Q: What collar should I choose if my dog swims in the sea? 

A: The salt in seawater is highly corrosive to metal, which means it will rust. But don’t worry, we’ve make products that are suitable for sea swimming canines! If your dog swims in the sea, we recommend you choose one of our classic-style collars with stainless steel hardware; or one of our quick release-style collars with plastic + stainless steel hardware. 

Q: How durable are Led & Collared® BioThane® dog collars, leads and harnesses?

A: Led & Collared Biothane® pet gear is perfect for all types of activities and lifestyles! Because all our dog collars, leads and harnesses are made from genuinue BioThane®, they're hard-wearing, waterproof, stink-proof and easy-to-clean. Further, wherever possible, we use stainless steel and brass hardware, as these metals are the most durable (noting that some fittings and colours are not available in these metals). It is however important to note that different products and hardware choices are better suited to different activities and lifestyles. Refer to our "Help me choose" guidance and check out our product specifications for more guidance.

Q: Can I personalise my Led & Collared® dog gear?

A: Yes! At Led & Collared®, we strive to offer a wide range product customisation and personalisation options. Our dog collars, leads and harnesses can all be customised with size, colour, hardware and fitting options. These products can also be personalised by adding a bespoke Led & Collared® Scrag Tag or QR Code Tag. Dog Feeding Mats, Signs and Tags are all personalised products for which you can customise colours, fonts and graphics.

Q: What collar should I choose if my dog is frequently home alone?

A: Our Safety Breakaway Dog Collar is specifically designed to keep your dog safe when they are alone or unsupervised. The collar features a specialised safety breakaway mechanism that causes the collar to pop open and fall off when sufficient force or pressure is applied. This means the collar will pop off if your dog gets caught on an object or another dog (sometimes dogs get their jaws caught in collars when playing). If you choose this style of collar, just ensure that your dog/s are in a well-fenced and secure property - as you don’t want them running down the road without a collar on!

Q: Can I add extra text onto my dog tag or Scrag Tag? 

A: In most cases, yes, we can add extra text onto your chosen dog tag - please just email us with your request. Please note that there are some tags that are not big enough to fit in additional text, this includes our 19mm and 25mm QR Code Scrag Tags (since the QR code itself takes up the majority of space on the tag).

Q: Why choose Led & Collared custom signs for my home?

A: We offer two different types of sign - the Custom Sign and the Name Sign. The Custom Sign is ideal for conveying an important message in outdoor areas (on gates and fences) and on dog kennels & crates (for example: "Please close the gate", "Do not approach dog", "Guard dog on duty" etc.). The Name Sign is ideal for putting your dog's name on his/her kennel or crate. Our signs are all made from the highest quality plastics; they're custom made-to-order in New Zealand; and we offer a range range of attachment options.

Q: What’s the difference between breakaway and traditional buckles in your cat collars?

A: At Led & Collared®, we offer both breakaway and traditional quick release buckle options for our cat collars. Breakaway buckles are specifically designed to keep your cat safe when they are out roaming, alone or unsupervised. This is because the buckle is designed to pop open when sufficient force or pressure is applied. This will protect your cat from injury, choking or strangulation. Conversely, the traditional buckle is designed for secure closure, which will not pop open when force or pressure is applied. There are pros and cons for each buckle type. Breakaway buckles are best suited to adventurous or outdoor cats. Traditional quick release buckles may be suitable for calmer indoor cats. But this is a very personal choice - so please refer to our blog article for detailed guidance.

Q: Why is BioThane® the best material for pet gear?

A: At Led & Collared®, most of our pet gear is made from genuine BioThane®. BioThane® is a polyester webbing made in the USA and registered for quality standard ISO 9001:2015. BioThane® is a superior product for pet gear because it is highly durable, strong, non-toxic & hypoallergenic, fade resistant, flexible, waterproof, stink-proof and easy-to-clean. At Led & Collared®, we finish our product carefully by sealing all cut ends of the BioThane® with specialised acrylic paints to ensure durability and waterproofing. To learn more about BioThane®, check out our blog article.

Q: How do I clean and maintain my BioThane® Led & Collared® gear?

A: To clean your BioThane® pet gear, simply hand rinse with warm water and soap or gentle detergent, then wipe dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not put in the washing machine. If your pet wears their gear to the beach, we recommend rinsing after each visit (and choosing one of our products that is suitable for sea swimming i.e. stainless steel or plastic/stainless steel). If your BioThane® pet gear has a really stubborn stain, you can safely use a small amount of Isopropyl Alcohol (also known as 'rubbing alcohol' or surgical spirits) on a clean paper towel or cotton pad to clean the area.

Q: What type of hardware do you use?

A: We use both metal and plastic hardware in our products. To provide choice around function, robustness and colour, we use a wide range of different buckles and clasps in various metals. Our standard hardware range includes: stainless steel, silver brass, brass, black brass, antique brass and neo (or rainbow). See our Product Specifications page for more detail.

