FAQs
Help center
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about sizing, shipping, returns and our gear. Can't find yours? Ask us and a real person will reply.
Sizing & fit
Finding the right size
How do I find the right size for my dog?
Measure two things: back length, from where the neck meets the back to the base of the tail, with your dog standing straight; and chest, around the widest part just behind the front legs, snug with one finger of room. Our size number is close to the back length in inches. Pick the size by back length, and if the chest is over that size's limit, take the next size up. The size finder does it for you, and our measuring guide shows where the tape goes. Not sure? Send us both numbers and a real person will pick with you.
My dog is between sizes. Which one should I choose?
Right on the line for back length? Take the smaller size: a coat that's too long bunches at the legs and belly. The chest is different. If the chest is over the limit for a size, go up, because no drawcord adds room across the chest. On the Snow Warrior and Cozy Hugger, the tail drawcord takes up about 2½–3″ if the bigger size runs a little long.
My dog has a thick, fluffy coat. Do I measure over the fur?
Pull the tape snug around the chest once. If the fur presses flat (Goldens, Labs, most Shepherds, Doodles), use that number. If it stays puffy (Samoyed, Husky, Malamute, Old English Sheepdog), let the tape rest on top of the fur without pressing it down. The coat has to fit over the fluff too.
My dog's coat tag says S, M, L or XL. What size is that?
Some of our coats carry a letter size on the tag. It's the same coat and the same fit as the number size. Raincoat: S = 24, M = 26, L = 28, XL = 30. Snow Warrior and Cozy Hugger: S = 25, M = 27, L = 29, XL = 31. Ordering again? Pick the number that matches your tag, or check with the size finder.
Do you make sizes for small dogs?
Our fitted pieces (raincoats, winter coats, cooling gaiters and bandanas) are designed for medium and large breeds. The raincoat starts at a 22-inch back, the snowsuit and fleece at 23 inches; on a shorter back they run long. Our walking gear (hip packs, sling bags, waste bag carriers, runner belts) is worn by you, not your dog, so it works no matter what size your pup is.
The largest size is still too small. Do you fit giant breeds?
Our largest coats fit a back length up to 31½ inches in the raincoat and 32½ inches in the snowsuit and fleece. Many giant breeds fit; it depends on the measurements, not the breed. Past that, or if the chest is over the chart, send us both numbers or email bark@woofessential.com, and we'll tell you honestly whether it will fit.
Shipping
Shipping & delivery
How much is shipping?
Standard shipping is free on orders of $70 or more. Orders under $70 have a $6.99 flat rate.
How quickly will my order arrive?
We process and ship orders within 1 business day (not on weekends or holidays). Transit time depends on the carrier, and delivery dates are estimates, not guarantees. More on our Shipping & Delivery page.
Where do you ship?
All 50 states plus Washington, D.C., Alaska and Hawaii included. We ship to US addresses only for now.
Do you ship to P.O. boxes or APO/FPO addresses?
Yes, through USPS, the only carrier we can use for these. For the smoothest delivery, we recommend a physical address.
Orders
Orders & tracking
Can I change or cancel my order?
Contact us right away. We pack orders fast, so we can't promise to catch every one, but if it hasn't shipped yet we'll do our best. If it has already shipped, you can still return it for a refund.
How can I track my order?
When your order ships, we email you a tracking number. Allow 48 hours for tracking to show up. You can also log in to your account to see your order status and history.
My order hasn't arrived. What should I do?
If it hasn't arrived within 14 days of your shipping confirmation email, email bark@woofessential.com with your name and order number and we'll look into it.
I received a wrong, damaged or defective item.
Email bark@woofessential.com as soon as possible with your order number and a photo. Wrong or defective items can always be returned, and the restocking fee is waived.
Returns & exchanges
Returns & exchanges
What is your return window?
14 days from delivery (7 days for items on sale). Items must be new, unused, clean and in their original packaging. Trying on for size indoors is okay.
How do I start a return?
Log in to your account, pick the order and the items, choose a reason and click Request return. Once approved, we email you a prepaid label. Please request first and ship second: items sent back without a return request can't be accepted.
How much does a return cost?
