Editorial Guidelines

 

Our Commitment to You

At Dubaipet.shop, we are committed to providing honest, accurate, and unbiased information to help pet owners across Dubai and the UAE make informed decisions about their pets' care and supplies. These Editorial Guidelines outline our principles, standards, and practices to ensure transparency and maintain your trust.

1. Editorial Independence

1.1 Final Editorial Authority

Our editorial team has complete independence. The editor-in-chief and content team have final say on:

  • What products we review and feature
  • What content we publish on our website
  • What brands we recommend
  • What information we share with our community

No external influence: No brand, manufacturer, distributor, or advertiser can dictate or influence our editorial decisions, content, or product recommendations.

1.2 No Third-Party Conditions

We do not accept conditions from third parties that restrict what we say. This means:

  • ✅ We maintain full editorial freedom
  • ✅ We publish honest opinions, even if critical
  • ✅ We highlight both pros and cons of products
  • ✅ We prioritize pet welfare over commercial interests
  • ❌ We do not sign agreements that limit our editorial freedom
  • ❌ We do not allow brands to dictate our coverage

1.3 No Pre-Approval of Content

We do not give third parties:

  • Advanced notice of review scores or ratings
  • Power to vet, approve, or edit our content
  • The ability to suppress negative feedback
  • Influence over our editorial calendar or priorities

Our reviews and articles are published without external approval.

2. Product Review Standards

2.1 How We Select Products to Review

We choose products for review based on:

  • Pet owner demand: What our Dubai and UAE customers are asking about
  • Market trends: New and innovative pet products entering the market
  • Quality standards: Products that meet our criteria for safety and effectiveness
  • Brand reputation: Established brands with proven track records
  • Pet welfare: Products that genuinely benefit pets' health and happiness

Not influenced by: Financial incentives, advertising relationships, or brand pressure.

2.2 Testing Process

When we review products, we:

  • Test thoroughly: Use products as intended over extended periods
  • Consider real-world conditions: Test in Dubai's climate and lifestyle conditions
  • Gather multiple opinions: Consult veterinarians, pet trainers, and pet owners
  • Document objectively: Record both positive and negative findings
  • Update regularly: Revisit reviews when products are updated or reformulated

2.3 Long-Term Product Loans

For review purposes only, we occasionally accept products on long-term loan from manufacturers or distributors. However:

  • ✅ Loans are for testing and evaluation only
  • ✅ All loaned products are returned or donated after review
  • ✅ Accepting a product loan does not guarantee positive coverage
  • ✅ We clearly disclose when a product was provided for review
  • ❌ We do not accept gifts or products for personal use
  • ❌ Product loans do not influence our editorial judgment

3. Financial Incentives & Conflicts of Interest

3.1 No Cash Incentives

We do not accept cash or cash alternatives as an incentive to review products. This includes:

  • ❌ Payment for positive reviews
  • ❌ Bonuses tied to review scores
  • ❌ Gifts, trips, or entertainment from brands
  • ❌ Free products for personal use
  • ❌ Discounts for staff on reviewed products

3.2 No Writer Affiliate Commissions

Our writers and content creators do not make money from affiliate commissions on products they review or recommend. This ensures:

  • ✅ Unbiased recommendations
  • ✅ No financial incentive to favor certain products
  • ✅ Complete editorial independence
  • ✅ Trust in our content

Separation of editorial and commercial: Our editorial team and sales/marketing teams operate independently.

3.3 Conflict of Interest Policy

We do not allow writers or editors to cover products where there may be a conflict of interest. This includes:

  • Products manufactured or sold by family members
  • Brands in which the writer has a financial stake
  • Companies where the writer has a personal relationship with executives
  • Products the writer personally uses and has strong bias toward
  • Competing products if the writer works with a rival brand

Disclosure requirement: If any potential conflict arises, it must be disclosed to the editorial team and the writer will be reassigned.

4. Transparency & Disclosure

4.1 Clear Labeling

We clearly label all content types:

  • Product Reviews: Comprehensive evaluations based on testing
  • Buying Guides: Educational content to help inform purchase decisions
  • Sponsored Content: Paid partnerships (clearly marked as "Sponsored" or "Partner Content")
  • Editorial Content: Independent articles, guides, and pet care information
  • User Reviews: Customer feedback and testimonials

4.2 Product Sourcing Disclosure

We disclose how we obtained products for review:

  • "Review unit provided by [Brand]" - Product loaned for testing
  • "Purchased for review" - We bought the product ourselves
  • "Long-term testing" - Product on extended loan for thorough evaluation

4.3 Sponsored Content Disclosure

When we publish sponsored content:

  • ✅ It is clearly labeled as "Sponsored," "Partner Content," or "Advertisement"
  • ✅ Disclosure appears at the top of the article
  • ✅ Editorial standards still apply (accurate, helpful, well-researched)
  • ✅ We maintain the right to decline sponsorships that don't align with our values

We never disguise advertising as editorial content.

