{"store":"Tailrific","canonical_page":"https:\/\/www.tailrific.com\/index.php\/faq\/","updated_at":"2026-08-09","sections":[{"id":"size-fit","title":"Choosing the right size and fit","summary":"Measure the pet and the space\u2014not the breed label. Product dimensions are more reliable than general size names.","items":[{"id":"walking-fit","question":"How do I measure my dog for a collar or harness?","answer":"Use a soft tape and measure where the product will sit. For a collar, measure the neck without pulling the tape tight. For a harness, measure the widest part of the chest just behind the front legs, then compare that number with the exact range on the product page. The fit should be snug but comfortable: you should be able to slide about two fingers underneath, and the gear should not twist, rub, restrict the shoulders, or slip over the head. Recheck growing pets and stop using gear that causes coughing, chafing, or hair loss.","links":[]},{"id":"boots-fit","question":"How do I choose dog boot size so the boots stay on?","answer":"Measure each paw while your dog is standing, because weight spreads the toes. Measure the widest point and compare it with the product chart; front and rear paws may need different sizes. Test the boots indoors on a clean surface. They should stay upright without rotating or falling off, but the straps should not restrict circulation. Remove them and check for redness, rubbing, swelling, or persistent licking before taking a longer walk.","links":[]},{"id":"bed-size","question":"What size pet bed should I buy?","answer":"Measure your pet in their usual sleeping position from nose to rump and across the widest point, then add room to stretch or curl comfortably. Compare those measurements with the bed\u2019s actual length and width\u2014not only a breed or weight suggestion. Also check the bed height if your pet is older, recovering, or has limited mobility.","links":[]},{"id":"litter-fit","question":"Will my litter box fit inside a litter-box enclosure?","answer":"Compare your litter box\u2019s outside length, width, and height with the enclosure\u2019s internal dimensions. Leave clearance for the lid, scoop, entry opening, and air circulation. Your cat should be able to enter, turn around, scratch, and eliminate comfortably. Cat Friendly Homes recommends a litter box about 1.5 times the cat\u2019s nose-to-tail-base length; an attractive cabinet is not helpful if the usable box becomes too small.","links":[{"label":"Cat Friendly Homes litter-box guidance","url":"https:\/\/catfriendly.com\/everything-you-should-know-about-litter-boxes\/"}]}]},{"id":"safe-use","title":"Safe use and setup","summary":"Pet products are not set-and-forget. A quick fit check, periodic inspection, and supervision prevent many common problems.","items":[{"id":"toy-safety","question":"Are Tailrific toys indestructible?","answer":"No pet toy is indestructible. Choose a toy that is too large to swallow and appropriate for your pet\u2019s size and play style. Supervise first use, inspect before every play session, and remove the toy if seams open, stuffing or squeakers become exposed, pieces loosen, or the toy becomes small enough to swallow. Toys are for play, not for eating.","links":[]},{"id":"cat-tree","question":"How do I keep a cat tree or scratching tower stable?","answer":"Assemble it on a level surface, tighten every fastener, and recheck the hardware after the first few days and periodically afterward. Use the anti-tip strap or wall anchor whenever one is supplied or recommended, especially for tall furniture, active cats, multi-cat homes, or carpeted floors. Stop use if the base lifts, a platform cracks, a post loosens, or the unit can tip under the cat\u2019s normal jumping force.","links":[]},{"id":"tie-out","question":"Can I leave my dog alone on a tie-out cable?","answer":"No. A tie-out is for temporary, supervised outdoor use in a clear area; it is not primary containment and should never replace a secure fence or attentive handling. Choose a cable rated above your dog\u2019s weight, inspect the cable and clasps before use, prevent tangles around trees or furniture, provide shade and water, and never use it where the dog can reach traffic, stairs, pools, other animals, or strangers. Follow local tethering rules.","links":[]},{"id":"car-safety","question":"Does a car-seat cover, booster seat, or tether provide crash protection?","answer":"A seat cover protects upholstery; it does not restrain a pet. Unless a product is specifically identified as independently crash-tested and certified, do not assume a booster, walking harness, or extension tether provides crash protection. Keep pets in the back seat and use a correctly fitted, independently tested vehicle restraint or carrier. Never connect a vehicle restraint to a neck collar.","links":[{"label":"Center for Pet Safety guidance","url":"https:\/\/www.centerforpetsafety.org\/pet-parents\/how-to-select-a-harness\/"}]},{"id":"playpen","question":"Can a soft playpen be used as an unattended crate?","answer":"A soft playpen is best for supervised rest and play. Check the published dimensions and make sure your pet cannot climb, chew, push through mesh, or operate the zipper. Inspect seams and frame joints before every use, keep the pen away from heat and hazards, and do not use it as secure containment for an escape-prone or distressed pet.","links":[]},{"id":"nail-care","question":"How can I trim or grind nails without hitting the quick?","answer":"Work in good light, remove very small amounts, and pause frequently to inspect the nail. Introduce the tool gradually with treats and short sessions. Keep pet-safe styptic powder nearby; if the quick is nicked, apply a small amount as directed. Stop if your pet struggles or the bleeding does not stop, and ask a veterinarian or professional groomer for help when you are unsure.","links":[{"label":"VCA nail-trimming guidance","url":"https:\/\/vcahospitals.com\/all-pets-hospital\/know-your-pet\/how-to-trim-a-dogs-nails"}]},{"id":"reflective","question":"Does