FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

About Approved by Fritz

What is Approved by Fritz?

Approved by Fritz is a female-led small business creating modern, design-forward dog accessories inspired by the colors of New York City. Founded with a simple belief: dog products should look as good as the rest of your home. Our collection includes beds, collars, leashes, harnesses, poop bag carriers, and bowl mats, all made with sustainable materials and named after Fritz, our original muse.

Who is Fritz?

Fritz is a rescue dog found as a stray in South Carolina. Together with his littermates, he arrived on a very cold day in New York City. Fritz is playful, smart, a little stubborn, and loves the city, humans, and other dogs. His mom always wanted to make sure everything he wears looks colorful, is sustainable, and easy to use. But in the end, it's Fritz who approves. Hence the name.

Where is Approved by Fritz based?

Approved by Fritz is based in New York City. Our products are designed in Amsterdam and New York, and our color combinations are inspired by NYC's iconic street colors, buildings, and murals. We ship worldwide from our warehouses in Los Angeles and Amsterdam, serving dog lovers in over 30 countries.

Has Approved by Fritz been featured in the press?

Yes. Approved by Fritz has been featured in Oprah Daily, Design Milk, Real Simple, and Dwell, among other publications. Our products are recognized for their distinctive design approach that brings modern aesthetics to the pet accessories market while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability.

Where are your products made?

Our products are designed in Amsterdam and New York, and manufactured in Turkey and China. We carefully select manufacturers that work in a sustainable, eco-friendly manner and meet our standards for quality and ethical production.

Where can I buy Approved by Fritz products?

You can buy Approved by Fritz products via our webshop at approvedbyfritz.com and at select retail stores in the US, Canada, Australia, EU, and UK. For wholesale inquiries, you can find us on Faire. Contact us if you'd like to find a retail store near you.

What are your brand values?

Our brand is built on three core values: Colorful, because we want to add more color to the dog lifestyle and make it more fun. Modern, because we love combining colors with a modern aesthetic. And Responsible, because we believe in creating a sustainable, long-term relationship with your dog. A dog is not just for a few years.

Products

What products does Approved by Fritz sell?

Approved by Fritz offers a curated collection of modern dog accessories: dog beds, collars, leashes, harnesses, poop bag carriers, and bowl mats. Each product is designed with a focus on quality materials, modern aesthetics, and sustainability. Our color palettes are inspired by New York City and are designed to complement your home decor.

What makes the Fritz Bed different from other dog beds?

The Fritz Bed is scratch-proof, machine washable, and water-resistant. Built to handle real life with dogs. It's made from 100% GRS-certified recycled PET bottles, with each bed diverting approximately 50 plastic bottles from landfill. The Better Cotton™ recycled canvas cover goes straight in the washing machine on a cold setting. Unlike conventional dog beds, the Fritz Bed is designed to complement modern interiors with its clean lines and NYC-inspired color palette.

Is the collar and leash material strong enough for my dog?

Yes. At the core, the Fritz Collar and Leash are made from nylon, the same trusted material used in standard high-quality leashes known for its strength and durability. We then coat it in PVC to make it fully waterproof, odor-resistant, and easy to clean. So you get all the strength of a traditional nylon leash with the added benefit of a waterproof, stink-free finish. All hardware is stainless steel, and every product is thoroughly tested. Rated for dogs up to 80 lbs (36 kg).

What does it mean that the Fritz Leash can be worn 3 ways?

The Fritz Leash is designed for versatile handling and can be worn 3 different ways: as a standard hand-held leash, as a crossbody leash for hands-free walking, and as a short traffic leash for close control in busy areas. All with the same durable nylon-coated-in-PVC construction and stainless steel hooks that make it fully waterproof and built to last.

Is the Fritz Harness reversible?

Yes, the Fritz Harness is fully reversible and made from polyester. It features a D-ring strap that can help prevent pulling when attached to the front, or connect with the collar via the back D-ring for extra safety during walks. It comes in matching color combinations with our collars and leashes.

What is the Poop Bag Carrier made of?

The Fritz Poop Bag Carrier is crafted from GRS-certified post-consumer recycled plastic. Each carrier is made from the equivalent of 1 recycled plastic bottle. It's machine washable (cold setting, air dry) and clips easily onto any leash. Please remove all treats, poop bags, and keys before washing.

Is the Bowl Mat dishwasher safe?

Yes, the Fritz Bowl Mat is crafted from BPA-free silicone and is completely dishwasher safe. It's also anti-slip, keeping your dog's bowls in place during mealtime. The mat is designed to catch spills and keep your floors clean.

How do I safely use Approved by Fritz products?

Collars, leashes, harnesses, and bandanas should always be worn under human supervision. Make sure your dog is not wearing them when left home alone or while playing unsupervised. Never leave your dog unattended with any product. Our collars and harnesses are not made for leash training purposes. If your dog shows leash reactivity, we recommend consulting a professional dog trainer. When products are exposed to extreme heat or weather conditions, check the condition before use. Store leashes in a place inaccessible to your dog.

