FAQ

"NBT® Restraining System"

The first multi-sized adjustable pet restraining system.

Answers to frequently asked questions about our company and the product-NBT®.

Meet Lady and Lucky-the pets with no fears! Look at how the NBT® was used to help them!
Why is NBT® more effective than cone collars (also known as elizabethan, victorian or e-collars)?
How do I adjust the size for my pet's neck?
Can NBT® be cut into unusual and effective shapes?
Can NBT® be used for other medical purposes?
Available sizes?
When should I purchase an NBT® for my pet?
How can you cut one NBT® to fit 5 pets?
Answers to questions from users of NBT®.
What trade shows do you attend?
Who is, .. ?
What is ... ?

Meet Lady and Lucky-the pets with no fears! The NBT® was used to mobilize Lady and Lucky's neck, protect their chest, midriff and many other areas! Lucky can be purchased-see order form for details. He's a great training tool!

Meet Lady-you'll notice she easily adjusted to the NBT® brace. Lucky, our mascot, has no problem, too!


The NBT® can be cut into virtually any shape! It can be used with a chest strap (not included). This restraining brace can be double wrapped for added strength and protection. This brace is not recommended as the only treatment to protect a long legged pet from licking it's front paws or eyes.

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Why is NBT® more effective than cone collars (also known as victorian, elizabethan or e-collars)?

An NBT®:

Does not impact peripheral vision.

Does not hinder the animal's ability to maneuver between doorways, furniture, etc.

Does not impact the animal's ability to eat, drink or lay down comfortably.

NBT® is padded and ventilated for comfort.

NBT® is extremely easy to apply around the animal's neck with the hook and loop strap.

NBT® can also be used to protect a pet's mid-riff area.

Economical-one NBT® can be cut into multiple braces.

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How do I adjust the size for my pet's neck?

1. MEASURE CIRCUMFERENCE OF NECK AND ADD 1".



2. MEASURE FROM TOP OF NECK TO SHOULDER AND ADD 1".

3. MARK INSIDE OF NBT® WITH PREVIOUS MEASUREMENTS. CUT NBT® ALONG PERFORATED EDGES.

4. PLACE SIZED BRACE AROUND NECK AND FASTEN.

After the measurement of the animal's neck circumference and length are determined, the inside of the brace has numbered inch marks for cutting. The NBT® cuts easily with a pair of scissors. It is recommended to add 1" to the circumference of the neck and 1" to the length.

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Can NBT® be cut into unusual and effective shapes?

Unlike other braces or cone collars (e-collars), NBT® can be cut around a pet's ears or protect the chest area in order to make the brace more comfortable and effective.

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Can NBT® be used for other medical purposes?
NBT® can be used to protect IVs, shunts, stitches and wounds. It's also great to use for padding. The versatility is endless!

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Available Sizes?

Part of our development process was to create a universal restraining system. Only 1 size is needed which will fit all dogs, cats, large birds and other small animals. In addition, one NBT® can be cut to fit up to 5 animals, which is an effective cost saver! The product size is 12" X 28". An additional hook and loop strap is included with every NBT®.

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When should I purchase an NBT® for my pet?

An NBT® should be purchased and kept available for emergencies.
The NBT® can be used as a temporary restraining collar, splint, brace or as padding.
It is recommended to keep one at your home, in your car, vacation retreat or anywhere you may take your pet.
It is also recommended to have an NBT® available prior to any surgical procedures.
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How can you cut one NBT® to fit 5 pets?

One 12" by 28" NBT® can be cut to fit 5 pets:

ALL MADE FROM ONE Brace!!!!!!!

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Answers to questions from users of NBT®

Can I wash the NBT®?
NBT® easily washes with soap and water or mild disinfectant. It can be submersed in water. Strong disinfectants or bleach should not be applied on the backing material, but soap or mild disinfectants may be used. After the NBT® is washed, allow it to dry 30 minutes prior to reuse. It can be washed in a washing machine. Remove the hook and loop tape and place the NBT® in a laundry bag. Close the bag and insert into the washer by itself or with other items. After it is washed allow it to air dry.

Should I cut the NBT® into a cylindrical shape for the pet's neck?
No, custom cut the brace for your pet. Cut around the ears and under the neck for a better fit.

What can I do with smaller pieces?
Combine smaller pieces with hook and loop tape and make a larger brace!

What can I do with the NBT® if the backing is pulled off?
Use the brace with surgical tape instead of the hook and loop tape. The brace is great for padding or protecting an injured area.

My pet still gets out of the brace-what can I do?
Stubborn and strong pets require applying the hook and loop tape vertically to the opening and not parallel to it or double wrap the brace. This will require 2-3 times more hook and loop tape. Also, surgical tape wrapped around the brace will work.

Can I order additional hook and loop tape?
Send an email with the quantity required to hagarcollars@verizon.net and a price list will be sent to the email address.

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What trade shows do you attend?

The Bird Mart; October 13, 2007; 10AM-6PM; Booth B89; Will Rogers Exhibit Hall, 2850 Stadium Drive, Fort Worth, Texas. Stop by, ask for Jeff and say "Hello"!

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Who is, .. ?

Hagar Collars was named after our pet bird, Hagar. Hagar started plucking his neck, so we took him to our veterinarian, Dr. Charles Blonien (D.V.M.) in Plano, Texas, to see if something could be done to stop this problem. Dr. Blonien placed the Victorian collar on Hagar's neck which lasted approximately 15 seconds before Hagar managed to rip the collar to shreds. Dr. Blonien said we needed to create a neck brace in order to prevent Hagar from plucking. Utilizing various materials and designs we finally developed a softer and lighter foam brace. We tried it on Hagar, and it worked.

The next thought was why not make this for other animals? Pets all around the world have had some type of surgery or irritated area that requires them to wear a brace, splint, cone, victorian or e-collar. We tested "NBT®" on our dogs and several friends birds, cats and dogs, and everyone is satisfied with the results, including the pets! The brace completely met the owner and pets needs. We gave 1000's of samples to veterinarians, who were amazed and very satisfied, especially with the ease of use and the animal's less negative reaction to the brace. Dr. Blonien and his staff highly recommend our product and use them in their practice. 1000's have been sold world-wide!

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What is ... ?

"Neck's Best Thing®" is the first patented adjustable restraining system. The NBT® can be custom cut to meet any pet size requirement. NBT® is weatherproof, washable and lightweight.

The exterior is made of a soft loop material with a hook strap for easy adjustments.

The interior is made of an environmentally safe foam insulation with slotted grooves, allowing the caregiver the ability to custom fit the brace to the desired length and circumference.

This one-of-a-kind design allows for maximum ventilation while providing superior support and comfort-something you won't find in any other brace.

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NBT® and Neck's Best Thing® are a trademarks of HCI. All other products mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.

Questions or problems regarding this web site should be directed to hagarcollars@verizon.net.
Copyright © 2001 by HCI. All rights reserved.
Last modified: Tuesday, June 10, 2008.