Frequently Asked Questions
Product
Approval Specific Questions here
Q: How do I check on an approval?
A: You can check the status of an APA Approved business or product
here!
Look on the APA Approval Seal for the product or businesses ID#
Q: Does the APA sell it's endorsement?
A: No. We offer product, business and service approval. We test,
research and
confirm product or service claims and give a report based on our
findings.
Q: If you do not approve my product, will I
get a refund?
A: No (and yes*). Our fee covers the costs of testing and processing
applications and that fee is not affected
if the approval is made or not. Also, this policy keeps us from being
biased knowing we would have to offer a refund, if we do not offer the
approval.
If you are not approved, you will be given a report as to why and offered the opportunity to make the necessary changes and go through the process a second time at no charge.
We have approved 99% of all applications submitted. (Please see next question, we do not accept all applications).
(*Yes - If you facility was inspected and recommended by a APA Approval Department Representative, we do guarantee approval)
Q: Does the APA accept all requests for
approval?
A: No. If we feel a product or business would most likely not receive
approval, we will not accept an application. If we feel an approval is
questionable, we will inform the owner before accepting an application,
and allow them to make the decision if they want us to continue.
Q: How long does approval take?
A: Most businesses can be approved in 2 weeks, most products can be
approved in 30 days. Rush approval is available in some circumstances.
Q: How much does being approved cost?
A: The fee depends on how much time is required to complete the
approval. Most businesses from $339 to $489 and most products can be
approved for $250-$500.
In light of difficult economic times we can split your approval fee into payments at no additional charge.
Q: How much is the annual renewal of my
approval?
A: The APA reviews every business and product
annually to maintain approval reliability. You will be given a
renewal quote during initial review. The fee is very low, usually around
$100 for products and 50% of the original fee for businesses.
Q: How much product is
required for product approvals?
A: With most products we will need enough product to test in multiple
locations; vets, humane agencies, volunteer members homes and at the
APA. Some higher cost products can be shipped to numerous users to
reduce costs, but this will increase the approval time.
We will do our best to require the minimum amount of product required, however in no case will a product be approved if we have not had inspected, tested and personal experience with it.