification Limitations
- https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/truth-advertising/green-guides — FTC Green Guides on environmental marketing claims