FAQ

General Questions

What is BioThane®?

BioThane® is the brand name of all coated webbing products made by BioThane Coated Webbing Corp. It’s a polyester webbing with a TPU or PVC coating that makes it more durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. BioThane® is manufactured in a plant located in North Ridgeville, Ohio in the USA and is ISO 9001:2015 registered.

How strong is BioThane®?

BioThane® is renowned for its exceptional strength and durability, with a break strength value of 1000lbs per inch of width. However, it's essential to recognize that the actual breaking load of each product can vary, as the weakest component is often the hardware used in its construction. To ensure reliability, we source hardware from top manufacturers in the United States and Europe, but it is always recommended to check your products for wear and tear before each use.

Can BioThane® collars and leashes be used in water?

Yes, BioThane® is a waterproof product. Sealing is unnecessary when the material is cut because the inner webbing is made of polyester, a moisture-wicking synthetic fiber that repels water. After your dog has been in water, we recommend removing their collar. Keeping the collar off allows air circulation around the neck which allows the skin and coat to dry thoroughly, which can help prevent skin irritation, fur loss, and other related issues.

Rinse your gear thoroughly with fresh water when exposed to salt or chlorinated water. This helps remove any residue and prevents the buildup of salt or chlorine, which can lead to rust, corrosion, or surface staining on the hardware. After rinsing, ensure that the products are dried completely to prevent moisture from lingering, as prolonged exposure to moisture can accelerate corrosion.

How long will my BioThane® product last?

BioThane® is exceptionally durable, surpassing leather and nylon in longevity and strength. Unlike leather, which can degrade over time from moisture and stretching, or nylon, prone to fraying and weakening with use, BioThane® maintains its integrity. Its robust composition ensures longevity even under challenging conditions, making it an ideal choice for various applications. However, no material is indestructible. BioThane® can experience wear from topical flea medications, the natural oils in your dog's coat, chewing, rough play, excessive force, or improper use. To extend your products lifespan, practice responsible handling and remove collars during play and supervise interactions between dogs to prevent damage. These precautions ensure the safety of your dogs and the longevity of their gear.

Will the color fade or transfer on BioThane® products?

Under normal conditions, you should experience little to no color fade. In general, the deeper the shade of the hue, the longer it will last. It is possible for certain colors, especially fluorescent colors, to transfer onto hair, skin or fabric. These colors are not hazardous, and they should not present a health or safety hazard. If color transfer happens, wash with soap and water. If irritation occurs, especially if symptoms appear suddenly and spread rapidly, please seek immediate medical attention. To help preserve the longevity of your product, avoid storing or leaving it exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods as this may accelerate color fading.

Does BioThane® contain latex?

No. According to BioThane Coated Webbing Corp, BioThane® is latex-free.

Why is my dog's fur discolored?

Dogs with white fur are more likely to experience discoloration of the neck fur when coming in contact with certain metals such as brass, steel, and chrome-plated steel. This discoloration should wash out easily with a dog shampoo formulated with whiteners to remove discoloration safely. For serious stains, you can make a paste out of baking soda and brush it into the affected area. Baking soda is a natural bleaching agent that won't damage your dog’s coat.

Why is my dog's skin irritated after using one of your products?

Nickel is present in numerous everyday items and can trigger allergic dermatitis rashes in animals with nickel allergies. Dogs with contact allergies may experience outbreaks at the point of contact. If your dog shows any of the following symptoms after using one of our products, discontinue use immediately and schedule an appointment with your vet: lesions on the neck area of the skin, skin irritation or redness, loss of fur, itchy and scaly skin, discharge or infected pustules or bumps, changes in skin pigmentation, or the development of infections within the lesions.

What size collar should I purchase for my dog?

Our collar measurements are provided in inches and are suitable for most medium to large breed dogs. The smallest width we offer at this time is 1 inch. To determine the correct size, measure your dog's neck where the collar naturally rests using a soft measuring tape or a piece of string (which can be measured with a rigid ruler for accuracy). Ensure a snug but not tight fit, leaving enough room for two fingers to comfortably fit between the collar and your dog's neck. If your dog falls between sizes or is at the upper end of a measurement, we recommend selecting the larger size.

How do I clean and maintain my BioThane® gear?

BioThane® requires minimal maintenance compared to leather or nylon. Unlike leather, it does not need conditioning to prevent drying or cracking, nor does it require waterproofing to protect against water damage and stains. For routine cleaning, simply wipe it with a damp cloth or rinse with water and dish soap as needed. For tougher stains, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol and gently scrub with a soft bristle brush or sponge. For particularly stubborn stains or scuff marks, a Mr. Clean® Magic Eraser can be used for effective removal.

