Frequently Asked Questions

Starting a return is easy — contact us at info@ruffwear.com.au with your order number and the item(s) you'd like to return and we'll get you sorted.

We get it — dogs have fur! Before returning an item, please give it a good shake and remove any loose hair or debris. Items should be clean and free of excessive dirt or odour. We recommend trying new gear on indoors first before heading outside, so it remains in returnable condition if the fit isn't right.

Before returning for a size issue, we recommend checking out the fit and adjustment instructions for your product — there may be additional adjustments you haven't tried yet.

If you've already checked the fit and still need a different size or colour, contact us at info@ruffwear.com.au and we'll organise an exchange subject to stock availability. Items must be unused and in original condition.

Exchange orders are sent once we've received your returned item. You have 14 days from creating your exchange request to send your items back. Once we receive and inspect the return, your replacement will be dispatched and you'll receive a shipping confirmation email.

We accept returns on products that have not been used and are a current full-price style and colour. Please contact us at info@ruffwear.com.au to confirm eligibility. You'll need the name of the person who purchased the gift or the original order number.

Shop with confidence. If you purchased an item and the price drops within 14 days of your order date, contact us at info@ruffwear.com.au and we'll assess on a case-by-case basis. Price adjustments are not available on items purchased with a promotional code or during sale events.

Once we receive your returned item and confirm it meets our return conditions, we'll process your refund within 3–5 business days. Please allow additional time for the credit to appear on your statement depending on your bank or card provider.

We're sorry to hear that! Please contact us at info@ruffwear.com.au with your order number and a photo of what you received. We'll get the correct item out to you as quickly as possible at no extra cost.

Orders placed Monday to Friday before 12pm AEST will typically ship the same business day. Orders placed after 12pm or on weekends and public holidays will ship the next business day.

Estimated delivery times after dispatch:

• Metro areas (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide): 2–4 business days
• Regional areas: 4–7 business days
• Remote areas: 7–14 business days

These are estimates only and may vary during peak periods.

We process orders quickly, so changes or cancellations may not always be possible once an order is placed. Contact us at info@ruffwear.com.au as soon as possible and we'll do our best to assist before dispatch.

Yes — once your order is dispatched you'll receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number. You can use this to track your parcel directly on the carrier's website.

We currently ship within Australia only. For New Zealand orders, Ruffwear products are available through selected NZ retailers. For other international enquiries, please contact us at info@ruffwear.com.au.

Harness sizing is based on a girth measurement around the widest part of your dog's rib cage. Size guide:

• XXS: 33–43 cm (13–17 in)
• XS: 43–56 cm (17–22 in)
• S: 56–69 cm (22–27 in)
• M: 69–81 cm (27–32 in)
• L: 81–107 cm (32–42 in)
• XL: 107–140 cm (42–55 in)

Always refer to the size chart on each individual product page, as sizing can vary between styles.

Place your dog's paw on a piece of paper and trace around it, then measure the widest point in millimetres. Compare this to the boot size chart on the product page.

Tip: For boots, if your measurement falls between two sizes, select the smaller size — a snug fit prevents boots from slipping off during wear. Measure all four paws and use the largest measurement.

Jacket sizing is also based on the girth measurement around the widest part of your dog's rib cage. Coverage may fit slightly shorter or longer depending on your dog's proportions. If between sizes, size up for more coverage.

Always refer to the size chart on each product page as jacket sizing can differ from harness sizing.

Puppies grow quickly — many larger breeds don't reach their full size until 12 to 18 months. We always recommend sizing based on your pup's current measurements rather than estimating their adult size. You may need to resize as they grow.

Whatever the adventure, Ruffwear harnesses are designed to take canine explorers where they want to go. Here's a quick overview:

• Front Range® — padded, everyday use with front and back leash attachments
• Web Master™ — full-body support with handle, great for assistance, lift-and-assist, and technical terrain
• Flagline™ — lightweight with belly strap and handle, suited to active hiking
• Approach™ — minimalist, technical harness for scrambling and climbing
• Hi & Light™ — ultra-lightweight for trail running and fast-paced adventures

If you're still unsure, email us with a bit of info about your dog and your adventures and we'll point you in the right direction.

We recommend the Web Master™ or Flagline™ for tripawds. Both harnesses feature an additional belly strap that helps keep the harness in place, plus a handle for lift-and-assist over obstacles. The extra strap is particularly helpful for dogs missing a front leg.

The front leash attachment on Ruffwear harnesses uses strong, low-profile webbing rather than a metal ring to avoid snagging when your dog is on the move. It also reduces pressure on your dog's neck during redirection and keeps the profile sleek. The webbing is rated to withstand significant pulling force.

Finding the right boot depends on the terrain and conditions. As a guide:

• Grip Trex™ — all-terrain, everyday adventure boot with Vibram outsole
• Summit Trex™ — rugged terrain, hot pavement, and rocky trails
• Polar Trex™ — insulated winter boot for cold conditions
• Bark'n Boot™ Gloves — lightweight sock-style protection for paw sensitivity or recovery

Contact us at info@ruffwear.com.au if you'd like a recommendation based on your specific activity.

