Frequently asked questions

Did you know the waste charity, WRAP says over 700,000 tonnes of used clothing & fabric goes to landfill in the UK every year?  It’s enough to fill 459 Olympic-sized swimming pools.  Now that’s really shocking …  At Doggy Smiles we’re passionate our accessories won’t make this statistic worse in the future.  

So we’re on a mission to create fun & funky dog bandanas and bow ties you’ll love – quality products using sustainable materials to make you and your furry friend smile for years to come!

Choosing Doggy Smiles means you’re helping to look after our planet for future generations.  Playing our part to be eco-friendly and use sustainable materials matters to us.  That’s why we use 100% organic cotton for our stylish dog bandanas & bow ties and 100% recyclable packaging too.

Sustainability is such an important subject and it’s finally being taken more seriously by governments around the world – and we can all do our bit too. 

Our 100% organic cotton is both OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and GOTS certified – plus it’s been printed with GOTS certified pigment ink.  GOTS certification means our pigment inks have been independently checked, ensuring they’ve been made in an environmentally and socially responsible way.

What does this fabric certification actually mean?

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabrics have been independently tested to ensure they don’t contain over 300 harmful substances. The certification covers every stage of production up until the point it reaches the factory where the designs are printed.

GOTS certified fabrics have been independently tested to ensure the production process is sustainable and environmentally friendly.  As before, the certification covers each production stage until it’s ready for printing.

Just so you know, organic cotton fibres are unbleached giving a natural organic print base but it does mean they can contain some imperfections.  These add character to the fabric – making each doggy bandana and bow tie a truly bespoke accessory for your pooch.

You want your furry friend to look ‘head & paws’ above the rest don’t you?  And that’s why we create original designs just for you.

Why choose mass-produced fabrics for your doggy’s bandana or bow tie when your pooch can wear exclusive designs printed on eco-friendly 100% organic cotton?

• Your fur buddy will stand out from the crowd in our stylish accessories because we create each fabric design ourselves.  Our promise to you is we never use mass produced ‘off the roll’ material.
• Our original patterns are specially printed on 100% organic cotton – responsibly sourced, sustainable and eco-friendly.  It’s then beautifully handcrafted into trendy dog bandanas and bow ties – just for you & your pooch!
• You can count on top quality with us.  Every item is individually handmade with the same premium 100% organic cotton on the front and reverse.  Our handcrafted dog bandanas and bow ties are double-sided to ensure they’re hard-wearing for playful pooches with an active lifestyle!
• Our exclusive Doggy Smiles designs are printed to order by a reputable and well-established company here in the UK.  They operate a state-of-the-art production facility running the latest generation pigment and dye sublimation fabric processes.
• Your furry friend is unique – just like your bandana or bow tie which is handcrafted from start to finish so sizes, shapes and colours can differ slightly.

Registered charity no: 293358

In a nutshell this amazing charity trains cute and cuddly puppies into super-skilled hearing dogs who transform the lives of their deaf owners.  These loyal furry companions alert their owners to important and life-saving sounds they’d otherwise miss – sounds you and I take for granted – the doorbell, alarm clock, mobile phone rings and danger signals like the fire alarm.

Hearing dogs also provide emotional support and companionship which help deaf people to leave loneliness behind and reconnect with life.

This awesome charity was co-founded back in 1982 by Bruce Fogle (father of Ben Fogle, the broadcaster, writer and adventurer) and Lady Beatrice Wright.  Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) has been the charity’s patron since 1992.  In 2020-2021 (during the Coronavirus pandemic) their services supported an incredible number of 3,263 deaf people and their family members.  They set up 962 hearing dog partnerships and provided a range of other personalised services to assist thousands of deaf people, including support groups and a dedicated Helpdesk.

Every time you buy a Doggy Smiles accessory we’re delighted to donate 10% to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

So your support really does count and is life-changing for a deaf person.

