Product Safety & Care Guide
At Dottie's Pet Boutique, we take pride in creating handmade pet accessories with care and attention to detail.
We want your pets to enjoy their new collars and leads safely, so we've put together some helpful information about choosing the correct size, understanding safety fastenings and caring for your products.
Cat Collars & Breakaway Safety Fastenings
Our cat collars are fitted with breakaway safety fastenings, designed to release when sufficient pressure is applied.
This important safety feature helps reduce the risk of injury if your cat becomes caught on a branch, fence, furniture or another object.
Why does my cat's collar keep coming off?
Breakaway fastenings are intentionally designed to release under pressure. Some cats may discover that scratching at their collar, catching it with a paw or pulling against it can cause the fastening to open.
This does not necessarily indicate a fault with the collar. It may simply mean the safety mechanism is working as intended.
Are the fastenings tested?
Yes. Each breakaway fastening is individually checked and tested during production, before being stitched onto your collar.
Any fastening that does not meet our checks is rejected.
What if I think my collar is faulty?
If you believe your collar has a faulty fastening, please contact us through our website's Contact Us page with your order details and a description of the issue.
Photographs or a short video demonstrating the problem can help us investigate.
Choosing the Correct Collar Size
A correctly fitted collar is important for your pet's comfort and safety.
Cat Collars
Ensure the collar is adjusted appropriately for your cat's neck, allowing approximately two fingers to fit comfortably between the collar and their neck.
Check the fit regularly, particularly for growing kittens.
Dog Collars
Measure your dog's neck before ordering rather than relying solely on their breed or previous collar size.
Ensure the collar fits comfortably without being loose enough to slip over your dog's head.
For larger or stronger dogs, selecting an appropriate collar width and hardware strength is particularly important.
Please refer to our Size Guide before placing your order.
Dog Leads & Walking Accessories
Our handmade dog leads and walking accessories are designed for everyday walking when used appropriately.
For safe use:
Always select a suitable lead width and hardware for your dog's size and strength.
Check trigger hooks, stitching, webbing and other fittings before each walk.
Ensure all clips are securely attached before setting off.
Do not allow your dog to chew their lead or accessories.
Never leave a dog unattended while tethered.
If you notice damage, loose stitching or worn hardware, discontinue use until the product has been assessed or replaced.
Extension Leads, Double-Ended Leads & Multiple-Dog Leads
We offer a range of handmade walking accessories, including short extension leads, double-ended leads and multiple-dog walking systems.
To ensure safe use:
Always select accessories appropriate for your dog's size, strength and walking requirements.
Check that all trigger hooks, O-rings and connections are securely attached before use.
Ensure multiple-dog leads are correctly connected and that each dog can be controlled safely.
Avoid allowing leads to become twisted, tangled or caught around your dog's legs.
Regularly inspect all components for signs of wear or damage.
Our walking accessories should only be used for their intended purpose and under appropriate supervision.
Caring for Your Pet Accessories
To help keep your handmade collars and leads looking their best:
Gently spot-clean using a damp cloth and mild soap when necessary.
Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach and abrasive cleaning products.
Allow products to air-dry naturally, away from direct heat.
Avoid prolonged soaking, which may affect the materials and hardware.
Regularly inspect stitching, fastenings and webbing for signs of wear.
All pet accessories experience wear over time, particularly with frequent use, scratching, chewing or exposure to outdoor conditions.
Personalised Collars & Printed Designs
Our personalised collars and printed accessories are handmade to order.
Please check all personalisation details carefully when ordering, including names, telephone numbers, spelling and sizing.
Regular cleaning and appropriate care will help maintain the appearance of your printed designs.
Personalised products are generally excluded from change-of-mind returns, but your statutory rights remain unaffected if an item is faulty or not as described.
Product Materials, Wear & Damage
Our handmade collars and leads are created using carefully selected materials, including decorative ribbons, webbing and hardware.
Decorative ribbons and printed fabrics provide the appearance of the product, while the underlying webbing and appropriate hardware provide its structural support.
As with all pet accessories, regular use may result in natural wear over time.
Scratching, Chewing & Accidental Damage
Ribbons and fabrics can be damaged by claws, teeth, rubbing or catching against other objects.
If your pet regularly scratches, chews or pulls at their collar, we recommend monitoring the condition of the product and removing it when appropriate and safe to do so.
Damage caused by scratching, chewing, accidental snagging or misuse does not necessarily indicate a manufacturing defect.
Normal Wear & Manufacturing Faults
We carefully inspect our handmade products during production, including checking stitching, hardware and fastenings.
Normal wear, cosmetic damage and damage caused by external factors are different from manufacturing faults.
If you believe your product has developed a fault, please contact us through our website so we can investigate the circumstances and offer an appropriate resolution.
Your statutory consumer rights are unaffected.
When Should I Replace My Pet's Collar or Lead?
We recommend regularly checking your pet's accessories and replacing them if you notice:
Fraying or damaged webbing
Loose or damaged stitching
Cracked, broken or damaged fastenings
Bent or damaged metal hardware
Excessive wear affecting the product's safety
If you have any concerns about the condition of an accessory, stop using it until you are satisfied it is safe.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about sizing, product suitability, safety fastenings or an existing order, we're happy to help.
Please use the Contact Us page on our website so your enquiry can be recorded and tracked.
We want you and your pets to enjoy your handmade accessories safely.
Dottie's Pet Boutique
Handmade with care in the UK.