March 21, 2026
The global pet accessories market reached $11.01 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.08% through 2030, according to Grand View Research. Within that market, collars, leashes, and harnesses accounted for 31.92% of revenue in 2024, a segment valued at $3.12 billion that is forecast to reach $5.47 billion by 2033. Tennessee retailers entering this category must register through the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP) at tntap.tn.gov and pay a $15 registration fee to the county or city clerk for each location. The state sales tax rate is 7%, applied to pet collars and harnesses sold at retail.
These national growth indicators underpin the robust market Tennessee consumers experience. Tennessee’s pet ownership rates reflect national trends: the American Pet Products Association (APPA) reports that approximately 70% of United States (U.S.) households owned a pet as of the most recent National Pet Owners Survey. The state’s mix of urban centers, Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, and Chattanooga, alongside rural communities creates steady year-round demand. Growth drivers include rising pet humanization, a preference for ergonomic and reflective harness designs, and expanding interest in GPS-enabled smart collars. The North America dog harness market alone is projected to grow from $109.7 million in 2022 to $201.9 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 6.3%, driven by safety awareness and premium product demand (Spherical Insights).
Tennessee’s market operates within the constraints and protections of federal regulatory standards. No federal agency specifically regulates the design or safety of pet collars and harnesses. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has limited jurisdiction because pets are not classified as consumers under federal law, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) governs only pet foods and edibles. However, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International’s subcommittee F15.05 is actively developing voluntary safety standards for the category. One active standard, ASTM F3725, the Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Dog Harnesses for Motor Vehicle Safety, was last updated October 1, 2025, establishing crash-performance benchmarks for vehicle restraint harnesses. Four additional standards covering general dog collars and harnesses, dog toys, crates, and cat trees are currently in development. Retailers and manufacturers that voluntarily comply with ASTM F3725-25 align with the first dedicated benchmark for pet restraint crashworthiness.
These compliance standards provide context for the practical buying considerations that follow. A collar or harness that fits correctly, measured snugly with two fingers of slack and matched to the pet’s size, breed, and walking behavior, prevents both escape and injury during daily outings. ASTM voluntary standards serve as the primary third-party benchmark for collar and harness quality, and a valid Tennessee business license confirms the retailer’s legal standing. Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 47-18-104 prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in trade and commerce, covering misrepresentation of product quality, safety ratings, or certifications. Violations may result in treble damages when willful. It is worth asking retailers whether products carry ASTM F3725 compliance documentation, requesting the origin of safety claims such as “crash tested,” and confirming that the business holds a valid Tennessee business license. For guidance or to file a consumer complaint, visit tn.gov/consumer. A pet’s neck circumference and chest girth, measured with a flexible tape and compared to the manufacturer’s size chart with two fingers of space between the collar and the neck, determine a safe and comfortable fit.
Top Pet Collars & Harnesses Providers in Tennessee
Hollywood Feed — Nashville (Melrose)
- Address: 2407 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
- Phone: (615) 490-6697
- Website: https://locations.hollywoodfeed.com/tennessee/nashville/2407-8th-ave-s/
- Description: Hollywood Feed’s Melrose location in Nashville carries a curated selection of dog and cat collars and harnesses alongside its broader natural pet supply inventory. Founded in Memphis in the 1950s, Hollywood Feed trains its associates with more than 40 hours of annual instruction from veterinarians and nutritionists, giving staff the product knowledge to help owners find the right fit. The store offers a 100% price match guarantee on identical merchandise and accepts in-store, delivery, and pick-up orders.
Nooga Paws — Chattanooga
- Address: 313 Manufacturers Road, Suite 111, Chattanooga, TN 37405
- Phone: (423) 531-6113
- Website: https://noogapaws.com
- Description: Nooga Paws is Chattanooga’s only natural pet market and stocks a full range of collars and harnesses for dogs and cats, including items produced by local Chattanooga-area artisans. The store emphasizes wholesome, high-quality ingredients in its food lines and pairs that philosophy with durable, thoughtfully selected gear. Self-wash stations and a dedicated bakery make it a destination for pet owners across Hamilton County.