Doggy Smiles is also delighted to sponsor Luna, an adorable golden Labrador pup who’s undergoing her basic training.  You can follow Luna’s progress with the pupdates we share on our social media platforms.

Did you know basic training for a puppy costs £25,000?  To support a hearing dog for life costs £40,000 …

These are big numbers and a massive investment.  So each and every contribution really does make a difference and is gratefully received by the charity.

We’re always looking at other ways we can support Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.  Luna (my furry PA) and I took part in the Virtual Great British Dog Walk in 2021 and raised £165 – many thanks to everyone who donated! 

Please feel free to share your ideas for fundraising with us too!

We hope you’ll join us on this exciting journey to support their great work and continue transforming lives.

For more info feel free to check out their website www.hearingdogs.org.uk

Doggies who have a sense of fun, style and live life to the full – just like their pooch parents!

All breeds, sizes and colours look ‘pawsome’ in our handmade dog bandanas & bow ties.

Here at Doggy Smiles we have a simple mantra:

• WEAR – our stylish dog bandanas and bow ties with a smile!
• CARE – by supporting Hearing Dogs for Deaf People with your charitable donation
• SHARE – lots of fab photos of your pooch in their funky dog accessories on our Facebook & Instagram pages – we’d love to see them!

Doggy Smiles clients know life’s too short not to smile and have fun!

We’re pleased to offer free delivery within the UK (including Northern Ireland, the Scottish Highlands & islands, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Channel Islands and the Scilly Isles).

We don’t charge an additional postage fee so there are no ‘hidden extras’ in your basket at check out.

For UK customers the price you see in our Boutique is the price you pay – and remember you’re making a 10% charitable donation to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People too!

Your order will be sent by 1st class post unless you let us know about any special shipping arrangements you’d like.

Please get in touch to talk about postage costs and the best delivery options if you live in Europe or other parts of the world.

Email us on woof@doggy-smiles.com or call on +44 (0)44 77 699 73227

Yes sure we’d be delighted to send our stylish doggy bow ties & bandanas to you across the globe!

For any country outside the UK, please contact us by phone or email to find out about the postage costs for your particular destination in Europe or further afield.  

Email: woof@doggy-smiles.com        Phone: +44 (0)77 699 73227 

You’ll have seen so many heartbreaking posts on Facebook and in other media recently about doggos who’ve been stolen during walkies or even taken from their own back garden so we don’t feel comfortable about offering personalisation.  Personalised bandanas make it that bit easier for dog thieves to entice away your furry bestie …  

You’ll want to enjoy your cool doggy accessories on every occasion – at home and out & about.  Hopefully you agree it’s always better to be safe than sorry. 

It’s easy – our bandanas simply tie up around your pooch’s neck with a secure knot.  You can adjust the fit according to your doggy’s neck size.  Bandanas can be worn over the collar or on their own if you prefer!

To measure up your furry friend you’ll need to allow about an extra 1” inch minimum (or 2 fingers’ width) between their collar and neck for a comfortable fit.  Your pooch’s safety is really important to us.  That’s why our Doggy Smiles bandanas don’t have any plastic parts which can be chewed off or become a choke hazard. 

“3 in 1” Style Guide – your bandana is super versatile and offers 3 different looks for your doggy.

Wear the bandana facing front or move it round with the pattern facing down the back with a knot under their chin (think Superman cape and boy scout style!).  Or for another fun look, you can fold the bandana into sections to create a neckerchief.  

Bow ties are fastened to your pooch’s collar with 2 adjustable Velcro bands on the reverse side.  Double Velcro bands mean the bow tie stays straight and secure on their collar.  If there’s too much Velcro you can cut to the best length.

To keep your doggy safe all Velcro bands are hand-sewn onto our bow ties.  There’s no risk your pooch can munch on any harmful ‘chemical nasties’ because we never use adhesive glue.

Our online boutique accepts payment with all major credit & debit cards including Mastercard, Visa and American Express.  You can also pay with mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

We don’t accept payments directly and online transactions are made using 100% secure systems to keep your credit card details completely safe.