Just like breaking in new shoes, your dog's boots may need a break-in period. Some initial paw irritation is not uncommon. Tips to help:

• Start with shorter outings — 10 to 15 minutes — and gradually increase duration
• Check for hair caught in the boot's closure or around the paw
• Ensure the boots are correctly sized — boots that are too tight can cause rubbing
• Inspect the paws after each outing during the break-in period

If irritation persists, contact us and we'll help troubleshoot.

Ruffwear collars range from lightweight everyday options to hi-visibility and reflective styles for low-light adventures. Visit each product page for sizing and feature details, or email us for a personalised recommendation based on your dog and activity.

When choosing a leash length, account for your height, your dog's height, and the amount of slack you want between you. As a guide:

• Short (under 1 m) — close control in busy areas or during training
• Standard (1.5–1.8 m) — everyday walks, the most versatile length
• Long (3–5 m) — recall training, beaches, and open spaces

Ruffwear also offers hands-free running leashes designed for trail running and active use.

Ruffwear jackets fall into three categories:

• Shells — waterproof or water-resistant outer layers for rain and wind (e.g. Sun Shower™, Vert™)
• Mid Layers — insulating layers worn under a shell or on their own in cool conditions (e.g. Climate Changer™, Crestline™)
• Insulated Jackets — warm standalone layers for cold weather (e.g. Powder Hound™, Overcoat™)

For variable conditions, layering a mid layer under a shell gives you the most flexibility.

Absolutely. Pairing multiple pieces lets you build a layering system tailored to conditions. A dog's coat acts as a natural first layer — add a mid layer for warmth, then a shell on top for wind and rain protection. Ruffwear jackets are designed to work together as a system.

Water-resistant pieces repel light moisture for a short duration — suitable for short walks in light rain or misty conditions.

Waterproof jackets use sealed seams and fully waterproof membranes, suited to sustained rain, stream crossings, and extended wet-weather adventures.

Ruffwear packs cover everything from day trips to multi-day adventures:

• Palisades™ — full-featured with removable saddle bags, ideal for backpacking
• Approach™ Pack — versatile day hiking with trail running crossover
• Singletrak™ — lightweight and streamlined for trail running

Start with short carry sessions to condition your dog before longer trips. Dogs should generally carry no more than 25% of their body weight.

The Float Coat™ is Ruffwear's everyday life jacket — designed for swimming, boating, paddling, and beach play. It provides buoyancy support along the dog's sides and belly and features a rescue handle on the back for easy retrieval.

Contact us at info@ruffwear.com.au if you're unsure which option suits your dog's water activities.

Some items are temporarily sold out or have been discontinued. Sign up for back-in-stock notifications on the product page (where available) to be notified when your size and colour are ready. You can also email us to enquire about expected restock timelines.

Ruffwear stands behind every product with a Trail Tested Promise — a guarantee against defects in materials and craftsmanship. If a product fails due to a manufacturing defect, we'll repair, replace, or credit it at our discretion.

The guarantee does not cover accidental damage, damage from abrasion, chewing, improper use, or normal wear and tear.

Email us at info@ruffwear.com.au with the following:

• Your order number
• A description of the issue
• Clear photos of the defect

We'll assess the claim and advise on next steps as quickly as possible.

We offer replacements for many buckles and some other hardware. The insert (pronged) side of plastic buckles can be replaced for most harnesses and apparel items. To request a part, email info@ruffwear.com.au with:

• Product name and colour
• Size of the item
• Description or photo of the buckle or part needed

We have a special place in our hearts for working dogs and the people who work with them. Contact us at info@ruffwear.com.au to enquire about discount eligibility for service dog handlers, veterinarians, dog trainers, shelter and rescue staff, and other industry professionals.

The Web Master™ Harness is the most popular choice for service and assistance dogs. It features a sturdy handle for guiding and lift-and-assist, a five-point adjustment system, and an additional belly strap for a secure fit. It's also widely used for dogs recovering from injury or surgery.

Ruffwear's working dog range — including the Access ID™ Service Dog Vest — is available through our online store. Contact us at info@ruffwear.com.au for availability and any specific enquiries.

Ruffwear products are designed, developed, and tested at their headquarters in Bend, Oregon, USA. Ruffwear also maintains a permanent office in Vietnam with full-time staff who manage factory partnerships, assist with quality control, and help ensure ethical manufacturing standards are upheld throughout the supply chain.

Sustainability is core to how Ruffwear does business. Their approach includes using recycled materials across a growing range of products, designing gear to last (reducing the need for replacement), and conducting ongoing audits of their supply chain for environmental and ethical practices. Their RuffWorn™ used gear programme also gives returned and pre-owned gear a second life rather than sending it to landfill.

We'd love to hear from you. Email us at info@ruffwear.com.au with details about your store — including your location, store type, and the brands you currently stock — and our team will be in touch.

Ruffwear is dedicated to protecting wild places where dogs and people play, and to supporting effective dog adoption and rescue campaigns. For any community or donation enquiries for Ruffwear Australia, please contact us at info@ruffwear.com.au.