VOLUNTARY PRODUCT RECALL NOTICE ON RUFFWEAR'S LOAD UP™ HARNESS
On January 25, 2022, Ruffwear voluntarily recalled the Load Up Harness released on August 25, 2021.
*Note: Harnesses purchased prior to August 25, 2021, are not included in this recall. The updated design released in June 2023 is not included in the recall*
We’ve received two reports where the metal side-release buckle can unclip during use when only one of the buckle’s two triggers is depressed, resulting in the buckle coming undone. We’ve had zero reports of a dog’s injury or death as a result of this failure.
Our team has identified the cause of this issue to be an internal spring that can come loose, and we’ve determined this failure can occur while the harness is being used as intended.
TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RECALL, FILL OUT THE FORM
To participate in the recall, fill out the form. You’ll also be asked to provide a picture of the harness with both neck straps cut. We’ll send you either an e-gift card for the purchase price of your Load Up Harness or a redesigned harness with updated buckles, depending on your location, once your recall has been processed.
FAQ
What if my Load Up Harness looks different from the current version?
This recall impacts the Load Up Harness version launched in August 2021 which uses a single metal side release buckle. If your harness uses pass-through buckles, it is not affected by this recall. Pass-through buckles were used on versions of the Load Up Harness prior to August 2021 and on the updated design released in June of 2023. We still recommend you inspect your harness regularly for wear and tear to ensure that all parts are undamaged and therefore safe to use as a car restraint.
What should I do if I purchased my Load Up Harness from a retailer other than ruffwear.com?
The process is the same for Load Up Harnesses purchased online, from retailers, or directly from Ruffwear. Please follow the recall process: fill out the recall form, and provide a picture of the harness with both neck straps cut. We’ll send you either an e-gift card for the purchase price of your Load Up Harness or a redesigned harness with updated buckles, depending on your location, once your recall has been processed.
What if I have more than one Load Up Harness included in this recall?
You will need to fill out a separate recall form for each Load Up Harness included in this recall.
I haven’t had any problems with my Load Up Harness. Can I continue to use it?
We recommend you follow the recall process: fill out the recall form, and provide a picture of the harness with both neck straps cut. We’ll send you either an e-gift card for the purchase price of your Load Up Harness or a redesigned harness with updated buckles, depending on your location, once your recall has been processed.
When will a new Load Up Harness be available?
A new design of the Load Up™ Dog Car Harness was released in June of 2023 and is available for order now.
How long does it take to get my e-gift card or replacement?
We process all claims in the order they’re received. An e-gift card credit will be emailed to you the same day your claim is processed. Replacement orders will typically ship by the next business day. You’ll receive an order confirmation when your claim is processed, and a separate shipping confirmation with tracking when your order is shipped.