reflective gear make nighttime walks completely safe?","answer":"Reflective material can improve visibility when light reaches it, but it does not guarantee that a driver or cyclist will see your pet. Use a leash, stay on well-lit routes, keep the pet close at crossings, and consider an active light in addition to reflective gear. Inspect reflective surfaces and hardware for wear.","links":[]}]},{"id":"care-cleaning","title":"Cleaning and everyday care","summary":"Always follow the care label on the specific product. Materials and removable parts vary across the catalog.","items":[{"id":"bottle-cleaning","question":"How often should I clean a travel bottle, bowl, or feeder?","answer":"Wash food-contact parts after wet food use and wash water or dry-food bowls daily. Empty travel bottles after outings, disassemble removable seals or trays, wash with soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and let every part dry completely before reassembly. Use a dishwasher only when the product page or care label says the item is dishwasher-safe.","links":[{"label":"CDC pet-supply cleaning guidance","url":"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthy-pets\/about\/cleaning-and-disinfecting-pet-supplies.html"}]},{"id":"soft-goods-cleaning","question":"How should I clean beds, blankets, plush toys, and snuffle mats?","answer":"Follow the sewn-in label and remove covers or electronic components when instructed. Shake or vacuum away loose hair first, wash only with the permitted method, and dry completely before returning the item to your pet. Inspect seams, stuffing, cords, squeakers, and non-slip backing after cleaning; discontinue use if parts are loose or damaged.","links":[]},{"id":"litter-cleaning","question":"Will a litter enclosure stop odor by itself?","answer":"No. An enclosure can hide the box and help contain scattered litter, but it does not replace regular scooping, cleaning, or ventilation. Scoop at least daily, clean spills promptly, and keep the entry and ventilation openings clear. If your cat avoids the enclosure or eliminates elsewhere, offer an uncovered box in a quiet, accessible location and speak with a veterinarian about a sudden behavior change.","links":[]},{"id":"hardware-care","question":"How often should I inspect pet gear and furniture?","answer":"Check high-stress parts before each use: buckles, clips, stitching, straps, cables, zippers, frame joints, and fasteners. Retighten assembled furniture after initial use and periodically. Replace the item if hardware bends, fabric tears, plastic cracks, a clasp stops closing securely, or chewing changes the product\u2019s shape.","links":[]}]},{"id":"orders","title":"Orders, shipping, and returns","summary":"Straight answers before checkout\u2014because surprise fees are about as welcome as a mystery puddle.","items":[{"id":"shipping-cost","question":"How much is shipping?","answer":"For Standard-class orders to the contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., shipping is $6.95 under $59 and free at $59 or more. Bulky and Oversize items use regional rates. Alaska and Hawaii are $20 for Standard-class orders and $50 for orders containing Bulky or Oversize items. Mixed carts use the highest shipping class present. See the Shipping & Returns page for the complete regional table.","links":[{"label":"View Shipping & Returns","url":"https:\/\/www.tailrific.com\/index.php\/shipping-returns\/"}]},{"id":"ship-track","question":"When will my order ship, and how do I track it?","answer":"Orders are generally prepared within 1\u20132 business days. Carrier delivery estimates begin after shipment and vary by destination. We email tracking details after the order leaves our facility. If you do not see the message, check spam and confirm the email address in your order, then contact us with your order number.","links":[{"label":"Contact Tailrific","url":"https:\/\/www.tailrific.com\/index.php\/contact\/"}]},{"id":"return-fit","question":"Can I try on a collar, harness, boots, or apparel and still return it?","answer":"You may perform a brief indoor fit check while keeping the item clean, unused, unworn outdoors, unwashed, and in original condition with all tags and packaging. Preference-based returns must be started within 30 calendar days after delivery, and the customer pays return shipping. Items with pet hair, odor, stains, wear, or other contamination are not eligible.","links":[{"label":"Read the 30-day return policy","url":"https:\/\/www.tailrific.com\/index.php\/shipping-returns\/"}]},{"id":"damaged-order","question":"What if my order is damaged, defective, incorrect, or missing something?","answer":"Contact service@tailrific.com within 7 days after delivery. Include the order number and clear photos of the item, packaging, and shipping label when applicable, and keep the item and packaging until we reply. Depending on the circumstances, we will provide an appropriate replacement or refund; when a return is required for our error or a defect, Tailrific provides the prepaid label.","links":[{"label":"Contact customer service","url":"https:\/\/www.tailrific.com\/index.php\/contact\/"}]},{"id":"sales-tax","question":"Where does Tailrific collect sales tax?","answer":"Tailrific currently collects applicable sales tax on orders shipped to California. The amount is calculated at checkout based on the delivery address and taxable items. Tax obligations can change, so the checkout total is authoritative.","links":[]},{"id":"more-help","question":"Can Tailrific help me choose between two products?","answer":"Yes. Send us your pet\u2019s relevant measurements, how you plan to use the item, and the product links or SKUs you are comparing. Do not send sensitive payment information. We can explain published dimensions and features, though product guidance is not veterinary advice.","links":[{"label":"Ask Tailrific","url":"https:\/\/www.tailrific.com\/index.php\/contact\/"}]}]}]}