The pet industry is growing quickly around the world, and so is the need for stylish and useful dog accessories. The global market for pet accessories was worth more than $25 billion in 2024 alone. A big part of that was dog collars and harnesses. As a wholesaler of pet clothes around the world, you have to ask yourself an important question when you stock your shelves:
Should you put more effort into dog collars and harnesses, or should you keep a good mix of both?
This blog will explain:
This post will help you make better, more profitable stocking decisions, whether you sell to pet stores, Amazon resellers, or local stores.
Demand for the Market is Growing. Dog harnesses have become very popular in the last five years because of the rise of :
A lot of trainers and vets now recommend no-pull dog harnesses because they give you better control and put less stress on the dog's neck. These items not only make you feel better, but they also lower the risk of getting hurt by regular collars. For example, Labradors and Golden Retrievers are two breeds of dogs that are known to pull while walking. If you only use a collar on them, they are more likely to hurt their necks.
Since 2018, Google Trends data shows that searches for "dog harnesses" have steadily gone up, with spikes in the spring and summer months when people are more likely to be outside. In fact, both new dog owners and experienced trainers often find the best results when they search for terms like "no-pull dog harness" and "best dog harness for hiking."
A lot of people like harnesses, especially:
Many pet owners choose high-end harnesses that make their dogs more comfortable, allow them to be customized, and support their bodies in a way that is good for them during physical activities. Pet stores that sell these kinds of specialized items often have higher average order values (AOV) because customers are willing to pay more for products that last a long time and work well.
The best-selling book in all areas. These are made with front clips to change the direction of pulling, and they are often padded for comfort. Experienced dog trainers really like the front-clip design because it stops the dog from pulling and makes walking the dog more fun. A dog that pulls too much can be uncomfortable for the owner and stressful for the dog. A good quality no-pull harness makes walks safe and easy for both.
Find wholesale dog harness makers that make harnesses that are similar in terms of comfort and adjustability. Offering custom options like padding and reflective material for safety at night is another great way to stand out in a crowded market.
Good for little dogs. People who live in cities love them because they are easy to wear. Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkies are small breeds that often like step-in harnesses because they are easy to put on and more comfortable for their delicate bodies. A lot of small dog owners worry about putting too much pressure on sensitive areas like the neck or spine, but the design generally avoids this.
Step-in harnesses are also great for pet stores that sell stylish, high-quality accessories. These harnesses are made from a wide range of materials, including lightweight fabrics and high-end faux leather. This makes them a good choice for a wide range of customers.
A lot of people who live in colder areas walk their dogs after dark or early in the morning, so reflective harnesses are very important for safety. These harnesses have reflective strips or stitching that make dogs easy to see in low light, which lowers the chance of accidents by a lot.
Retailers in countries like Sweden and Finland, where the days are shorter, often put these items on sale during the holidays when pet owners are most likely to be outside.
The idea of sustainability is becoming more popular. Earth Rated and Pawness are two companies that sell things made from recycled plastic bottles or organic hemp. As people become more aware of the environment, pet owners are looking for more and more eco-friendly options instead of traditional ones. As a result of this trend, eco-friendly dog harnesses have become very popular, especially in places like the United States and Western Europe, where being environmentally responsible is very important to consumers.
Tip: To attract retailers who care about the environment, look for B2B suppliers who sell eco-certified wholesale dog harnesses. If you can show that your products are made from 100% recyclable materials or carbon-neutral manufacturing processes, you may be able to get ahead of your competitors by focusing on the sustainability aspect in your marketing.
When buying a lot of harnesses:
Put quality stitching, strong D-rings, and straps that can be adjusted at the top of your list.
To make buyers feel better, look for certifications like SGS, BSCI, or OEKO-TEX.
Check how flexible the MOQ is, especially if you sell to different levels of customers.
Regions that are worth thinking about:
China has the most options and the best prices, and they ship quickly. Many manufacturers also offer custom packaging, which lets you stand out in your wholesale catalog.
Vietnam: Rising for textiles that are good for the environment. Vietnamese companies are known for their dedication to making harnesses that are both environmentally friendly and new.
Turkey and Poland: Getting more popular in the EU because shipping is faster and duties are lower. European customers often choose to buy from Eastern Europe because it takes less time to ship and is closer.
Don't forget to talk about private label options. Custom logo printing or packaging can be a big value add for many retailers who want to stand out. Private-label products also let your customers sell one-of-a-kind items with their own branding, which can help them make more money.
Even though harnesses are becoming more popular, dog collars are still very important. Why?
In many countries, collars are required by law for ID tagging.
They're easy to use every day.
They also work as fashion accessories.
Collars are still available in all pet stores, whether they are simple nylon ones or designer leather ones. Because they are always the same, they are a great choice for wholesalers who want to keep their sales steady all year.
Many pet stores around the world still think that dog collars are their best-selling items.
Every dog, from a tiny Chihuahua to a big Saint Bernard, needs a collar. This universality means:
Cheap, colorful, and long-lasting—perfect for pet chains and stores that sell a lot of things. You can find nylon collars in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes that can be changed. Wholesalers who want a product that appeals to a lot of people usually choose these. They are easy to make in large quantities and ship in large quantities, which is why they are so common in big-box stores and online pet stores.
A lot of things are made in Guangdong, China, and sent to other countries. Manufacturers there offer thousands of styles and patterns that can be made to order. These collars often have fun patterns or bright colors on them, and you can easily change them to fit the seasons.
A lot of high-end stores in the US, UK, and EU sell them. They look great and last a long time. People who can afford them like leather collars because they are often seen as a sign of luxury and style. For a high price, you can easily personalize them by engraving them.
Look for wholesale dog collar supplies with vegetable-tanned leather, hand-stitched quality, and personalization options. High-quality leather collars are very popular in Europe, where pet fashion is often seen as a sign of style and sophistication.
More and more people in the UK, Canada, and Australia are using them, especially those who care about pet safety. These collars are made to break apart when they are pulled on, which stops choking accidents if the collar gets stuck on something. Most of the time, these collars are best for pets that live indoors or with other dogs, where the collar is more likely to get caught on something.
Breakaway collars are also a great selling point for stores that cater to pet owners who care about their pets' safety. They are a great choice for people who are getting their first pet or adopting a rescue animal.
You can customize dog collars in a lot of ways.
A lot of people buy them on Etsy and other small online stores. Use pretty fonts to write pet names or phone numbers. More and more specialty stores that sell personalized or custom pet products are starting to sell embroidered collars.
In the US, people like them because they last a long time and look simple. You can engrave the dog's name, the owner's phone number, or other special messages on metal nameplates. They give collars a high-end look and are popular with people who want both style and usefulness.
If you're getting your dog collars from wholesale suppliers, ask about:
So, should your wholesale catalog put dog collars or harnesses first? Are dog harnesses expensive, have safety features, and are loved by people who own active dogs?
Dog collars are popular with everyone, can be customized, and sell out quickly. A strategic balance is the best thing to do in real life. Stock core collar SKUs for steady sales. Offer a carefully chosen selection of trendy harnesses to sell more. To stay competitive, you need to get to know both collar and harness makers. The pet wearables market will keep changing, but if you have the right catalog strategy, you'll stay ahead of the curve and meet the needs of B2B buyers around the world.