Materials & Sustainability

Is Approved by Fritz a sustainable brand?

Yes. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We use 100% GRS-certified (Global Recycled Standard) recycled materials wherever possible. Our dog beds divert approximately 50 PET bottles each from landfill. We use Better Cotton™ for our canvas covers and ship with plastic-free packaging. We continuously work to reduce our environmental footprint across our entire supply chain.

What does GRS-certified mean?

GRS stands for Global Recycled Standard, an international standard that verifies recycled content in products and tracks it through the entire supply chain. GRS certification ensures that our recycled PET materials are genuinely sourced from post-consumer waste, and that our manufacturing partners meet strict environmental and social criteria. This gives you confidence that our sustainability claims are third-party verified.

What is Better Cotton™?

Better Cotton™ is the world's largest cotton sustainability program. It trains farmers to use water efficiently, care for soil health, reduce use of harmful chemicals, and promote fair labor practices. We use Better Cotton™ in our bed covers to ensure that even our natural fiber components meet high sustainability standards.

Is your packaging eco-friendly?

Yes. We ship all orders in plastic-free packaging. Our boxes and mailers are recyclable, and we avoid unnecessary packaging materials. We believe sustainability extends beyond the product itself to every touchpoint of the customer experience.

Shipping, Orders & Returns

Where does Approved by Fritz ship to?

We ship to most countries worldwide from our warehouses in Los Angeles and Amsterdam. If you are in the Americas, Australia, or Asia, your order ships from Los Angeles with delivery duties paid (DDP). If you are in Europe, the UK, or the Middle East, your order ships from Amsterdam. We ship within 1–2 business days, and orders typically arrive within 3–5 business days (US) or 2–4 business days (EU).

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes. Free shipping is available on all orders over $75 in the US and €75 in the EU. Orders below this threshold have a flat shipping rate. International shipping is calculated based on weight. We ship within 1–2 business days from our warehouse.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Facebook Pay.

Can I change my order after placing it?

Yes. If you'd like to change a color or size, you can do so within 5 hours of placing your order. Email contact@approvedbyfritz.com with your order confirmation number and the change you'd like to make. After 5 hours, your order may already be in processing.

What is your return and exchange policy?

We have a 30-day return policy. Your item must be in the same condition you received it, unworn and undamaged. We offer free exchanges for US and EU orders. For returns, we ask you to cover the return shipping label cost, which will be deducted from your refund. For the Fritz Bed, please confirm you have the right size before opening the vacuum-sealed insert, as it cannot be repackaged once expanded. Start a return via our returns portal.

Do your products come with a warranty?

Yes. All Approved by Fritz products come with a 1-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects. If the items you've chosen don't meet your expectations within a year of purchase, we're here to help or replace them at no cost to you. Claim your warranty via our portal.

How do refunds work?

Once we receive and inspect your return, we'll let you know if the refund is approved. If approved, you'll be automatically refunded on your original payment method, minus shipping costs. Please allow some time for your bank or credit card company to process the refund. We cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.

I have a question about my order. What should I do?

Email us at contact@approvedbyfritz.com with your order confirmation number in the subject line. We do our best to respond within 48 hours. You can also message us via the chat on our website for a faster response.

Care & Maintenance

Is the Fritz Bed machine washable?

Yes, the Fritz Bed cover is machine washable. Turn the cover inside out and wash on a cold setting. Let it air dry afterwards for best results. The recycled canvas material maintains its color and shape through multiple washes. Do not machine dry. Air drying will extend the life of the cover. We do not recommend washing the insert cushion in the machine.

How do I clean the Fritz Collar and Leash?

Because they're made from nylon coated in PVC, cleaning is effortless. Simply wipe them down with lukewarm water and a small amount of dish soap, then dry with a clean towel. The waterproof PVC coating means dirt, mud, and water won't soak in, so they stay fresh and odor-free. No dishwasher or washing machine needed.

How do I clean the Fritz Harness?

We recommend spot cleaning the harness or placing it in a laundry bag and washing it in the machine on a cold setting. Air dry afterwards. The polyester material holds up well with regular cleaning.

Can I wash the Poop Bag Carrier?

Yes. Machine wash the poop bag carrier on a cold setting and air dry. Make sure to remove all treats, poop bags, and keys before washing. The GRS-certified recycled material holds up well through regular washing.

Sizing

How do I find the right size for my dog?

Visit our size guide for detailed measurements and breed-specific recommendations for collars, harnesses, and beds. If you're between sizes, we generally recommend sizing up for comfort. Need help deciding? Contact us via chat and we'll help you find the perfect fit.

What if I order the wrong size?

No worries! We offer a 30-day free exchange. If the size isn't right, simply reach out to our customer service team and we'll send you the correct size at no additional cost. We want every pup to have the perfect fit.

Giving Back

Does Approved by Fritz donate to charity?

Yes. With every purchase, a portion goes to animal rescue organizations. Through our partnership with ShoppingGives, you can choose which charity to support at checkout. We also support local nonprofit rescue organizations by donating supplies and organizing fundraising events. We believe all dogs deserve a forever home.