Editorial Policy
Last updated: Jun 22, 2026
Trust is earned through transparency. This Editorial Policy sets out the standards every piece of content on Database.pet must meet, who is accountable for it, and how we handle sources, corrections and the responsible use of AI.
1. Evidence-based standards
Every safety verdict must be grounded in published veterinary evidence rather than anecdote. Where the science is uncertain or contested, we say so plainly and err on the side of caution to protect animals.
2. Research and review process
Content moves through a defined pipeline: primary clinical research, drafting, structured toxicology scoring, and mandatory sign-off by a qualified veterinary reviewer before publication. No profile goes live without veterinary approval. The full workflow is documented on our Methodology page.
3. Authorship and accountability
Profiles carry clear authorship and veterinary review attribution, and the credentials of our reviewers are published on the Review Board page. A named professional is accountable for the accuracy of what we publish.
4. Sourcing standards
We prioritise authoritative sources: animal poison-control case data, peer-reviewed veterinary journals, and recognised clinical references such as standard veterinary manuals. Sources are recorded for each profile, and we avoid citing low-quality or commercially biased material.
5. Responsible use of AI
We use AI tools to assist with research, drafting and translation so we can cover more ground in more languages. This assistance is always subordinate to human expertise: a qualified veterinary professional reviews and approves every published profile, and clinical accuracy is never delegated to an automated system.
6. Corrections policy
When we get something wrong, we fix it openly and promptly. Readers and professionals can report suspected errors through our Contact page; safety-critical corrections are escalated immediately and the affected content is re-reviewed.
7. Editorial independence
Our verdicts are independent of any commercial interest. We do not accept payment to label a food safe or toxic, and advertising — if any — is kept strictly separate from editorial judgement.
8. Keeping content current
Veterinary science evolves, and so does our database. We revisit profiles as new evidence emerges and record the date each profile was last reviewed so you always know how current the information is.
Still have questions?
Our editorial and veterinary review team is happy to help with anything about how Database.pet works.