Jessica
At WeLovePetz, we are dedicated to providing you with the best pet care tips.
Every dog owner knows the “living room minefield.” You step on a squeaky toy at 2 AM, trip over a rope tug, or find half-chewed bones under the sofa. While we love spoiling our pets, the clutter can quickly overtake a home. The solution usually involves a designated “dump zone” for toys, but finding one that is safe, accessible for the dog, and not an eyesore is surprisingly difficult.
The PET ARTIST Dog Toy Basket positions itself as the middle ground between a hard plastic tub and a decorative wicker basket. It claims to be durable, collapsible, and large enough to hold a significant hoard of toys. But is a soft-sided bin actually sturdy enough to stand up to a dog digging for their favorite ball, or will it collapse into a shapeless pile of fabric? I took a closer look at the build quality and practicality of this purple organizer.
Key Features and Materials
This basket is designed with safety and ease of use in mind, specifically for households with pets. Here is a breakdown of the construction:
- Dimensions (15″L x 11″W x 9″H): This is a medium-to-large size. It provides about 24 Liters of volume, which is sufficient for a mix of plushies, balls, and ropes, but might overflow if you have massive toys for giant breeds.
- EVA Material Construction: The core material is Imitation Cotton EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate). This is crucial because it is non-toxic, lightweight, and water-resistant. Unlike wicker, it won’t splinter if chewed, and unlike cardboard boxes, it won’t dissolve if a slobbery toy is tossed inside.
- Cutout Handles: Instead of rope handles (which many dogs view as built-in chew toys), this bin uses integrated cutout handles. This eliminates the temptation for your dog to drag the basket around the room by a rope.
- Collapsible Design: The bin has a wire frame only at the top rim. The rest is soft fabric, allowing it to fold flat for storage or travel.
Hands-On Performance Analysis
I evaluated this basket based on stability, capacity, and how it handles the “dog factor.”
Structure and Stability
Because this is a collapsible bin, it arrives folded. The common issue with these types of products is that they arrive wrinkled and want to fold back in on themselves. The PET ARTIST basket is no exception—it initially looks a bit crumpled. However, once you stuff it full of blankets or toys for 24 hours, the EVA material relaxes and holds its rectangular shape well. The wire rim at the top keeps the opening wide and accessible.
Accessibility for Pets
The 9-inch height is a “sweet spot.” It is deep enough to hold a lot of items, but low enough that most dogs (even smaller breeds like Frenchies or Pugs) can stick their head in and fish out a toy. This promotes independent play, as the dog doesn’t have to bark at you to get a toy out of a tall plastic bin.
Cleaning and Durability
The interior polyester lining is a major plus. Dog toys are gross—covered in saliva, dirt, and hair. This basket can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth. It is dirt-resistant and doesn’t absorb moisture like a cotton canvas basket would. While it isn’t machine washable (due to the metal rim), spot cleaning is very effective.
Pros & Cons
| ✅ The Good | ❌ The Bad |
|---|---|
| Safe Handles: Cutout design removes the chew risk associated with rope handles. | Soft Sides: Not rigid; sides can bow out if overstuffed with heavy items. |
| Easy to Clean: Moisture-resistant EVA material wipes down easily. | Wrinkles: Arrives folded and requires “breaking in” to look crisp. |
| Accessible Height: Low enough for most dogs to reach in comfortably. | Not Indestructible: A determined chewer could damage the fabric rim. |
| Collapsible: Folds flat for travel or storage. |
Comparison: Toy Storage Options
Is this soft bin better than the alternatives?
| Feature | PET ARTIST Basket (This Product) | Wicker/Rattan Basket | Plastic Storage Tub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety 🛡️ | High (Soft / No splinters) | Low (Splinters if chewed) | High (Rigid) |
| Aesthetics 🎨 | Casual / printed text | Classic / Decor | Utilitarian / Ugly |
| Cleaning 🧼 | Easy (Wipe down) | Hard (Dirt gets in weave) | Very Easy (Hose off) |
| Accessibility 🐕 | High (Flexible edge) | Medium (Rigid edge) | Low (Usually tall) |
Verdict
The PET ARTIST Dog Toy Basket is a practical, safe, and reasonably attractive solution for pet clutter. It beats wicker baskets purely on safety—there is no risk of your dog ingesting sharp wood splinters. It beats plastic tubs on accessibility and style.
While the soft sides mean it lacks the rigid perfection of a hard box, the trade-off is a lightweight, portable bin that you can toss in the car for road trips. The cutout handles are a smart design choice that extends the life of the product by removing a common chew point.
Recommendation: Ideal for owners who want a dedicated spot for toys that is safe for the dog to interact with directly. If you have a massive dog with heavy rubber toys, you might need two.
