Why We Don’t Use Retractable Leashes (and Why You Shouldn’t Either!)

At House of Paws Pet Care, we take your pet’s safety seriously—right down to the leash we clip on for their daily walk. As part of our HoP Promise, we’re committed to raising the standard of pet care in St. Louis by prioritizing your furry BFF’s safety, comfort, and well-being. And when it comes to leashes, retractable leashes just don't make the cut.

Here’s why we never use retractable leashes during our dog walking services in St. Louis, and what we use instead to keep every pup safe and secure.

Cosmo, posing with a Rescue Rope Lead!

The Hidden Dangers of Retractable Leashes

Retractable leashes might seem convenient—after all, who doesn’t want to give their pup a little extra freedom? But in reality, they pose serious risks for both pets and their humans.

Lack of Control

The longer the leash, the less control you have. With retractable leashes that stretch up to 26 feet, dogs can dart into the street, approach other dogs or strangers, or get tangled around obstacles—all before you can react.

Risk of Injury

Retractable cords are thin and can cause burns, cuts, and even amputations if wrapped around fingers, legs, or other body parts. We've even seen pups suffer neck injuries from the sudden jerk when the leash locks.

Device Malfunctions

These leashes rely on internal mechanisms, and those can jam or fail—often at the worst moment. When the braking system doesn’t work, it’s a free-for-all sprint that can lead to disaster.

False Sense of Safety

Retractable leashes give the illusion of freedom without boundaries. Unfortunately, that freedom can put your pet in direct contact with off-leash dogs, wildlife, or vehicles—turning a walk into a crisis in seconds.

What We Use Instead: Rescue Rope Leads!

At House of Paws, we walk every dog using Rescue Rope Leads, handcrafted in Colorado by another small biz that shares our commitment to safety. These leashes are durable, secure, and built for real-life walks, not just quick potty breaks.

What makes them HoP-approved?

✨ Two Points of Contact – Each leash features a “slip + clip” design for extra security. That means if one point fails (which is rare), you’ve still got a backup.

✨ Tangle-Free & Hands-On Control – These leads are built to handle real dog movement—whether it’s a squirrel chase or a sudden stop to sniff.

✨ Comfort + Strength – Soft on the hands but strong enough for even the most adventurous pups.

We believe your dog’s walk should be safe, structured, and joyful—not a gamble with gear.

Raising the Standard of Dog Walking in St. Louis

We know that trusting someone else with your dog is a big deal—and that’s why every detail matters to us, including the leash. Our HoP Promise means:

🦴 Peace of mind while you're away

🐕 A focus on safety from start to finish

🌟 Raising the bar for professional dog walking in St. Louis

If you’re a St. Louis pet parent looking for a dog walker who treats your pet like family, we’ve got you. From the first tail wag to the last leash clip, we’re here to make every walk safer, smarter, and full of happy sniffs.

Want to Upgrade Your Own Walks?

We’ve partnered with Rescue Rope Leads to bring the HoP-style clip & slip right to your home. Use code PUPPYLOVE for $5 off your first leash and walk your pup with the same peace of mind we do.

Final Woof: Say Goodbye to Retractable Leashes

It might seem like just a leash—but to us, it’s a lifeline. Choosing a safe, sturdy, and reliable leash is one of the easiest ways to protect your pup on every outing.

Ditch the retractable. Go Rescue Rope. Go House of Paws.

Because your furry best friend deserves nothing less.

Looking for reliable, safety-first dog walking in St. Louis?

Let House of Paws Pet Care show you how we’re redefining pet care, one walk at a time.

Book My Walk!