Why Our Products Cost More

At High Tail Hikes, we know our products aren’t the cheapest option on the market - and we’re okay with that. Here’s why our gear costs more, and why we believe it's worth every penny.

1. Premium, U.S. Made Materials

We use only genuine BioThane®, which is manufactured in the U.S. Unlike many coated webbings made abroad at a fraction of the cost, BioThane is rigorously tested for strength, comfort, durability, and colorfastness. It’s waterproof, stink-proof, and built to last a lifetime.

Cheaper alternatives may look similar, but they often lack quality data and don’t guarantee safe or ethical manufacturing practices. Choosing U.S. made means higher standards for both quality and people.

2. Hardware That Outlasts the Rest

Our hardware is made from solid brass, stainless steel, and aircraft-grade anodized aluminum. These materials cost more than the nickel-plated zinc hardware found in many dog products, which tarnishes quickly and can fail under stress.

We want your gear to stay safe, strong, and beautiful for years - not months.

3. Handmade to Order & Fully Customizable

Every leash and collar is handcrafted to order in our Oakland workshop. We don’t mass-produce on assembly lines or using machines. We cut, trim, assemble, and finish each piece by hand, one at a time.

We also offer a wide variety of customization options - lengths, widths, colors, hardware, and add-ons - so you can create gear that’s truly your own. This makes our website more complex, and our process a lot more time and labor intensive, but it means you get a product that’s one of a kind and perfectly suited to your needs.

4. Fair Wages

We’re proud to pay our team a fair living wage in one of the most expensive areas of the country. Every product is handmade by skilled employees, not mass-produced in low-wage factories.

Our employees are at the heart of what we do, and they deserve to thrive.

5. Sustainable Practices

We source our packaging from vendors who use recycled materials, non toxic materials and we strive to make each piece of packaging recyclable. We work hard to reduce waste in house, recycle, and make sustainable choices every day. These choices cost more, but are worth it to lessen our impact as much as possible. 

6. Education & Advocacy

We devote significant time and resources to creating educational content - from education about using your gear safely, to resources about positive reinforcement, enrichment, and dog welfare.

Creating high quality educational resources takes time, energy, and investment, but sharing this knowledge is part of our mission to help improve dogs’ lives and strengthen the bond between dogs and their guardians. 

7. Giving Back

Every year, we donate products, funds, and time to rescues, community nonprofits, and organizations like the East Bay SPCA.

We also host fundraisers and offer professional discounts. These commitments add to our costs - but they’re core to who we are. 

8. Long-Term Value & Support

We don’t just sell products - we stand behind them.

• Free or low-cost repairs (including chew damage)

• Warranty coverage for hardware or manufacturing defects

• Free or low cost returns (something many handmade businesses don’t offer)

Our goal is for your leash to last a lifetime, not end up in a landfill.

9. Building a Sustainable Business

Many small businesses (especially handmade businesses) undercharge and struggle to survive rising costs. From the beginning, we’ve been intentional about building a model that supports fair wages, high quality products, and long-term business health.

This means we’ll be here to support you and your dog for years to come.

10. Community & Customer Experience

We put a huge emphasis on personalized customer service - whether it’s helping you choose the right gear, accommodating custom requests, or supporting you if something goes wrong with your order.

Every email, return, or repair is handled by a real person on our team. That level of care takes more time and resources, but it’s part of creating a supportive, trustworthy community for our customers and their dogs.

In Short

Our products aren’t for everyone. They’re premium, handcrafted, and built to last for many years. 

When you choose High Tail Hikes, you’re not just buying a leash - you’re supporting a woman owned and run team, U.S. manufacturing, and ethical business practices. You're supporting values like sustainability, fair wages, and giving back. You’re also joining a community built around compassionate dog guardianship. 

Our hope is that all of this makes the cost worthwhile - and that your gear brings joy to your walks for years to come.