Vasquez Collars & K9 Equipment Pty Ltd has been operating since 2001 and their markets include Australia, naturally, America, Japan, South America, England, Canada and Taiwan.

Miguel came to Wollongong from Chile in 1975 to establish a new life and worked as an electrician for contractors to the then BHP Steelworks, the mining industry and other major local companies.

Along the way he also became proficient in the production and marketing of surgical footwear, but it his impressive range of dog collars that today occupies most of his time and energy.

His journey into the dog collar business began in 2001 when he was approached by a leading dog trainer who had more than 30 years experience in the industry during which time he had experienced demand for suitable collars to assist in dog training.

It helped, of course, that Miguel had always been a dog enthusiast and when offered this new challenge he readily accepted it and put his mind to finding the solution, and find it he did.

The Vasquez range includes collars, leads and other accessories and one of his major clients is another successful local business Bark Busters Australia and International.

Many national and international dog training clubs use only Vasquez Collars for improved agility and obedience and the NSW Police Dog Training Unit asked Miguel to design and develop collars for particular use during the world famous APEC Summit held in Australia some years ago.

The specially designed NSW Police Dog Training Unit collar.

The business is run from Miguel’s Horsley home and he is ably assisted in selling the product by his International Marketing Manager Natasha Mulcahy. In fact, the company produces between 50 000 and 100 000 collars a year.

Vasquez Collars also uses the service of two of our city’s best known disabled and disadvantaged workshops Flagstaff Industries and Greenacres.

The Vasquez Collar design has also been patented in many countries and one of the company’s major successes has been the production and marketing of a twist link chain which enabled the collar around a dog’s neck to be appropriately tightened to the correct size while not causing any pressure, damage or discomfort to the dog wearing it.

Today the design has been broadened to accommodate all sizes of dog from the miniature to, for example, a Great Dane, and there is even a specific soft suede design for puppies.

The way ahead

Miguel and Natasha are hopeful in the next three to five years to increased penetration in the US market.

In the last 12 months the company has formed a relationship with Compass Marketing – one of the largest retail distribution networks in the USA – which has resulted in an extension of the on line store market, increased client contact both at home and abroad, major updates to a website and an increase in merchandise.

Miguel says that having a business located at his residence allows for ease of accessibility for family members working within the business.

And to his delight Miguel’s business was honoured with a special award in the NSW Premier’s Export Innovation category.

Natasha and Miguel presented with the NSW Premier’s Export Innovation award.

Always on the go Miguel is a member of the Dapto Rotary Club, but doesn’t have the time to get otherwise involved in the community.

So if you’re a dog lover and your looking for the very latest in leather leads and collars – even to suede/leather puppy collars – or any other canine accessories give Miguel a call on 4261 4209 or check the website  www.vasquezcollars.com.au and see for yourself the wide range of colourful products that are available.