One of the common questions we receive at SheepskinShop is about the ethical sourcing of sheepskin. Many people are surprised to learn an important fact about genuine sheepskin products. The hides used to create sheepskin rugs, medical pelts, slippers, and other products are a natural by-product of the food industry. Sheep are primarily raised for meat production in countries such as New Zealand and Australia. After processing, the hides remain as a secondary material. Rather than allowing these hides to go to waste, they are carefully preserved and tanned to create the sheepskin products we use in our homes. In this sense, sheepskin is part of a full-use approach to agriculture, where as much of the animal as possible is utilized responsibly.

At SheepskinShop, we source our décor rugs from New Zealand sheepskins, while our medical sheepskins come from Australian origin pelts. Both countries are known worldwide for their high standards of animal welfare, agricultural oversight, and environmental regulation. The sheep raised in these regions spend most of their lives grazing freely in open pastures, which contributes to the quality, softness, and durability of the wool. The meat and agricultural industries in Australia and New Zealand are heavily regulated, with government bodies such as the New Zealand and Australian Departments of Agriculture establishing and enforcing standards since the 1990s. These regulations cover farming practices, processing, and export requirements, helping ensure that the industry operates responsibly.

Although North America does not have specific regulations governing imported sheepskins, we work with experienced international tanneries that follow strict global standards for tanning and safety. These processes include careful control of tanning agents and responsible environmental practices to ensure the sheepskins are safe, durable, and suitable for everyday use in the home.

For certain products, particularly our baby lambskin rugs, additional care is taken during the tanning process. These pelts are treated using gentle methods designed to minimize harmful compounds, resulting in zero detectable traces when tested by independent third-party laboratories. This makes them suitable for sensitive environments such as nurseries while maintaining the natural softness and breathability that genuine sheepskin is known for.

In addition to responsible sourcing and tanning standards, many of our sheepskin products are coloured using vegetable-based dyes. These dyes are derived from natural sources and are chosen because they are gentler on the environment compared to harsher synthetic chemical dyes. Vegetable dyeing allows the natural beauty and texture of the wool to remain visible while achieving the soft, neutral tones that many customers love for home décor. Because sheepskin is a natural material, every pelt has its own unique character, and using vegetable dyes helps preserve that authenticity while producing rich, consistent colours that complement modern interiors.

Because sheepskin is a by-product of the food industry, using these hides helps prevent unnecessary waste while creating products that are durable, natural, and biodegradable. Genuine sheepskin is also naturally insulating, breathable, and long lasting, which is why it has been used for centuries for comfort and warmth. In short, the sheep whose hides become sheepskin rugs and products have spent their lives doing what sheep do best, grazing in open pastures and living naturally in agricultural environments. By using these hides, we are giving a second life to a material that would otherwise be discarded.

At SheepskinShop, we take pride in sourcing high-quality pelts from trusted partners and ensuring they are processed responsibly. It’s part of our commitment to offering natural comfort you can feel good about bringing into your home.

Natural Comfort Since 1987
- SheepskinShop