Additional Care Instructions:

  • Avoid using abrasive tools such as wire brushes or steel wool.
  • Do not allow your BioThane® product to come in contact with insect repellants that contain DEET or topical flea medications as it may cause staining, tackiness, cracking, or pitting of the material. As an alternative, we recommend all-natural/organic insect repellents.
  • Before each use, inspect your products for wear and tear, especially focusing on screws and leash connections to ensure they are securely tightened and functioning properly. If you detect any issues, such as damaged webbing, missing screws, or loose or malfunctioning bolt snaps/carabiners, discontinue use immediately.
  • BioThane® is stain-resistant, but it is not stain-proof. Lighter-colored BioThane® is more prone to staining compared to darker colors.
  • Rinse your gear thoroughly with fresh water when exposed to salt or chlorinated water. This helps remove any residue and prevents the buildup of salt or chlorine, which can lead to rust, corrosion, or surface staining on the hardware. After rinsing, ensure that the products are dried completely to prevent moisture from lingering, as prolonged exposure to moisture can accelerate corrosion. By following these steps, you can prolong the lifespan of your gear and ensure its continued performance.
How can I place an order for a custom product?

To order a custom product, please reach out to us by using the contact form on our website.

STOREFRONT VISITS AND LOCAL PICKUP

Can I visit or shop in person?

While we don't operate as a traditional retail storefront, we do offer limited in-person visits for pickups by appointment only. Since most of our products are made to order, our on-hand stock is quite limited. To ensure we're available to assist you, please contact us in advance to schedule an appointment.

Do you offer local pickup?

Yes, we offer free local pickup at checkout. After submitting your order, we will email you to schedule an appointment for pickup. On the day of your appointment, we will send you a notification via email confirming that your order is ready. Pickup hours are between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. If these times don't work for you, please contact us to arrange an alternative pickup time. Walk-ins are by appointment only.

Am I allowed to bring my dog inside?

Yes, you're welcome to bring your dog along for your visit! In-person visits can be helpful for ensuring accurate measurements for your order if you are unable to take measurements yourself. Please inform us in advance if you plan to visit with your dog so we can make necessary arrangements. Our German Shepherd will be crated in the office during your visit and may bark upon your arrival. All dogs must remain leashed and under the control of their handler during their time inside our premises.

MILITARY/LEO/FIRST RESPONDERS

Do you offer Military or First Responder discounts?

Yes. We offer a 10% discount to current and former U.S. military, and first responders including law enforcement, fire, and EMS through GOVX ID verification.

Do you ship to APO/FPO/DPO addresses?

Yes. Orders with an APO, FPO, or DPO destination will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).

Can you sew patches onto harnesses, vests, and other equipment?

While we have the necessary equipment to sew patches onto harnesses, vests, and other equipment, it's important to note that we are new to this process and do not have extensive experience. However, we are willing to try our best to accommodate your request. If you would like to test our sewing on old gear or have specific details about your needs, please reach out to us, and we'll be happy to assist you!

Have your products undergone testing suitable for police use?

While our products have not been specifically tested for police use, they are designed with durability and reliability in mind, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. The equipment we produce has been handcrafted to meet high-quality standards and are trusted by many customers, including those in law enforcement. If you have specific requirements or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us, and we'll be happy to provide further information and assistance.

Shipping & Returns

How long will it take to get my order?

Our current lead times can be found on our homepage for the most up-to-date information. Ready-to-ship items will be shipped the same day if placed on Thursday or Friday before 5PM. Please note that we do not ship orders on holidays. If we are experiencing a high volume of orders, shipments may be delayed by a few days. Please allow additional days in transit for delivery.

For those shopping for holidays or special occasions, we recommend making your purchase at least two weeks in advance for ready-to-ship products and three weeks for made-to-order items. This allows ample time for processing, shipping, and delivery. If there are any significant delays in the shipment of your order, we will notify you via email.

Can I combine multiple orders?

We are able to consolidate your orders if they're placed within a 24-hour window. Once the orders are submitted, reach out through our contact form and provide us with the relevant order numbers and your contact details. Any excess shipping fees will be reimbursed when your items are shipped.

Do you offer international shipping?

At this time, we only ship within the United States.

What should I do if my order has been shipped but hasn't arrived?

If your order has been marked as delivered but hasn't arrived, please follow these steps: First, check the tracking information provided in your shipping confirmation email for real-time updates. If the tracking shows your package as delivered but you haven't received it, wait at least 48 hours after the delivery notification before contacting us, as sometimes packages may be marked as delivered prematurely or may be delayed in transit. After the 48-hour period has passed, please reach out to us directly with your contact information and order number. We will then reach out to the carrier to investigate the status of your order. If your order remains missing after 7 days from the delivery notification, we will proceed with opening a formal claim with the shipping carrier.

What is your return and exchange policy?

You can review our Return and Exchange policy here.