Affiliate disclosure

What an affiliate link is

An affiliate link contains tracking information that tells a retailer a visitor arrived from A Friendly Dog. If the visitor completes an eligible purchase within the retailer’s rules, the retailer may pay A Friendly Dog a small advertising commission.

The relationship is between the site and the retailer or affiliate network. A reader’s purchase, return, warranty, delivery, privacy, and customer-service relationship remains with the retailer. Readers should review the retailer’s current terms before buying.

Programs A Friendly Dog may use

A Friendly Dog may participate in Amazon’s affiliate program and may work with other retailers or affiliate networks when their products or services are relevant to a guide. A link’s destination and the disclosure near it should make the commercial relationship clear.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Friendly Dog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

How links affect price and choice

Using an affiliate link should not increase the price a reader pays. Retail prices, promotions, availability, shipping, and seller details can change after an article is published, so readers should check the retailer’s page before completing a purchase.

A product link is not a requirement or a promise that the item will suit every dog. Size, health, temperament, household needs, and professional guidance may all affect what is appropriate. For medical diets, supplements, medications, or safety-sensitive products, readers should involve a qualified veterinarian.

Editorial independence

Potential commission does not give a retailer control over A Friendly Dog’s conclusions or ordinary editorial coverage. Affiliate rate, payment, free products, and advertising relationships should not determine whether a topic is covered or what readers are told.

Alicia’s aim is to include a commercial link only when it helps a reader locate an item mentioned in the article. The presence of a link does not mean Alicia has personally tested, owned, or used the product. When first-hand testing has not occurred, the article should not imply that it has.

More information about sourcing, review, corrections, and advertising separation is available in the editorial policy.

Where disclosures appear

A clear affiliate notice should appear before or near affiliate links, where a reader can see it before deciding whether to follow the link. A disclosure should not be hidden only in a footer, terms page, menu, or hover state.

Articles with affiliate links may use a short notice such as “This article contains affiliate links. A Friendly Dog may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no added cost to you.” More specific disclosures may be used when a retailer or program requires them.

• The notice should use plain language and remain readable on mobile.
• The notice should appear before the first affiliate link or beside the relevant recommendation.
• Sponsored or gifted arrangements should be identified separately and more specifically.

Display advertising is separate

A Friendly Dog may also display advertising supplied by an advertising service. An ad is not the same as an affiliate link. Ads should be labeled as advertising and visually separated from article links, navigation, downloads, and editorial calls to action.

Advertising and affiliate relationships help support publishing costs. They do not change the site’s health and safety boundaries, and they do not create an endorsement of every ad or product a reader may see.