Some people have service dogs to assist them in completing daily tasks, others rely on them for help with medical conditions they have. For these people, service dogs are an essential part of their lives. Having a service dog vest on their pup can help them to be easily identified as a service dog and communicate to others that their dog needs to be with them.
This post looks at what a service dog is, what to look for when purchasing a service dog vest, and some of the top styles of service dog vests available.
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Related: Using A Tactical Dog Harness For Your Dog, Best Lift Harness For Large Dogs
What Is A Service Dog?
A service dog is a dog that has been trained to perform a specific task to assist their disabled handler. Examples of tasks include:
- Alerting an epileptic of an oncoming seizure.
- Guiding a blind person.
- Letting a diabetic know their sugar is too high.
- Alerting a person with PTSD that a panic attack is coming.
- Helping a person with a medical condition remember to take their medication.
- Retrieving objects for a person in a wheelchair.
A dog that gives emotional support or comfort during times of stress is not considered a service dog.
What Breed Of Dog Can Become A Service Dog?
A dog of any breed or any size can be a service dog.
Does A Dog Have To Be Certified To Be A Service Dog?
A dog is not required to be certified as a service dog.
According to the Americans With Disabilities Act or ADA, your state/local government may require that all dogs regardless of whether they are a service dog to be licensed and registered, however, they cannot specifically require only service dogs to be certified and registered.
Does A Service Dog Have To Go Through Formal Training?
No, a service dog does not have to go through formal training to be considered a service dog. In fact, the handler can train the dog themselves to perform the specific task needed to help them.
Where Is A Service Dog Allowed To Go?
A service dog should be allowed to go to any place where the public is allowed, even if that place does not allow pets. Examples include:
- Stores.
- Schools.
- Hospitals.
- Restaurants.
- Hotels.
What Vests Do Service Dogs Wear?
A service dog is not required to wear a vest. Many people opt to get a service dog vest to help avoid any confusion of whether their dog is a service dog or a pet.
When getting a service dog vest, it is important the vest is not restrictive and allows the dog to perform the task they are trained to perform without interference.
They also have some kind of identification patch sewn into the vest that designates them as a service dog.
What Do The Colors Of Service Dog Vests Mean?
Since a service dog is not required to wear a vest, the colors are actually just a preference for what their handler wishes their dog to wear. The colors don’t have any particular meaning.
Should A Service Dog Wear A Vest?
It is up to their handler to decide if their dog should wear a service vest, however it is not necessary.
Wearing a vest does not make a dog a service dog. It is the task that they have been trained to perform for their handler’s medical condition that makes them one.
Can Anyone Buy A Service Dog Vest?
Yes, anyone can buy a service dog vest for their dog, but if you opt to buy one and your dog is not a service dog, please do not get service dog patches on your vest.
There are other options for patches to put on a vest, such as “Do Not Pet”.
What Should I Look For When Purchasing A Service Dog Vest?
When looking to buy a service dog vest, some things to consider include:
- Size. Be sure to measure your dog properly before purchasing. (See below on how to measure your dog).
- Material. Look for breathable yet strong fabric that can withstand any tasks your dog will need to perform.
- Fit. As mentioned above, choose a vest that will allow them to perform the tasks they need to without being restrictive.
- Leash attachment. There should be a metal leash attachment on the back of the vest for you to attach your leash.
- Handle. A service dog vest with a handle will allow you to grab your dog if needed.
- Side D Rings. This will allow you to attach a bridge handle for an extended reach between you and your service dog.
- Adjustable Straps. These will help to get the best fit your dog.
- Reflective Stitching. Allows your dog to be more visible in low light conditions.
- Padding. Helps keep the vest more comfortable for your dog to wear.
- Water Resistant. Helps to keep your dog comfortable in all weather conditions.
- Patches. Service dog vests usually have patches that can be attached that identify your dog as a service dog.
- Pockets. Some vests have pockets that can be used to carry supplies you or your dog may need. There may also be a pocket that can be used to carry your dog’s identification as a service dog if that is something you wish to do.
How Do I Measure My Dog For A Service Vest?
To measure your dog for a service vest, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Generally, you will need to take 2 measurements: the girth and neck. You will need a paper tape measure. If you do not have a paper tape measure, you can take a piece of string to wrap around the neck and girth and then measure the size of the string.
Girth: to measure your dog’s girth, you will need to find the widest part of their chest, usually right behind their front legs. Add 2 inches to this total.
Neck: measure the circumference of your dog’s neck at the base where the neck meets the shoulders. Be sure you can fit at least two fingers underneath.
Adding the other extra inches and being sure to add the two fingers will ensure your dog will be able to have room without the vest being too restrictive.
Types Of Service Dog Vests
There are several types of service dog vests on the market that can suit your needs. Some include:
- Cape Vests. These vests sit over the top of your dog and secure under your their belly.
- S&R Style. These vests allow for greater movement.
- Tactical Vests. These are for larger dogs and allow bags to be attached for your dog to carry items, if necessary.
- Coats. Winter coats are available for dogs that live in colder climates.
- Saddle Bags. Vests are available with saddle bags attached to carry supplies.
- Lightweight/Mesh Vests. Keep your dog cool in warm conditions.