CitiFid-O — Knoxville
- Address: 429 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
- Phone: (865) 219-5127
- Website: https://citifid-o.com
- Description: Located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, CitiFid-O carries premium collars and harnesses from brands such as Ruffwear, Planet Dog, and West Paw, labels known for durability and ergonomic design. The store’s staff greets customers with product knowledge and enthusiasm, and a loyalty program rewards repeat purchases. CitiFid-O prioritizes locally sourced products where available, supporting Knox County businesses.
Hollywood Feed — Memphis (Collins Street)
- Address: 434 Collins St, Memphis, TN 38112
- Phone: (901) 452-2474
- Website: https://locations.hollywoodfeed.com/tennessee/memphis/434-collins-st/
- Description: The Collins Street location is Hollywood Feed’s original Memphis market, close to the company’s founding address on Hollywood Street. It carries the same broad collar and harness selection available across the chain, including reflective and ergonomic designs suited to daily walks in the city. Grooming and a dog wash station are available on-site, with the wash station closing 30 minutes before store closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register a pet supply business that sells collars and harnesses in Tennessee?
Businesses must register for a business tax account through the state’s online portal and pay a $15 registration fee to the county or city clerk for each location. Registration can be completed electronically, visit tntap.tn.gov to begin.
Does Tennessee charge sales tax on pet collars and harnesses?
Yes. Collars and harnesses are tangible personal property and are subject to Tennessee’s standard 7% state sales tax rate, plus applicable local rates of up to 2.75%. No exemption applies to these products.
Are there federal safety regulations governing pet collars and harnesses sold in Tennessee?
No federal agency mandates specific design standards for pet collars and harnesses. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has limited jurisdiction, and the Food and Drug Administration covers only edible pet products. However, ASTM International’s voluntary standard ASTM F3725-25, covering dog harnesses for motor vehicle safety, provides a recognized benchmark that responsible retailers reference, and buyers may invoke TCA § 47-18-104 if a seller falsely represents compliance with any safety standard.
What industry association supports quality standards for pet collar and harness manufacturers?
The American Pet Products Association (APPA), a trade group representing more than 1,200 manufacturers and importers, advocates for voluntary product safety standards and works alongside ASTM to advance pet product safety guidelines. The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) addresses regulatory and animal welfare issues affecting the broader pet care community. For more information, visit americanpetproducts.org.
What should I look for when buying a harness for car travel?
Look for harnesses that reference compliance with ASTM F3725-25, the standard for dog harnesses used in motor vehicle safety. A Center for Pet Safety (CPS) certification label indicates independent third-party crash testing. Confirm the harness is sized for your dog’s weight range, since most manufacturers test only one size.
What recourse do I have if a Tennessee pet retailer makes false safety claims about a collar or harness?
Tennessee Code Annotated § 47-18-104 prohibits misrepresenting the quality, grade, or safety certifications of any product. Consumers who suffer a loss because of such misrepresentation may file a private civil action and may be entitled to up to three times actual damages if the violation was willful. To report a deceptive practice or get help, visit tn.gov/consumer.
What return and warranty policies apply to pet collars and harnesses purchased in Tennessee?
Pet collars and harnesses are generally returnable within 30 days at Tennessee pet supply retailers if unused, with all original tags, and in original packaging. Once a collar or harness has been worn by a pet, adjusted to fit, or shows signs of use such as pet hair, saliva, or odor, most retailers will not accept a return for a full refund and may offer only store credit or exchange. Personalized or engraved collars are typically non-returnable. Manufacturer warranties on pet collars and harnesses vary by brand: standard nylon collars may carry no formal warranty, while premium brands offering breakaway, GPS-enabled, or anti-pull harnesses may provide one- to two-year warranties covering hardware failures such as buckle cracking, D-ring bending, and stitching separation. Warranties exclude damage from chewing, normal wear, and improper sizing. Tennessee buyers should measure their pet according to the manufacturer’s sizing guide before purchasing and test the fit within the return window.