Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering & Shipping

When will I receive my order?

We aim to dispatch all ready-to-ship items within 2 working days. These items include dog harnesses, bandanas, bow ties, leads, and collars.

All made-to-order items (personalized dog hoodies, ID tags, and custom bows) will be shipped within 5-7 working days.

My order was marked as dispatched but I haven't received it?

All of our parcels are sent via Royal Mail 1st Class untracked. Whilst most parcels arrive the next working day, due to seasonal busy periods such as Christmas, some post can take longer.

Royal Mail will not accept that a parcel is lost until 20 working days. If your order hasn't arrived within 20 working days, please email us at hello@pupchic.boutique and we can arrange to send you a replacement or offer you a refund.

Do you offer tracked shipping?

Currently, our standard shipping is via Royal Mail 1st Class untracked to keep costs affordable for our customers. If you need tracked shipping for peace of mind, please contact us before placing your order and we'll arrange an upgrade for you.

Returns & Refunds

What is your return policy?

We want you and your pup to be completely happy with your purchase! If something doesn't fit or isn't quite right, please contact us within 30 days of receiving your order at hello@pupchic.boutique.

Please note: Made-to-order items (personalized hoodies, ID tags, and custom bows) cannot be returned unless faulty.

I've cancelled my order. How long will it take to receive my refund?

As soon as we've registered your cancellation or return, the refund will be processed within 5 business days. Refunds will be issued to your original payment method.

Harness Sizing & Fitting

How do I measure my dog for a harness?

For the most accurate fit, you'll need two measurements:

Chest/Girth Measurement (most important): Measure around the widest part of your dog's chest, just behind the front legs. Add 2 fingers (about 2-3cm) for comfort.
Neck Measurement: Measure around the base of the neck where a collar would sit.

Top Tip: Measure your dog standing up, not sitting or lying down. Use a soft tape measure. If your dog falls between sizes, see our sizing guide below.

What if my dog is between two sizes?

Puppies under 12 months: Size up! Take advantage of our 20% puppy upgrade program when they outgrow their harness.
Adult dogs with thick/fluffy coats: Size up to accommodate coat volume.
Short-coated, fully grown dogs: Choose the smaller size for a more secure fit.
Dogs with deep chests (Greyhounds, Whippets): Size up and adjust straps for comfort.

How tight should a harness be?

Use the "two-finger rule":

You should be able to fit two fingers (about 2-3cm) between the harness and your dog's body at all adjustment points.
The harness should be snug enough that it won't slip over the head when pulled.
Your dog should be able to move, sit, and lie down comfortably.
Check the fit regularly, especially for growing puppies or dogs who've gained/lost weight.

Harness Types & Selection

What's the difference between your step-in and tactical harnesses?

Both are high-quality and GPSR registered, but they serve slightly different needs:

Step-In Harnesses:

Material: Soft neoprene (gentle on skin)
Best for: Small to medium dogs, dogs with sensitive skin, easy on/off for wriggly pups
Putting on: Dog steps into the harness, then you clip it at the back
Style: Sleek, lightweight, available in gorgeous patterns
Sizes: XXXS to L

Tactical Harnesses (Tuff Stuff):

Material: Heavy-duty nylon (super strong)
Best for: Pullers, large breeds, dogs needing extra control, active/outdoor dogs
Putting on: Slips over the head, clips around the chest
Features: Top handle, front & back D-rings, longer body coverage, more adjustment points
Sizes: XS to XL

What's the best harness for a puppy that pulls?

For puppies that pull, we recommend our Tuff Stuff Tactical Harness. It's designed specifically to offer more control, with a no-pull front D-ring option and adjustable straps for a snug fit as your puppy grows.

Unlike collars or flimsy harnesses, the Tuff Stuff distributes pressure evenly to reduce pulling and protect delicate puppy necks. It's also ideal for awkwardly shaped or fast-growing pups, thanks to its multi-point adjustability. Pair it with our multi-use rope lead for extra versatility on walks!

