Finding the Perfect Collar for Your Pet: 6 Tips to Help You Pick

Pets provide us with companionship, love, and loyalty—and for many people, they are considered part of the family. According to a study by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 68% of U.S. households include at least one pet, which equates to approximately 84 million homes. And those numbers continue to grow. There are many reasons why people choose to have pets, but one thing is for sure: Pets make our lives better.

Pets offer us unconditional love and acceptance, no matter what we look like or how we behave. They don’t care if we’re rich or poor, popular or unpopular, smart or not so smart. They just want us to be there for them, and they repay us with their devotion and affection. Pets can also help reduce stress levels. Simply petting a dog can release oxytocin into the bloodstream and lower heart rate and blood pressure.

But it’s not enough just to bring a pet into our homes—we need to make sure that we are providing them with the best possible care. That includes everything from feeding them the right food to keeping them exercised and healthy. It also means making sure they have the proper gear, starting with a good collar. So if you’re on the hunt for the perfect collar for your beloved pet, here are six tips to keep in mind:

Choose Between a Flat Collar or a Harness

The first step in choosing the right collar for your pet is to decide between a flat collar or a harness. A flat collar is the most common type of collar, and it’s what most people think of when they picture a dog or cat collar. It attaches around the neck and is usually adjustable, so it can be made to fit snugly but not too tightly. You can find flat collars made from a variety of materials, including cloth, leather, and nylon.

A harness, on the other hand, goes around the chest and shoulders and helps distribute the weight evenly. It’s a good choice for dogs who pull on their leash or for any pet that you want to have extra control over. Most harnesses have a leash attachment on the back, but you can also find front-clip harnesses that attach to the chest. This type of harness is ideal for dogs who tend to pull because it will quickly and easily turn them around.

Look for Collars with Added Features

When shopping for a collar, you’ll also want to look for one that has added features that will be beneficial for your pet. For example, some collars have reflective strips that will help keep your pet visible in low-light conditions. Some even come with a built-in light, which can be helpful for early morning or evening walks. And if your dog is prone to get lost, you might want to try using a Halo collar that allows you to track your pet’s location via GPS. Most collars with GPS tracking systems will also let you set up a wireless fence, so you’ll be alerted if your dog wanders outside of a certain area.

Regardless of which features you choose, make sure that the collar is comfortable for your pet to wear. If it’s not, they’re likely to find a way to take it off, which could defeat the purpose of having it in the first place.

Consider the Size and Weight of Your Pet

Another important factor to consider when choosing a collar is the size and weight of your pet. If you have a small dog, you’ll want to choose a smaller collar that won’t be bulky or overwhelming. Similarly, if your pet is on the heavy side, you’ll need a sturdier collar that can handle more wear and tear.

You should also make sure that the collar is large enough to fit over your pet’s head without being too tight. It should be comfortable but not so loose that it can easily come off. This is particularly important if you are getting a collar with a GPS tracking device, as you’ll need to make sure it fits snugly so that it doesn’t fall off. The best way to ensure a good fit is to measure your pet’s neck and add two inches. That way, you’ll have some wiggle room to adjust the collar as needed.

Decide on the Right Material

The material of the collar is also an important factor to consider. Cloth collars are lightweight and comfortable, but they might not be as durable as other materials. Leather collars are more expensive but tend to be more durable, and they can also look quite stylish. Nylon collars are strong and sturdy, making them a good choice for active dogs. And if you live in a hot climate, you might want to choose a mesh or breathable fabric to help keep your pet cool.

Also, keep in mind that some materials are better suited for certain activities. For example, if you plan on taking your dog swimming, nylon or mesh collar might be a better option than a leather one, especially if it also has metal hardware that could rust. And if your dog is particularly active or playful, you might want to choose a material that can stand up to some wear and tear.

Pick a Style That Suits Your Pet’s Personality

In addition to functionality, you’ll also want to choose a collar that suits your pet’s personality. If your dog is particularly active, you might want to choose a sporty style with bright colors and patterns. Or if your dog is more laid-back, you might prefer a classic leather collar with simple hardware. You can even find collars with fun embellishments like crystals or rhinestones. And if you have more than one pet, you can even find matching sets!

You can even have a customer collar made specifically for your pet. This is a great option if you can’t find anything that quite suits your pet’s personality or if you want something truly unique.

Take Your Pet With You so You Can Try on the Collar

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, the best way to find the perfect collar for your pet is to take them with you so they can try it on. This will allow you to see how the collar looks and feels on your pet and make sure that it fits properly. It’s also a good idea to let your dog wear the collar around the house for a few minutes so they can get used to it before taking them out in public. If your dog seems uncomfortable or keeps trying to take the collar off, it’s likely not a good fit and you should try something else.

As you can see, choosing the perfect collar for your pet doesn’t have to be difficult. Just keep these tips in mind and you’re sure to find a collar that’s both functional and stylish. And most importantly, make sure that the collar is comfortable for your pet to wear so they can enjoy their walks and look good doing it!