Pet Collars

You should be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the collar and your pet’s neck, no more, no less. Too loose and the collar can slip over their head; too tight and it can restrict breathing or rub the skin raw. Check the fit regularly, especially for growing puppies, kittens, and long-haired breeds whose coats can disguise a tight fit.

UK law requires all dogs in public to wear a collar with an identification tag showing the owner’s name and address (working dogs actively working are exempt). Cats aren’t legally required to wear collars, but many vets and charities recommend a collar with an ID tag for outdoor cats as a visual sign that they have a home. Microchipping is also legally required for dogs in the UK and strongly recommended for cats.

While the law requires dogs to wear a collar in public, many vets recommend removing it overnight or when crated to prevent rubbing and matting of the fur. For cats, a safe breakaway collar (which releases if caught on something) is the recommended choice for any cat who goes outdoors. A well-fitted, soft personalised collar minimises these issues during daytime wear.