Q: Are Led & Collared® products really made in New Zealand?

A: Yes (mostly)! All our BioThane® dog & cat products, signs, acrylic poop bag holders and tags are handcrafted by us right here in Wellington, New Zealand. The only products that we do not make ourselves are our stainless steel dog bowls, silicone dog poop bag dispensers, Orbiloc safety lights and cat bells. These products are sourced from reputable international manufacturers.

Q: What do I do if my dog or cat is between sizes?

A: If your dog or cat is between sizes or right at the end of a size range - we can make a bespoke size! Please just email us with details once you've placed your order. We'll need your your order number and your pet's measurement/s. Check out our dog measurement guide and cat measurement guide for detailed product size and measurement information.

Q: Does adding a Scrag Tag to my pet's collar impact size adjustability?

A: Sometimes. For quick-release collar styles, adding a Led & Collared® Scrag Tag will reduce size adjustability by approximately 4-5cm. This is because the size adjuster cannot slide past the Scrag Tag. If you think this is going to be a problem (i.e. your dog or cat's neck size is close to the lower range), simply email us with details once you've placed your order. We'll need your your order number and your pet's neck measurement. We will adjust the collar size to ensure a perfect fit!

Q: How do I measure my dog for a custom collar or harness?

A: To measure your dog or cat for a custom BioThane® product, we recommend you use a soft flexible measuring tape (or piece of fabric that you can then measure with a ruler). Depending on whether you're measuring for a collar or harness, wrap the measuring tape (or fabric) around the circumference of your pet's neck or girth. Be careful not to overlap the two ends of the measuring tape and ensure you add some slack beneath the tape (about two fingers for a dog and one finger for a cat). Check out our dog measurement guide and cat measurement guide for detailed product size and measurement information.

Q: I ordered the wrong size, will you exchange the product for a different size?

A: As the majority of Led & Collared® products are customised and individually made to order, we’re unable to exchange products for a different size (sorry). We will however do our best to resize your product if you're happy to cover the cost of return shipping (and we won't charge you to resize a product). Please note that this generally only applies to making products shorter or smaller! If you need a product resized, please just email us. You can also find more detailed information on our returns and refunds policy.

Q: Are Led & Collared® products guaranteed?

A: Yes! We offer the Led & Collared® Gear Guarantee against any material defect or faulty construction. Outside normal wear and tear (and chewing), if anything goes wrong, we want to know about it so we can make it right. Within the first 6 months of use, we’ll replace any defective or faulty products without question. This guarantee specifically excludes the following:

• Damage caused by normal everyday wear and tear
• Damage caused by misuse
• Damage caused by chewing
• Damage caused by inappropriate cleaning
• Damage caused by disassembly, modification or alteration
• Products gifted or provided free of charge.

If you wish to make a claim, simply email us with a photograph of the product. Note that the Orbiloc Safety Lights™ are covered by a different 3-year warranty - see our returns policy for more information.

Q: Do you repair products or replace parts?

A: Yes, in most cases, we can repair a Led & Collared® product or replace a part (such as a buckle or clasp). Assuming the repair or part replacement is due to normal wear & tear (see above), we typically charge between NZD $15-$20 + shipping. We do not repair other brands.

Q: What are the New Zealand shipping options for Led & Collared® pet gear?

A: For New Zealand orders, we use NZ Couriers or NZ Post to efficiently and safely deliver your goodies. For most places in New Zealand, delivery takes 1 working day from the date of dispatch (rural locations can take a little longer). Once dispatched, you will receive an email from the courier company with your tracking number. Shipping rates depend on the size of the parcel and your location - but generally range between NZD $8 and $12 (shipping costs are calculated at checkout). You can find more information on our Shipping, Returns & Product Care page.

Q: Does Led & Collared® ship internationally?

A: Yes! We ship our products all over the world. We use a range of international couriers (including DHL, Fedex and NZ Post) to efficiently and safely deliver your goodies. Delivery varies by location, by typically takes between 2-10 working days from the date of dispatch. Our shipping rates depend on the the weight of the parcel. Once dispatched, you will receive an email with your tracking number. All orders are shipped from New Zealand. You can find more information on our Shipping, Returns & Product Care page.

Q: I live locally, can I collect my order from Led & Collared®?

A: We're on online store only, so we don't generally offer the option for order collection or pick-up (sorry).

Q: How does Led & Collared support local communities and charities?

A: As a small New Zealand business, we do what we can to support local community and charities. We make cash donations to St John Therapy Pets and product donations to the New Zealand SPCA. We also donate products to dog and cat related community events from time to time. Please be aware, we're a very small business, so we're not always able to donate cash or products when asked (and we're asked often)!

Q: I'd love to browse Led & Collared® products - how can I do this?

A: We're an online store only and the majority of our products are custom made-or-order, so we don't generally hold 'pre-made' stock on hand. We do occasionally attend local Wellington-based markets and events. If we are scheduled to attend an event, we'll advertise this on our social media pages and on our contact page.