What harness is best for cockapoos?

Cockapoos are full of energy and often a little wiggly, so the best harness is one that's secure, adjustable, and comfy for all their zoomies. We recommend either:

Tuff Stuff Tactical Harness – great for cockapoos who pull, with multiple adjustment points and a front no-pull clip.
Teddy Fleece Harness – perfect for sensitive skin and cosy walks, especially in cooler weather.

Both styles are made to fit cockapoos of all sizes, from petite minis to chunkier standard types. If you're unsure on sizing, just drop us a message – we're happy to help you find the perfect fit.

How do I fit a harness on a toy poodle?

Toy poodles have delicate frames and fluffy coats, so getting the right fit is key. Here's how to fit a harness correctly:

Loosen all straps before putting it on.
Slip it over your dog's head and adjust the chest and belly straps so it sits snugly but not tight – you should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your dog's body.
Check that it doesn't sit too high on the neck or too low on the shoulders.
Make sure their movement isn't restricted when walking or running.

Our Teddy Fleece Harnesses are a popular choice for toy poodles – they're soft, lightweight, and fully adjustable, with no rough edges against sensitive skin.

Are fleece harnesses good for winter walks?

Yes! Fleece harnesses are an excellent choice for winter walks, especially for smaller dogs or those with short coats. Our Teddy Fleece Harnesses are lined with water-resistant fleece that keeps your pup warm and comfortable, even in chilly or damp conditions.

They're also lightweight enough for year-round use and ideal for dogs who don't like bulky coats. Pair one with a matching fleece-lined lead or doggy blanket for extra cosy vibes on frosty mornings.

Will your XXXS harness really fit my tiny dog?

Yes! Our XXXS harnesses are specifically designed for the tiniest pups – we're one of the few brands that cater to dogs under 2kg, including Chihuahuas and teacup breeds. We've even removed the rubber logo from our XS collars to ensure they fit tiny necks comfortably.

Fitting Tips for XXXS:

Measure carefully – even 1cm makes a difference at this size.
Check that the chest strap sits behind the front legs, not on the shoulders.
For step-in harnesses, ensure the neoprene doesn't bunch up under the armpits.
The harness should allow free movement but not slip over the head when pulled.

Do your XL harnesses really fit big breeds like Mastiffs?

Absolutely! Our XL harnesses are designed for dogs up to 50kg+ and feature:

Longer body coverage for large, awkward-shaped dogs
Heavy-duty nylon construction (tactical range) that's strength-tested
Beautiful patterns that aren't available in XL from other brands
Adjustable straps to accommodate broad chests and thick necks

Fitting Tips for XL:

Large dogs need room to breathe and move – don't cinch the harness too tight.
Check the fit after the first walk, as straps may settle and need readjustment.
For giant breeds with thick coats, measure generously.
The top handle on tactical harnesses is especially useful for controlling large, strong dogs.

Common Fitting Problems

The harness keeps riding up toward my dog's neck. What's wrong?

This usually means the chest strap is too loose. Try this:

Tighten the chest strap so it sits snugly behind the front legs.
Check that the back strap isn't too tight (this can pull the harness forward).
For step-in harnesses, ensure your dog's legs are fully through the holes before clipping.

My dog can back out of the harness. How do I stop this?

Escape artists need a snugger fit:

Tighten the chest strap first (most important for security).
Ensure you can only fit two fingers under the straps, not your whole hand.
For persistent escapees, tactical harnesses offer more security with additional adjustment points.
Double-check measurements – if your dog is between sizes, don't size up.

The harness is rubbing under my dog's armpits. Help!

Rubbing is usually caused by:

Straps too tight: Loosen slightly and check you can fit two fingers underneath.
Wrong size: If the harness is too small, straps will dig in – consider sizing up.
New harness stiffness: Some materials soften after a few wears; monitor the area.
Coat type: Short-coated dogs may need a break-in period; check skin after each walk initially.

