Editorial Policy

Sources and accuracy

Health, care, and behavior claims must be supported by relevant, reputable sources. We prioritize peer-reviewed research, veterinary schools and professional organizations, and official government guidance. References should support the specific claim being made and be accessible through links or complete citations.

Evidence must be considered in context, including the species studied, study limitations, and publication date. Uncertainty and conflicting findings should be explained. Manufacturer information can establish a stated product specification, but does not independently verify a health claim.

Health coverage

Our health content is educational. It does not diagnose an individual animal, prescribe treatment, or replace veterinary care. Relevant articles should explain when professional help is needed.

A veterinary review label may be used only when a qualified veterinarian has actually reviewed the material. The reviewer and the scope of that review must be identified accurately.

Authorship and AI

Peter Felibarkin is the pen name of the human author responsible for Paws Unboxed. He does the editorial work with AI assistance and takes responsibility for publication decisions. The pen name protects his privacy; it does not imply veterinary qualifications or other professional credentials. Articles identify the responsible author. AI tools assist with research organization, outlines, drafts, and editing. An accountable human must check the content and its references before publication. AI output and generated citations are not evidence.

Images and illustrations

Animal illustrations on Paws Unboxed are generated using AI unless otherwise credited. Although they may look photographic, they depict illustrative scenes rather than documented events. They do not show actual clinical cases, observed behavior from a study, hands-on product tests, or verified treatment outcomes.

AI-generated featured illustrations are identified in article captions. A sitewide footer notice covers illustrative imagery on the homepage and category pages, where the disclosure may not be repeated beneath every thumbnail. Photographs or other images obtained from external sources must be credited appropriately and used with permission or under an applicable license.

Illustrations must not be used as evidence for health claims or product performance. When a guide discusses a specific retail product, a generic AI illustration must not be presented as a photograph of that product. Image selection should support the article without implying facts that have not been established.

For questions about an image, a potentially misleading depiction, or an image-rights concern, contact hello@pawsunboxed.com. Please include the page URL and identify the image so we can investigate.

Product recommendations and disclosures

Research-based recommendations must be identified as such. Claims of hands-on testing require documented testing. Guides should explain selection criteria, practical limitations, and which pets or households a product may suit.

Affiliate links, paid placements, free products, and other material brand connections must be disclosed clearly with the relevant content. Commercial relationships must not determine editorial conclusions. Our disclosure approach is informed by FTC guidance.

Corrections and updates

Reported factual errors are investigated and corrected when confirmed. A discreet Reviewed date identifies a meaningful review or revision, rather than a cosmetic change. We keep a record of substantive corrections and can explain a correction in response to a reader inquiry.

To report a possible error, email hello@pawsunboxed.com with the article URL, the statement in question, and any supporting source. We welcome specific, evidence-based feedback that helps us improve the publication.