Size guide for dog + cat collars - what size to buy? : eBay Guides

I get a number of questions about what size of collar people should order for their pets and whilst the actual size will depend upon the manufacturer's sizing the way to measure your pet is usually the same.  This guide is intended to give you some tips on taking the measurements you will need to ensure your pet's new present fits them perfectly.  By the way I had originally included tips on clothing and bed sizes in this guide but have now put these in a separate guide to make this one quicker to read.

Dog and Cat Collars

• Use a fabric tape measure and place it around your pet's neck in the position shown in the diagram below.  If you don't have a tape measure a useful tip is to pick one of the free ones up from Ikea the next time you need to stock up on Swedish meatballs!

• Put 2 of your fingers between their neck and the tape measure (this is to ensure the collar won't be too tight) - if you have particularly large or small fingers the general idea is to give the pet enough of a gap that they could escape if their collar gets caught but that they won't be able to slip easily out of their collar when out for a walk with you.
• You have now identified your pet's neck size (and it's worth taking this in both centimetres and inches as a lot of the diamante collars available are shipped in from the USA which still does sizing in inches).
• Find the collar you are interested in buying and check what neck size it is suitable for - DON'T assume that because a collar says 16 inches it is suitable for a 16 inch neck - it may mean that the total length of the collar is 16 inches and in that case it isn't going to fit a dog with a 16 inch neck.  Most ebay sellers list what size neck the collar will fit but if they don't just drop them a question. 
• Collar neck sizes are often listed in a range - e.g. "This collar is suitable for neck sizes between 12 and 14 inches".  If your pet's neck is between these 2 sizes then that's the size you require.  This is shown on the diagram below (where the length of x is 12 inches and the length of y is 14 inches):

• If your pet's neck is at the top end of the size it may be worth going for the size above.  In this case it's also worth looking for sellers who offer a size exchange (some don't without charging you a restocking fee).  If you do need to swap sizes let the seller know as soon as possible so that they can reserve the other size for you.  Please be aware that you will probably have to pay the second lot of postage but speak to the seller and see what they can do for you.

The key message to take away from this guide is that it is crucial that you measure your pet when ordering items for them.  I really don't recommend only using the breed guides that listings often display - e.g. " A size 12 will tend to suit Yorkshire Terriers and Jack Russells".  The breed guides are only there to help you out if you really can't measure the pet (it may be a gift for a friend's pet for example).  If you are relying on the breed guide please make sure your seller will offer a size exchange before you buy.

I do hope you have found this guide useful and if you have any further questions please do drop me a line.  If you would like to put this guide into practice and are looking for designer pet accessories including diamante collars, snuggly pet beds or fabulous pet clothing (including cowboy hats new in from the US) come and visit me at my ebay shop woof woof