How to Avoid Buying and Using Animal Testing Brands

The issue of animal testing has been an important concern for many people and organizations for the last few decades. Many people have turned to cruelty-free products to ensure that the products they use on a daily basis have not been tested on animals. However, it can be challenging to know where to start when switching over to cruelty-free brands. With a little research and education, you can rid your home of all products that have been tested on animals.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Finding Cruelty-Free Products

1
Use PETA’s cruelty-free search engine. PETA, or the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has always advocated for companies and consumers going cruelty-free. To help their supporters find cruelty-free products and companies, they have created an online search engine on their website that helps users find these products and companies based on various search criteria. You can search for companies in your area, or focus on a specific type of product you’re looking for. You can also use the search engine to narrow the results down to only products that are available in your country.^{[1]XResearch source}
- There are other organizations that have similar search engines. For example, the Cruelty Free International website offers a search engine for products that sport the Leaping Bunny logo, which denotes the product is cruelty-free.
2
Check product labeling. The Leaping Bunny organization supports companies that do not test on animals. To find these products on any given shopping trip, check the product label for the Leaping Bunny logo—a simple black outline of a leaping bunny. You will most likely find this logo on the information label, somewhere near the barcode, if the product has one.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceThe Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfareGo to source}
- The Humane Society of the United States offers a free downloadable infographic that will help you understand product labeling, and help you find cruelty-free products.^{[3]XResearch source}
The Leaping Bunny is the only logo that signifies that no ingredients of a certain product, nor the finished product, have been tested on animals. While some products may say “cruelty-free” or “not tested on animals,” it’s still possible that certain ingredients in the product may have been tested on animals, even if the finished product was not. If the product doesn’t have the Leaping Bunny logo on it, do a search through their database to look the product up specifically.^{[4]XResearch source}
If you don’t see a Leaping Bunny logo but can’t identify whether or not the product has been tested on animals, you can simply contact the company and ask. Most companies will have readily available contact information either on the product label itself or on their website. Try the number on the packaging or look the company up online for how to contact them.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceThe Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfareGo to source}
5
Find out if the products are sold in China. China requires that all imported makeup and beauty products that will be sold in the country be tested on animals. In 2016, the Chinese government also began planning for more products to be added to this regulation, including things like toothpaste and even soap. Do a quick internet search or contact the company to find out if their products are tested on animals before or after being exported to China.
- Products made in China but not sold there are not required to be tested on animals. China requires animal testing only on products that will be sold in China. Check the product’s label to see if it was made in China. If it was made in China, look on their website or do an internet search to find out if that product is available in China. If the product is only made there, but not sold there, the product is not required to be tested on animals.^{[6]XResearch source}
6
Download cruelty-free apps for your smartphone. The Leaping Bunny has its own app that you can download to locate and learn more about cruelty-free products. PETA also compiled a list of vegan-friendly apps that can help you find vegan and cruelty-free products around you. This is a convenient way to find cruelty-free products nearby the next time you go shopping.^{[7]XResearch source}
- For example, the app Bunny Free allows you to quickly look up a company name and find out whether or not they test on animals. This could be very helpful if you are shopping and need to get some information on the go.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Advocating for Animal Rights

The Leaping Bunny program has a sample letter you can send to companies that test on animals to urge them to stop. Try putting together a letter writing campaign with your friends and family. Send these letters to companies you know test on animals. The more letters the companies receive, the more likely they might be to heed the information.^{[8]XResearch source}
2
Sign a petition. The Humane Society of the United States has an ongoing petition and pledge on their website for those interested in supporting the cause of going cruelty-free. Other organizations such as PETA also have different petitions circulating at any given time to aid animals being subjected to cruelty for testing purposes.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceThe Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfareGo to source}
- Consider even writing or starting your own petition. There are many online outlets such as Change.org that offer a platform for creating and sharing web-based petitions with a wide audience. Create your own and share it on your social media accounts.
If you are a student, there may be an animal rights group at your school that you can join. Or, anyone could find a group online to join, such as PETA. If there are no groups in your area, consider starting one yourself. Come up with a plan of action for your group, from letter writing campaigns to peaceful protests outside of companies that test on animals. Your group could also raise money for existing animal rights organizations, or volunteer at no-kill animal shelters nearby.^{[10]XResearch source}
4
Donate your time or money to animal rights organizations. Check the Humane Society’s website for volunteer opportunities in your area at shelters, or in areas experiencing a crisis. Or, head to your local no-kill animal shelter and sign up to volunteer once or twice a week caring for the animals. If you don’t have much time, you can simply donate funds to these organizations.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceThe Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfareGo to source}
- Local animal shelters may also have a wishlist on their website for items they need at the shelter. If there isn’t a list online, give them a call and ask what they’re in need of. You can probably find most of it at your local big box store for cheap.
The Humane Society has a fund set up to assist animals in animal testing labs. Through their website, you can donate $25USD and help these animals, as well as receive a membership to the Humane Society.^{[12]XResearch source}
Use your social media platforms to raise awareness of the issue of animal testing by posting information and links to credible websites. Help your friends and family find cruelty-free products and educate them on the issue. Hand out flyers or pamphlets with information on animal testing at your school, work, or in your neighborhood.
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