In the world of pet fashion, people usually think of cozy sweaters, raincoats and booties. Some pets wear them and some pets don’t. Whether or not a dog or cat wears clothing, there's one accessory worn daily that unleashes personality and style: the collar.
Collars have evolved to be more than just a place to hang a tag. They are fashion statements, safety gear and high-tech devices. They can show off your pet’s personality with rhinestones, bold patterns or a favorite team. Leather collars say sophistication, while biothane options are perfect for pets who swim, hunt or roll in the mud.
Beyond fashion, collars have gone functional. LED collars help pets stay visible during nighttime walks. Martingale collars offer extra security for great escape artists. GPS tracking collars help owners locate a lost pet just by opening a cellphone.
Some of the newest smart collars encompass AI technology to track biometrics, such as heart rate, respiratory patterns and sleep cycles. They can detect early signs of illness or stress by analyzing subtle changes in data alerting pet owners before visible symptoms appear. Yes, a dog’s collar can even tell how many steps they took, and it’s possible it might be more than you!
Let’s not forget fashionable embellishments like embroidered names, engraved plates, collar charms and seasonal themes. Lola & Penelope’s, a local pet boutique in Clayton, offers stylish collars in all sizes. The store's co-owner Kyle Dowling shares, “The most popular trends in collars this year are collars made from eco-friendly or sustainable materials. When most of our customers are shopping for a new collar, they're most concerned about the look of the collar and if it will be comfortable for their dog!”
Ultimately, the collar is more than something placed around pets' necks. It’s an accessory that can be functional and fashionable.
Collars of Distinction: Luxe, Smart, Rare
La Jeune Tulipe Diamond Dog Pet Collar: Posh Puppy Boutique $250,000.
PoshPuppyBoutique.com
AI Smart Collars: Health-tracking from Fi and Invoxia.
TryFi.com | Invoxia.com
Hermès Limited: Couture collars with waitlists.
Hermes.com