Refunds carry a one-time restocking fee per order, which covers the prepaid return label and handling: $5 for bandanas and beanies, $6 for cooling gear, $8 for raincoats, bags, belts and leashes, $10 for jackets and suits. Several items? The highest rate applies once. Original shipping charges aren't refunded. The fee is waived for wrong or defective items.
Are exchanges free? How do I exchange?
Yes, exchanges are free. The easiest way: write the new size in the Return reason box when you request a return; we send a prepaid label and ship the new one as soon as your original arrives. The fastest way: return the item and place a new order right away. Or just message us and we'll handle it.
Can I return a waste bag carrier?
For hygiene reasons, waste bag carriers can't be returned or exchanged unless they arrive damaged or defective. If yours does, contact us and we'll make it right.
When will I get my refund?
Once we receive and inspect your return, we refund your original payment method within 10 business days, minus the restocking fee. Your bank may take up to 2 billing cycles to post it.
Products
Walking gear
What size water bottle fits the Hip Pack 2.0?
The bottom holder fits standard 16.9 oz bottles and holds bottles up to 32 oz (about 1 L) with a diameter up to about 3.2″ (8.2 cm). See the Hip Pack 2.0.
Will the Hip Pack fit my waist?
The strap fits waists from 22″ to 51″. Need more room? We include a free waist extender (adds 13.5–22.5″). Just leave a note at checkout.
Can I clip my dog's leash to the Hip Pack?
For light, casual walks, yes: clip a carabiner (not included) onto the waist strap, not the daisy-chain loops. For strong pullers or true hands-free walking, use a dedicated system like our Runner Belt.
What fits in the Walk'n Train Sling Bag?
Most bottles up to 32 oz, or about 3 cups of treats in the 7″-deep well in treat pouch mode. It switches between a shoulder sling and a waist treat pouch, and both straps are included. See the Sling Bag.
How many bags does the Pack'n Carry hold?
Around 4–5 tied waste bags during a walk, sometimes more depending on bag size. Once the knot settles into the opening it stays put until you reach a trash can. See the Pack’n Carry.
What waist sizes do the Runner Belt and Bungee Leash fit?
The Runner Belt comes in S/M (25.5–37″) and L/XL (37–49″); between sizes, choose L/XL. The Bungee Leash loop expands to about 59″ when worn around the waist or cross-body.
Products
Raincoats & winter coats
Can my dog pee while wearing the coat?
Yes. The Puddle Jumper Raincoat and Snow Warrior Suit both have an opening so your dog can pee without any hassle.
Are the coats reflective?
Yes. All three coats have reflective trims for early morning and evening walks.
How cold can the Snow Warrior Suit handle?
It's built for cold, wet winter weather: snow, slush, sleet, freezing rain and wind. A microfleece lining sits inside a waterproof, windproof three-layer shell. Below about 20°F, no coat makes a long walk safe on its own. Add a layer if your dog needs it, and keep the walk shorter. See the Snow Warrior Suit.
Is the Cozy Hugger Fleece Jacket waterproof?
No. It's made for warmth on chilly fall and mild winter days. For rain, choose the Puddle Jumper Raincoat.
Will my dog overheat in the raincoat?
The raincoat uses breathable materials to keep overheating to a minimum, but it also depends on your dog's coat, activity level and the weather. Watch for signs of discomfort and go easy on warm, humid days. See the Puddle Jumper.
Products
Cooling gear
How long does the cooling last?
Usually 20–40 minutes outdoors, depending on heat, airflow and activity, and up to an hour in the shade. Just re-wet to refresh.
Is it safe if my dog chews or licks it?
Yes. There are no gels, beads or chemical coatings, just water and breathable fabric. Supervise your dog so the fabric doesn't get torn or swallowed.
Payment
Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
Shop Pay, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB, Maestro and UnionPay, plus Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amazon Pay and PayPal.
Is checkout secure?
Yes. Checkout runs on Shopify, which is PCI DSS compliant, and your card details are encrypted.
Contact
Contact & partnerships
How can I contact you?
Email bark@woofessential.com (we reply within 24–48 hours on business days), use the Chat with Us button on any page, send a message on our Contact page, or DM us on social media.
Do you work with creators or retailers?
Yes! Creators can reach out on social media or at bark@woofessential.com. Retailers can visit our Wholesale page. Want to earn by sharing? Join our affiliate program.
Still have a question?
Send us a note and include your order number if you have one.