5. How We Make Money

5.1 Revenue Sources

Dubaipet.shop generates revenue through:

1. Product Sales

  • We sell pet supplies directly to customers in Dubai and UAE
  • This is our primary revenue source
  • Product selection is based on quality, safety, and customer demand

2. Affiliate Partnerships

  • We may earn commission when customers purchase through affiliate links to third-party retailers
  • Affiliate links are clearly marked with disclosure language
  • Affiliate relationships do NOT influence editorial recommendations
  • Our editorial team does not see affiliate performance data

3. Display Advertising

  • We may display advertisements from pet-related brands
  • Ad placements are managed separately from editorial content
  • Advertisers cannot buy positive coverage or influence reviews

4. Sponsored Content

  • Occasional sponsored articles or product features
  • Always clearly labeled and disclosed
  • Must meet our editorial quality standards
  • We reserve the right to decline sponsorships

5.2 Financial Independence

Our business model prioritizes editorial integrity:

  • No single advertiser or brand accounts for majority of revenue
  • Editorial team budgets are independent of advertising revenue
  • Writers' compensation is not tied to traffic, clicks, or sales
  • We do not allow commercial interests to override editorial judgment

6. Fact-Checking & Accuracy

6.1 Research Standards

All content undergoes rigorous fact-checking:

  • Veterinary review: Pet health content reviewed by licensed veterinarians
  • Expert consultation: Training, behavior, and nutrition content vetted by certified professionals
  • Source verification: Claims backed by scientific studies, manufacturer data, or expert testimony
  • Regular updates: Content reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy

6.2 Correction Policy

When errors occur:

  • ✅ We correct them promptly and transparently
  • ✅ We add "Updated" or "Correction" notices at the top of articles
  • ✅ We explain what was corrected and why
  • ✅ We learn from mistakes to improve our processes

Report an error: Email us at editorial@dubaipet.shop

7. Pet Welfare First

7.1 Our Priority

Pet health and safety always come first. We will not recommend or promote:

  • Products with known safety risks
  • Items that could harm pets' health or wellbeing
  • Brands with poor safety records or recalls
  • Products that violate animal welfare standards

7.2 Ethical Product Selection

We prioritize:

  • ✅ Products tested for safety and efficacy
  • ✅ Brands with transparent ingredient lists
  • ✅ Companies with ethical sourcing practices
  • ✅ Items appropriate for Dubai's climate and environment
  • ✅ Products that enhance pets' quality of life

8. User-Generated Content

8.1 Customer Reviews

Customer product reviews on our website:

  • Are written by verified purchasers
  • Are not filtered for positivity (we publish both positive and negative reviews)
  • Are monitored for inappropriate content, spam, or fake reviews
  • Cannot be influenced or removed by brands or manufacturers

8.2 Moderation Standards

We remove reviews that:

  • Contain profanity, hate speech, or personal attacks
  • Are spam or promotional content
  • Appear to be fake or incentivized
  • Violate customer privacy
  • Are off-topic or irrelevant

We do not remove negative reviews simply because they criticize a product.

9. Brand Relationships

9.1 Authorized Dealers

As authorized dealers for brands like Royal Canin, ADA, Alcott, Zeus, Vetafarm, and others:

  • ✅ We maintain authentic product quality
  • ✅ We provide accurate product information
  • ✅ We honor warranties and guarantees
  • ❌ Brand relationships do not influence editorial coverage
  • ❌ We maintain independence in product recommendations

9.2 Brand Partnerships

When we partner with brands for content, events, or campaigns:

  • All partnerships are clearly disclosed
  • Editorial independence is maintained
  • We choose partners that align with our values
  • Partnerships do not guarantee favorable coverage

10. Diversity & Inclusion

We strive to represent the diverse pet-owning community in Dubai and UAE:

  • Content that serves all pet types (dogs, cats, birds, aquarium, reptiles, small pets)
  • Recognition of different cultural approaches to pet ownership
  • Inclusive language and imagery
  • Accessibility considerations for all users
  • Representation of diverse family structures and living situations

11. Privacy & Data Protection

11.1 Editorial Research

When conducting research or surveys:

  • We protect participant privacy
  • We obtain consent before using customer stories
  • We anonymize data when appropriate
  • We follow our Privacy Policy

11.2 Source Protection

We protect confidential sources and whistleblowers who provide information in the public interest.

12. Social Media & Community Guidelines

12.1 Our Channels

On our social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube):

  • We engage authentically with our community
  • We disclose partnerships and sponsored posts (#ad, #sponsored)
  • We maintain the same editorial standards as our website
  • We moderate comments to keep discussions respectful

12.2 Influencer Partnerships

When working with pet influencers or content creators:

  • All partnerships are disclosed
  • We choose partners who align with our values
  • We require honest opinions and authentic content
  • We do not require positive-only coverage

13. Continuous Improvement

13.1 Feedback Welcome

We welcome feedback on our editorial practices:

  • 📧 Email: editorial@dubaipet.shop
  • 💬 Feedback form: Available on our website
  • 📱 Social media: DM us on Instagram or Facebook

13.2 Regular Review

We review and update these guidelines:

  • Annually as standard practice
  • When industry standards evolve
  • In response to community feedback
  • As our business grows and changes

14. Our Editorial Team

14.1 Team Expertise

Our content is created by:

  • Pet care specialists with years of experience
  • Veterinary advisors who review health content
  • Product testers who evaluate items hands-on
  • Local experts who understand Dubai's unique pet care needs

14.2 Training & Standards

All team members:

  • Receive training on these Editorial Guidelines
  • Sign agreements to uphold our ethical standards
  • Participate in ongoing education about pet care and journalism ethics
  • Are held accountable for maintaining our standards

15. Accountability

15.1 Our Promise

We promise to:

  • Maintain editorial independence at all times
  • Prioritize pet welfare and customer trust over profit
  • Be transparent about our relationships and revenue sources
  • Correct mistakes promptly and openly
  • Listen to and value community feedback

15.2 Hold Us Accountable

If you believe we've violated these guidelines:

  • 📧 Email: hello@dubaipet.shop
  • 📞 Phone: +971-05-62701772
  • 💬 Contact form: Available on our website

We take all concerns seriously and will investigate thoroughly.

Conclusion

These Editorial Guidelines represent our commitment to serving Dubai and UAE's pet-owning community with integrity, transparency, and excellence. We believe that honest, independent content is essential to helping you make the best decisions for your beloved pets.

Thank you for trusting Dubaipet.shop as your source for pet supplies and information.