If you’re having difficulty with online payment please contact us directly to discuss other options.

Please email on woof@doggy-smiles.com or call on +44(0)77 699 73227.

Doggy Smiles bow ties & bandanas are handcrafted individually which takes a few days to turn around.

From the date you place your order you should receive your accessory within 7 working days (Royal Mail 1st class post willing!). 

We always aim to send your order out as soon as possible and often deliver well within 7 working days.   

If for any reason you haven’t received your order after 7 working days then please do contact us.

Email on woof@doggy-smiles.com or call on +44(0)77 699 73227.

IMPORTANT – when you fill out the online order form please check your address details are complete and the postcode is correct to avoid unnecessary delays – thank you!

For a good comfortable fit we recommend measuring your fur buddy’s neck size carefully before ordering.  Please also take a look at ‘How do Doggy Smiles bandanas and bow ties fasten up?’

If you’re in any doubt about correct sizing please drop us a line – we’re here to help!

Some bandanas can look very small, especially on big doggies!  We don’t skimp on material and all our sizes are cut generously to show as much of the funky design on your pooch’s bandana as possible. 

Please see our Sizing & Styling guide for more detailed info. 

If you’re not satisfied with your accessory or would like to exchange it for a different size, please contact us within 14 days of purchase.

We’re happy to offer a full refund if the product doesn’t meet your expectations.  To make sure your accessory is of the highest standard we always check each item before sending to our customers.

A gentle reminder all our bandanas & bow ties are handcrafted so sizes, shapes and colours can differ slightly – that’s what makes them unique, like your fur buddy!

Fibres in our material are unbleached which gives us a natural organic print base.  This means it can contain some imperfections which add character and depth to a print.

All our cotton fabrics have been pre-treated making them and colour-fast and durable. 

We recommend handwashing your organic cotton doggy bandana or bow tie with a mild soap or detergent at max. 30°.

Reshape the item while it’s damp and then leave to dry naturally.  You can then iron your bandana on a low/medium temperature, if you wish.

Please don’t bleach, dry clean or wring out your accessory.

Washing instructions are provided as guidelines only and are subject to your own testing.

Please don’t scamper away off the website … we’ll do our best to find a solution!

Simply pick up the ‘dog & bone’ and call us on +44 (0)77 699 73227 or email: woof@doggy-smiles.com    

We can let you know when the item will be back in stock or have a chat about alternatives if your purchase is time-sensitive or for a special occasion.  Or why not purchase a Gift Voucher to solve your prezzie problems?

Finding great gifts for friends and family who seem to have everything is tricky isn’t it?  You’d really like to buy a unique present for their lovely pooch but don’t know which bandana or bow tie size to choose.

That’s why Doggy Smiles is delighted to offer pawtastic Gift Vouchers!  We’d love to hear from you either by email or phone to help with your voucher purchase – our contact details are: 

Email: woof@doggy-smiles.com    Phone: +44 (0)77 699 73227

You can either receive the voucher digitally by email or by post – or we can send it directly to the recipient.  If you or they are in the UK we offer free postage.  For other destinations postage costs are payable.

When the lucky recipient gets in touch with us, you can be assured they’ll receive personal service and order the correct sized item(s) for their fur buddy – a pawsome prezzie!

Happy clients are very impawtant to us here at Doggy Smiles and we’re here to help you!  

Our passion is to create lasting pleasure for you & your furry bestie with our cool doggy accessories. 

Your pooch will always look ‘pawsome’ stepping out in our fun dog bandanas & bow ties.

We’re committed to providing excellent customer service and a great experience so you’ll want to be part of our Doggy Smiles clan.

In the event you’re not satisfied with your accessory or need help, please contact us by email or phone (instead of getting on social media!)

We’re confident we can resolve any issues quickly and professionally but we’ll need to hear from you directly to help.  Here’s a reminder of our contact details:

Email: woof@doggy-smiles.com    Phone: +44 (0)77 699 73227