Shipping policy

Effective date: 26/11/2025

This Shipping Policy explains how we process, ship and deliver orders placed on dr-akita.com for customers in the United Kingdom.

“We”, “us” and “our” mean Dr. Akita. “You” means the person placing an order with us.

This policy should be read together with our Terms & Conditions of Sale and our Returns & Refunds Policy.


1. Where we ship

We currently deliver to addresses within the United Kingdom (mainland and most UK regions).
If we are unable to deliver to a particular postcode or region, this will be indicated at checkout or we will contact you after you place your order.

We do not currently offer international shipping outside the UK via dr-akita.com.


2. Order processing times

We aim to process and dispatch orders quickly so your pet doesn’t have to wait.

  • Orders are usually processed within 1 - 3 business days (Monday - Friday, excluding UK bank holidays).
  • Orders placed after our daily cut-off, on weekends or on bank holidays will be processed on the next business day.

During busy periods (such as promotions, seasonal peaks or launches), processing times may be slightly longer, but we’ll still do our best to get your order out as soon as possible.


3. Delivery options & estimated timings

Delivery options and prices are shown at checkout and may change from time to time. Typical options include:

  • Standard delivery: Usually delivered within 1-3 business days after dispatch.
  • Express / tracked options (where available): Faster delivery and/or enhanced tracking, with estimated timeframes shown at checkout.

Actual delivery times can vary depending on your location, the delivery option you choose and carrier performance. All delivery timeframes shown are estimates, not guarantees.


4. Shipping fees & free delivery

  • The shipping cost for your order is calculated and displayed at checkout before you confirm payment.
  • From time to time, we may offer free standard delivery when your order value reaches a certain threshold, or as part of a promotion.
  • Any free shipping thresholds or promotional shipping offers will be clearly stated on the Website and/or at checkout.


5. Order confirmation, changes & cancellations

Once you place an order on dr-akita.com, you will receive an email confirming we have received it.

We start processing orders shortly after they are placed, which means:

  • We cannot guarantee that we will be able to change or cancel your order once it has been submitted.
  • If you need to make a change (for example, address correction) or attempt to cancel before dispatch, please email us as soon as possible at woof@dr-akita.com with your order number and request.
  • If we are unable to stop the order in time and it is dispatched, you can still make use of your right to cancel and return the goods after delivery - see our Returns & Refunds Policy.


6. Tracking your order

Where tracked shipping is used:

  • You will receive a dispatch email containing tracking details once your order has left our fulfilment centre.
  • You can use these details to follow your parcel’s progress with the carrier.

For untracked services (if used), the dispatch email will still confirm that your parcel is on its way and provide an estimated delivery window.


7. Delivery issues, delays & lost parcels

Most orders arrive within the estimated timeframe. If your order is taking longer than expected:

  1. Check your tracking link (if available) for updates.

  2. Check with neighbours or a local collection point if the carrier indicates that the parcel has been delivered.

  3. If your parcel has still not arrived 3-4 business days after the end of the estimated delivery window, please contact us at woof@dr-akita.com with your order number.

We will:

  • Investigate with the carrier; and
  • Either re-send your order or issue a refund where appropriate, once the investigation is complete.

We are not responsible for delays caused by events outside our reasonable control (for example, extreme weather, strikes, major carrier disruptions or other unforeseen circumstances), but we will always try to help.


8. Incorrect address or failed delivery

Please check your delivery address carefully at checkout.

  • If an incorrect or incomplete address is provided and the parcel is returned to us, we may:
    • Offer to re-ship to a corrected address (additional shipping charges may apply); or
    • Refund the order minus any original shipping costs and any return charges billed to us by the carrier.

If the carrier attempts delivery but is unable to complete it (for example, no one is available to receive the parcel and it is not collected from a depot within their holding period), they may return the parcel to us. In that case, the same approach as above will apply.


9. Gifts

If you are ordering as a gift:

  • You can enter a separate delivery address at checkout.
  • We’ll still send order and tracking emails to the email address you provide (not to the gift recipient).

Delivery times for gifts are subject to the same processing and transit times outlined above.


10. Changes to this Shipping Policy

We may update this Shipping Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on dr-akita.com.
Where required by law, we will notify you of material changes. Any changes will apply to orders placed after the date the updated policy is published.


11. Contact us

If you have any questions or issues related to shipping or delivery, please contact us at:

Email: woof@dr-akita.com

We’re here to help.