Protecting Pets

There are many EPA-registered pesticide products on the market today to treat your pets for common problems such as fleas and ticks. When used according to label instructions and precautions, pet products can be very effective, but when misapplied or not used according to directions, your pets may be unnecessarily exposed to pesticides and could become ill. Your pets may also be exposed to other pesticide products used or stored around the home, lawn, and garden. Protect your pets from pests and potential pesticide risks by following product label directions and understanding the precautions.

EPA is responsible for assuring that all pesticides sold in the United States do not cause unreasonable risks when they are used according to label directions and precautions. Every EPA-registered pesticide product has an EPA registration number on its packaging. If evidence arises to challenge the safety of a registered pesticide product, EPA reviews scientific data and takes action if necessary to reduce or eliminate the risks. Some flea and tick products are drugs that are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine.

Learn more:

• Increased Scrutiny of Flea and Tick Control Products for Pets
• Taking care of fleas and ticks on your pet
  
  
• DO NOT Buy Counterfeit Pesticide Products for Dogs and Cats
  
  
• Limit Your Pet's Exposure to Household Pesticides - Read the Label First: Protect Your Pet.

Attention Veterinarians:

• If you are a veterinarian, you are encouraged to report pesticide-related incidents involving domestic pets through a new reporting page developed by the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) and EPA. Your report will help improve the quality of all animal incident data received by the EPA. Please submit reports using our quick and easy Veterinary Pesticide Adverse Effects Reporting portal. (Please note this reporting site is for veterinarians only: If you are not a Veterinarian and wish to report an incident involving a pet, use the NPIC “800” number at the right.)

For more information

For more information and answers to your questions, go to EPA's Q&A database and select "Fleas and Ticks" in the drop-down topic menu.