- Padded. Allows your dog to be more comfortable when wearing the vest.
Best Service Dog Vests
These are our top 7 service dog vests. Product information is according to the manufacturer. All of these are well made, easy to get on and off, are comfortable for your service dog to wear, and come with the “Service Dog” patch. Some of these will allow you to get more than one patch sewn on.
Best Overall
Industrial Puppy Service Dog Vest
This vest has a reflective chest strap, a control handle, and removable patches with large, easy to read lettering.
- Comes in multiple sizes.
- Available in various colors.
- Lightweight.
- Made of mesh material.
- Has heavy duty double stitched nylon.
- Reflective chest strap.
- Removable “Service Dog” patches.
- Control handle.
- Welded D ring leash attachment.
- Quick release belly buckle.
- Includes a set of 50 ADA cards.
Pros/Cons:
- Letters on patch are big and easy to read.
- Easy on/off.
- Sturdy.
- Good quality.
- Adjusts easily.
- Buckle is large.
Best Cape Vest
Butterfly Cape Service Dog Vest With Pockets
This cape vest has 2 wide zippers (one on each side) and has 2 girth straps to keep it in place as your dog moves.
- Comes in multiple sizes.
- Available in a variety of colors.
- 2 wide pockets with zippers.
- Reflective web on pockets.
- Lightweight.
- 2 girth straps to keep in place.
- Adjustable girth and chest straps.
- 2 heavy duty D rings.
- Comes with 2 standard patches.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Fits well.
- Good quality.
- Durable.
- Comfortable for dogs.
Check Price At: Active Dogs
Best Cold Weather Service Dog Vest
Cold Weather Service Dog Coat
This vest is perfect for dogs that are exposed to cold weather conditions. It has a fleece collar, is lined with fleece, has a rubber handle and 2 zippered pockets.
- Fits snugly around the chest without being restrictive.
- Roll-down fleece collar.
- Clear window pocket on top for identification.
- 2 patches.
- Patches sewn on.
- 3 metal D rings.
- Molded rubber handle.
- 2 zippered pockets.
- Adjustable girth strap.
- Water resistant.
- Made of cordura top fabric.
- Fleece lined.
Pros/Cons:
- Fits well.
Check Price At: Active Dogs
Best Tactical Service Dog Vest
Petnanny Tactical Service Dog Harness
This tactical vest is for large dogs. It has metal buckles, padded handles, and a MOLLE System to enable your dog to carry supplies as needed.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Comes in a variety of colors.
- Made for large dogs.
- Long length.
- 2 padded handles.
- 3 stainless steel D rings.
- Metal buckles.
- MOLLE System.
- Has breathable mesh material.
- Includes 2 reflective patches: “Service Dog” and “Do Not Pet”.
- Adjustable straps.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy on/off.
- Adjusts well.
- Well made.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best S&R Style Service Dog Vest
Service Dog S & R Style Vest
This vest is padded for your dog’s comfort and lined with breathable mesh. Its seams are double stitched and it has reflective straps on the back and sides.
- Comes in multiple sizes.
- Available in various colors.
- Made of nylon/urethane coated fabric.
- Padded.
- Lined with breathable mesh.
- Clear vinyl pocket on the left.
- Reflective straps across the back and sides.
- All seams are double stitched with nylon.
- Welded D ring on top.
- Adjustable girth strap.
- 2 way adjustable chest strap.
- Comes with 2 patches.
- Additional patches can be purchased and sewn on by request.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy on/off.
- Made well.
- Sturdy.
- Fits well.
Check Price At: Active Dogs
Best Padded Service Dog Vest
Padded Harness Service Dog Vest
This vest is padded with a breathable mesh backing. It has a rubber handle and is weather resistant.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Comes in various colors.
- Weather resistant.
- Back of vest is padded with “air-tech” breathable mesh backing.
- 3 metal D rings.
- Swivel snap to hook tag or badge.
- Molded rubber handle on top.
- Buckles underneath the belly.
- Adjustable girth and chest strap.
- Comes with 1 standard patch.
- Additional patches available for purchase and sewn on request.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Good fit.
- Comfortable.
- Well made.
Check Price At: Active Dogs
Best Lightweight Service Dog Vest
Service Dog Breathable Mesh Vest
This vest is made of an air mesh fabric. It is bound with reflective webbing, has an easy grip handle, and has side D rings to attach a bridge handle.
- Comes in multiple sizes.
- Available in a variety of colors.
- Same style as S&R style vest.
- Made of air breathing mesh fabric.
- Has side D rings for using a bridge handle (sold separately).
- Has an attached molded easy grip handle.
- Clear vinyl pocket.
- Bound with reflective webbing.
- Welded D ring on top for leash attachment.
- 2 way adjustable chest strap.
- Adjustable girth strap.
- Comes with 2 standard patches.
- Additional patches can be purchased and can be sewn on upon request.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Fits well.
- Good quality.
- Keeps cool in the summer.
Check Price At: Active Dogs
Service dogs are an essential part of the lives of those who rely on them. A service dog vest provides a clear indication to others that your dog is trained to help you when you are in need. There are a variety of service dog vests available, allowing you to choose the right materials and design that suits the needs of you and your dog.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.