Paco Collars - Stylin' Gear For Dogs, Cats & People

Last week I stopped to admire a snazzy leather collar sported by a pit bull mix in my neighborhood. Adorned with round metal studs, the rich brown collar had attitude. The collar gave the pooch a hip edgy sophisticated flare – perfect for the urban dog, and as it turns out, the urban cat too.

Paco Collars was born here in the Bay Area in 2002 in answer to Ana Poe’s question, “What if I could combine my love for pets with art and somehow make a living?” At that time most if not all leather collars on the market were spiked. The first Paco Collars were designed out of the need for strong and handsome spike-free leather collar for “bully” breeds like Pit Bulls. The business is named after Poe’s rescued Pit Bull, Paco, who passed over into dog heaven in 2009.

Crafted with great attention to detail, Paco Collars are a wonderful combination of function and fashion. They’re sturdy and very long-lasting, artistic and beautiful. Most designs are studded with rhinestones and/or metal studs arranged in geometrical patterns, flowers or swirls with names like The Celtic, The Maverick, and The Sybyl Lilly Valentine. When I look at them, I find myself thinking of tattoo art, Western saloons in the late afternoon, blues and rock and roll. Unembellished leather collars are also available.

According to Paco Collars, leather is not only durable, over time it mixes with natural oils from the pet’s skin and turns into a “buttery texture.” Well-treated leather shouldn’t irritate the skin and is easy to clean and care for.

If you have something particular in mind that isn’t in the current line, Paco makes custom-designed collars as well as leather leashes, and leather belts and bracelets for humans. Collars come with a lifetime of free repairs for product or hardware failure. Paco also offers a unique service: when a beloved pet dies, Paco will turn the collar into a memorial bracelet for the owner at no charge.

Paco Collars are available on the company’s website and in its Berkeley store. Select pet supply stores throughout the country carry their designs, but you won’t find them in any stores that sell animals. As explained in the company’s blog, this policy stands up for responsible pet ownership and against puppy and kitten mills.

I never met Poe’s dog Paco, but there’s no question, his namesake does him proud.

Paco Collars' store is located at 2905 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705. The website at www.pacocollars.com lists other stores in the U.S., Canada and Japan that carry Paco Collars.

You will also find Paco Collars in our resource directory.