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SQFI Info Sheets

SQF Food Safety Code: Pet Food Manufacturing

Strengthen Food Safety, Build Buyer Trust

The SQF Food Safety Code for Pet Food Manufacturing helps manufacturers implement a rigorous, GFSI-recognized food safety management system that protects pets, people, brands, and operations.

Benefits

Certification to the SQF Food Safety Code: Pet Food Manufacturing delivers measurable value across food safety, compliance, and operational performance. 

Earn your certification to: 
  • Enhance brand credibility with globally recognized GFSI-benchmarked certification. 
  • Reduce food safety risks via HACCP-based food safety plan and continuous improvement. 
  • Streamline compliance and audit readiness with documented, standardized processes. 
  • Improve supply chain access by meeting buyer requirements for approved supplier status. 
  • Drive operational efficiency through clear procedures, training, and corrective action tracking. 

Eligibility

Eligible companies are pet food manufacturers operating a HACCP-based food safety system supported by prerequisite programs such as GMPs, sanitation, allergen control, and traceability. Operations include branded, private labels, and co-manufacturers producing dry, wet, treats, supplements, and snacks. Sites must be able to undergo third-party certification audits.

Costs

SQF certification is an investment in consistent, compliant, and auditable food safety operations. Costs vary based on site size, risk level, and audit duration. 

Estimated costs include: 
  • SQFI Registration Fee: $650–$800 annually, per site. 
  • Third-Party Audit Fees: Costs vary depending on facility size, complexity, and location. Please contact your Certification Body for specific pricing.

Certification Process

SQF recommends a minimum of three months of documentation to demonstrate implementation. Please contact your Certification Body for specific timing. 

Selecting and Customizing Your SQF Code: 
Use the SQF Code Selector to ensure your site applies the right food safety requirements: 
  1. Identify your operation and products. 
  2. Select the Food Sector Categories (FSC) that match your activities. 
  3. Prepare for certification using the selected code. 

Steps to Certification

1. Learn about the SQF Code. 
2. Register for SQF Certification. 

3. Prepare for your audit: 

  • Define scope, conduct a GAP assessment, and plan implementation. 
  • Implement HACCP, prerequisite programs, and documentation. 
  • Verify readiness through internal audits and training. 
4. Schedule and conduct the audit. 
5. Renew certification to maintain compliance. 

Training

To achieve and sustain SQF certification, your team must be trained to consistently apply a HACCP-based food safety system, strong GMPs, and documented practices that stand up to an external audit. Training should focus on understanding the SQF Code, executing procedures on the floor, and demonstrating competency through records, internal audits, and corrective actions. 

  • The SQF Code: Understand the SQF Code, methodology, changes, and requirements. 
  • Internal Auditing: Learn how to implement a robust SQF internal audit program. 
  • Food Safety Culture: Address food safety culture expectations for SQF-certified sites. 
  • Approved Supplier Program: Explore how to implement an approved supplier program. 
  • Root Cause Analysis: Walk through the RCA process with tools. 
  • Corrective and Preventive Actions: An in-depth overview of the CAPA process and tools. 
  • Risk Assessment: Identify and mitigate food safety, food fraud, and food defense risk.
For more details and to access the full SQF Pet Food Code, visit: SQF Pet Food Code 
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