Driving Pet Safety Innovation: The Role of Foundations and Corporate Sponsors
By Lindsey Wolko, Founder & CEO, Center for Pet Safety

For more than a decade, I’ve had the privilege of leading the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) and championing a mission that matters deeply to millions of families. From day one, my commitment has been simple and unwavering: pet products must be truly safe and not just marketed as safe.

Through independent testing, research, and standards development, CPS is redefining what safety means for pets and the people who love them. And today, more than ever, we need mission-aligned partners to help scale this work.

About Center for Pet Safety: Independent Research and Safety Standards

The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to scientifically evaluating pet products and establishing independent safety standards that protect families and their companion animals.

In an industry with no federal oversight, CPS fills a critical regulatory gap. Our work brings together:

  • Data-driven research
  • Consumer advocacy
  • National education initiatives
  • Standards development trusted by manufacturers and consumers worldwide

CPS Mission and Role: Closing the Pet Safety Gap With Science and Education

Our mission is to create an enduring, positive impact on the survivability, health, safety, and well-being of companion animals through rigorous research, testing, and education.

Pet owners reach out to me far too often with stories of injuries – and even fatalities – caused by poorly designed or untested pet products. Their experiences fuel our investigations and educational programs.

Science-Backed Innovations That Protect Pets and Families

CPS has delivered measurable, industry-shaping results:

  • Invented the first Crash Test Dog, establishing global benchmarks for pet travel safety
  • Published independent crashworthiness studies that transformed product design and consumer expectations
  • Created the CPS Certified™ program to guide safer consumer choices
  • Conducted advanced injury biomechanics research with leading universities
  • Investigated critical safety failures in toys, food containers, and automatic litter boxes
  • Launched PAWS UP® for Safety, a national education initiative providing families with emergency preparedness tools and safety resources

Proven Impact: How CPS Research Has Changed the Pet Products Industry

Our work has influenced manufacturers, informed policymakers, and empowered millions of consumers to make safer choices.

Why Strategic Partnerships Are Essential to Advancing Pet Safety

When organizations partner with CPS, they gain more than research. They gain credibility, visibility, and measurable community impact.

CPS Driving Pet Safety Innovation

What Foundations and Brands Gain by Partnering with Center for Pet Safety

CPS provides:

  • Independent, unbiased safety evaluation
  • National media reach and strong public trust
  • Elevated CSR and ESG visibility
  • Co-branded education programs that strengthen community engagement
  • Research aligned with mission-driven priorities such as safety, innovation, animal welfare, and family well-being

Because CPS has no ties to pet product manufacturers, our work remains fully independent and in service to the public interest. Our partners help scale that impact.

Trusted by Leading Foundations and Global Brands

I invite foundations and mission-aligned organizations to join leaders such as Volvo Trucks, Subaru, Wells Fargo, Johnson Controls/Adient, and the Beaird Family Foundation in advancing safety for pets and consumer awareness.

Ways to Partner with Center for Pet Safety to Create Measurable Impact

  • Research Sponsorships That Advance Pet Safety Science. Support scientific studies that align with your values and demonstrate your commitment to safety and innovation.
  • Education Partnerships That Reach Millions of Pet Owners. Co-create branded safety resources, digital guides, and national awareness campaigns that reflect your mission and reach millions of people.
  • Capacity-Building to Scale Independent Testing and Research. Strengthen CPS’s ability to expand research, testing, and education through grants and sponsorships that accelerate our reach.

Together, we can drive meaningful change. By partnering with CPS, you help protect millions of pets and families through credible research, innovation, and education.

Let’s Create Impact Together

To explore how CPS can support your organization’s mission, contact us at Info@CenterForPetSafety.org or 800-324-2659. I look forward to building partnerships that advance safety for pets and the families who love them.

* * * * *

Turn to Center for Pet Safety for Trusted Guidance

Center for Pet Safety (CPS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to protecting companion animals and the people who love them. As the independent voice for pet owners, we advance pet safety through evidence-based research, testing, and education. Learn more and support us!

Strategic Partnership Opportunities

Join leading organizations and foundations — Volvo Trucks, Subaru, Wells Fargo, Johnson Controls/Adient, Beaird Family Foundation — in scaling our mission.
PAWS UP for Safety-Center for Pet Safety

More Articles