As pet parents, we are constantly making choices to keep our four-legged family members safe, happy, and healthy.
From checking the ingredients in their food to picking out the right shampoo, their well-being is always a top priority. But what about the scents we fill our homes with? If you love lighting a candle to unwind after a long day but worry about how it affects your cat or dog, you aren't alone.
At Harvey & Co. Sydney, we believe you shouldn't have to choose between a beautifully scented home and the well-being of your pets. Here is a look behind the scenes at how we intentionally craft our handmade soy candles with your entire family in mind.
1. We Use Soy Wax
Many traditional, mass-produced candles are often made using paraffin wax, which is a petroleum by-product. When burned, paraffin can release soot and harsh chemical by-products into the air that can easily irritate a pet’s sensitive respiratory system.
We choose to use high-quality, 100% natural soy based wax for all of our candles. Derived from sustainable soybeans, soy wax burns incredibly clean, producing minimal soot and free from petroleum based toxins. This keeps your indoor air quality cleaner and much more comfortable for small lungs.
2. Premium, Australian-Made Fragrance Oils
The secret to our long-lasting, nostalgic scents lies in our premium fragrance oils, which are proudly crafted right here in Australia. We are highly selective about our ingredients, ensuring that everything we use adheres to strict IFRA standards and safety guidelines.
Most importantly for your pets, our fragrance oils are entirely free from parabens and phthalates. Phthalates, in particular, are common chemical fixatives used to extend the shelf life of scents, but they can be highly disruptive to animal endocrine and respiratory systems. By stripping these nasties away, we ensure a more mindful fragrance experience for everyone.
3. Why We Say "No" to Essential Oils
A common misconception is that "all-natural" essential oil candles are inherently better for pets. In reality, the exact opposite is often true.
Many popular essential oils —including tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, pine, and citrus— contain natural compounds that are highly toxic, or even fatal, to dogs and cats if inhaled, absorbed, or ingested. Because animals lack the specific liver enzymes required to break down these concentrated plant extracts, burning essential oil candles can quickly trigger respiratory distress, lethargy, or worse.
To help protect your pets, Harvey & Co. Sydney completely avoids using essential oils in our scent formulations. By relying strictly on carefully synthesised, pet-mindful fragrance oils, we reduce the risk of accidental plant toxicity.
Our Golden Rules for Burning Candles with Pets
While our ingredient choices make our candles a thoughtful, cleaner-burning alternative for pet-friendly households, it is important to remember that every pet is completely different.
Just like humans, some animals can be uniquely sensitive to certain scent profiles or smoke irritants.
To ensure peace of mind, we always recommend practicing normal household candle safety precautions:
Elevate the Flame: Always burn your candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface that is completely out of reach of curious paws and wagging tails.
Watch for Triggers: When lighting a new scent for the first time, observe your pet. If they sneeze, cough, or leave the room, it's best to extinguish the candle and try a lighter fragrance.
Keep It Well-Ventilated: Always burn candles in a well-ventilated space to ensure fresh air circulates freely throughout the room.
Never Leave Unattended: Never leave a lit candle alone in a room where a pet could accidentally knock it over.
With a bit of common sense and clean ingredients, you can confidently create a warm, inviting, and beautifully scented atmosphere that both you and your furry best friends can enjoy.
Disclaimer: While our candles are formulated using pet-mindful ingredients free from phthalates and essential oils, all pets react differently to airborne scents and combustion. Our products are not medical treatments or guaranteed remedies for pet sensitivities. Always introduce new scents cautiously, ensure proper room ventilation, and consult your veterinarian if your pet has pre-existing respiratory conditions.