Warranty Policy
Backwoods Dog 1-Year Limited Warranty
At Backwoods Dog, we take pride in handcrafting durable dog gear in our Ontario studio. Every item is inspected before it leaves our workshop, but occasional defects in materials, hardware or workmanship can occur.
Backwoods Dog products are covered by a 1-Year Limited Warranty against eligible manufacturing defects. Coverage begins on the date of delivery, and proof of purchase is required.
What the Warranty Covers
This warranty applies when a product fails during normal, intended use because of a defect in its materials, hardware or construction.
Eligible issues may include:
- Plastic, side-release or magnetic buckle malfunctions
- Snap hooks or clips that stop functioning because of a spring or mechanical failure
- Rivets that loosen, separate or lose a cap because of an assembly defect
- Premature cracking, peeling or separation of the coated webbing during normal use
- Stitching or construction failures on products that include sewn components
- Other defects resulting from the materials or workmanship of the original product
Each claim is assessed individually based on the product’s age, condition, intended use and the nature of the issue.
How to Submit a Warranty Claim
Email backwoodsdogstore@gmail.com and include:
- Your order number or proof of purchase
- A brief description of the issue and how it occurred
- Clear photographs showing the complete product and the affected area
- Any other information reasonably requested to assess the claim
Please do not return an item before receiving instructions from us.
We may request additional photographs or require the product to be returned for inspection before approving a claim.
Approved Warranty Claims
When a claim is approved, Backwoods Dog will determine the appropriate resolution based on the nature of the defect and the condition of the product.
The resolution may include:
- Repairing the original product
- Replacing the affected component
- Replacing the product with the same or a comparable item
- Issuing store credit when repair or replacement is not practical
Warranty claims do not automatically qualify for a refund.
Backwoods Dog will cover standard shipping costs associated with an approved repair or replacement. Expedited shipping, upgrades and changes requested by the customer may carry an additional charge.
A repaired or replacement product remains covered for the remainder of the original 1-year warranty period. Repair or replacement does not begin a new warranty period.
What the Warranty Does Not Cover
The warranty does not cover damage, deterioration or cosmetic changes caused by normal use or circumstances outside our manufacturing process.
Examples include:
- Scratches, scuffs, stains, fading or discolouration
- Surface wear, abrasions or marks caused by regular use
- Stretching or wear around adjustment or buckle holes
- Damage caused by chewing, biting, cutting or punctures
- Damage caused by dragging, snagging or excessive force
- Damage caused by incorrect sizing or use for an unintended purpose
- Damage caused by accidents, misuse, neglect or improper storage
- Damage caused by harsh cleaners, solvents, oils or other chemicals
- Damage associated with topical flea-and-tick treatments or similar pet-care products
- Damage caused by alterations, repairs or modifications performed by anyone other than Backwoods Dog
- Loss, theft or damage occurring after delivery
- Normal colour and texture variations associated with handmade products or natural materials
BioThane gear is waterproof and suitable for regular use in rain, mud and water. However, ordinary wear, corrosion or deterioration caused by prolonged exposure to salt water, road salt, chemicals or improper storage is not considered a manufacturing defect.
Hardware Finishes, Rust and Patina
The appearance and longevity of hardware finishes vary based on the material, environment and level of use.
- Stainless-steel hardware is highly rust-resistant but may still develop surface marks or discolouration under harsh conditions.
- Solid-brass hardware naturally darkens and develops a patina over time. Patina and oxidation are normal characteristics of brass and are not defects.
- Nickel-plated hardware may eventually tarnish, wear or develop rust, particularly after repeated exposure to moisture, salt or chemicals.
- Black-coated hardware may chip, scratch, fade or wear with use. Cosmetic wear or corrosion of the coating is not covered by the warranty.
A structural or mechanical hardware failure may still qualify for coverage even when cosmetic changes do not.
Rope Tug Toys
Backwoods Rope Tug Toys are intended for supervised, interactive play between a dog and handler. They are not designed to be used as chew toys or left with a dog unattended.
Damage caused by chewing, prolonged gnawing, cutting, misuse or ordinary play-related wear is not covered by the warranty.
Inspect the toy regularly and discontinue use if it becomes damaged or begins to separate.
Third-Party Products
Products manufactured by another brand may be covered by that manufacturer’s warranty rather than the Backwoods Dog warranty.
Unless otherwise stated on the product page, warranty questions relating to third-party products should be directed to the original manufacturer.
Additional Terms
This warranty applies to the original purchaser or gift recipient when valid proof of purchase can be provided.
Backwoods Dog may deny a claim when the product cannot be inspected, the requested information is not supplied, or the damage is inconsistent with a manufacturing defect.
This limited warranty is provided in addition to any rights or remedies available under applicable consumer-protection laws.