My Dachshund has a long body and deep chest. Which harness works best?

For long-bodied breeds:

Step-in harnesses work beautifully because they don't put pressure on the long spine.
Ensure the chest strap sits well behind the front legs (not on the shoulders).
Our tactical harnesses offer longer body coverage and are adjustable in multiple places.

My large dog has sensitive skin. Will the harness rub?

Our tactical harnesses are designed with comfort in mind:

Heavy-duty nylon is smooth and less likely to cause friction than cheaper webbing.
Longer body coverage means pressure is distributed over a larger area.
Ensure you can fit two fingers under all straps – this prevents rubbing.
For dogs with very short coats, check under the armpits after the first few walks.

Harness Care & Maintenance

How do I clean my dog's harness?

Step-In Harnesses (Neoprene):

Hand wash in lukewarm water with mild detergent.
Rinse thoroughly and air dry (don't tumble dry – heat can damage neoprene).
For tough stains, use a soft brush and pet-safe stain remover.
Avoid harsh chemicals that can irritate your dog's skin.

Tactical Harnesses (Heavy-Duty Nylon):

Machine washable on a gentle cycle (30°C) in a laundry bag.
Use mild detergent (no fabric softener).
Air dry or tumble dry on low heat.
Check all clips and D-rings after washing to ensure they're secure.

How often should I wash the harness?

Regular use: Every 2-4 weeks, or when visibly dirty.
After muddy/wet walks: Rinse immediately and air dry.
Swimming/beach trips: Rinse in fresh water to remove salt/chlorine.
Smelly harnesses: Wash more frequently or use a pet-safe odor eliminator.

How long will my harness last?

With proper care, our harnesses are built to last:

Step-in harnesses: 1-2 years with regular use (longer for occasional wear).
Tactical harnesses: 2-3 years+ (heavy-duty construction is very durable).
Signs it's time to replace: Fraying straps, worn clips, stretched material, faded colors.

Remember: Growing puppies will outgrow harnesses before they wear out – take advantage of our 20% puppy upgrade program!

The clips/D-rings look worn. Is the harness still safe?

Safety first! Check your harness regularly:

Clips should snap shut firmly with no gaps.
D-rings should be securely attached with no sharp edges.
Stitching should be intact with no loose threads or fraying.
Straps should have no tears or thin spots.

If you notice any damage, it's time to replace the harness. All our harnesses are strength-tested and GPSR registered, but wear and tear happens over time. Contact us if you have concerns about a harness that's less than 6 months old.

Special Programs

What is the Puppy Upgrade Program?

We know puppies grow fast! When your pup outgrows their Pup Chic harness, we offer 20% off your next size up. Just email us at hello@pupchic.boutique with your original order number and we'll send you a discount code.

Payment Options

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as Klarna (Pay later in 30 days or Pay in 3 installments).

How does Klarna Pay Later in 30 Days work?

Pay later in 30 days allows you to delay payment of your purchase by 30 days. Once your order is confirmed, you'll receive an email with payment instructions within two days from Klarna. You'll then have 30 days to try on your order and only pay when you're happy. Complete the payment online, at your convenience, with no extra cost.

Am I eligible for Klarna?

To use Klarna you must be at least 18. Klarna is subject to your financial circumstances. When choosing Pay later in 30 days, the assessment will not affect your credit rating.

What happens if I return my order with Klarna?

As soon as we've accepted your cancellation/return, Klarna will cancel the statement or refund your payment. The return will be reflected in the Klarna app immediately.

I still have questions about Klarna. How can I get in touch?

Visit the Klarna app or Klarna's Customer Service page for a full list of FAQs, live chat, and telephone options. You can also log in at www.klarna.com/uk to view all your orders and payment information.

Still Have Questions?

If you can't find the answer you're looking for, we're here to help! Email us at hello@pupchic.boutique and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

We're a small, family-run team, so please allow 1-2 working days for a response during busy periods. We appreciate your patience and can't wait to help you and your pup find the perfect fit!