Vest & Harness
A service dog vest or service dog harness helps to identify your dog as a service animal. While not required by federal law, most service dogs wear an identifying vest or jacket when out in public as a courtesy to others.
At Active Dogs, we carry a wide variety of service dog vests and harnesses to choose from. The following are just a few of the unique options and styles available.
It’s vital that you have a collar with tags attached to your service dog, even if they’re microchipped. It is your canine’s only link to you should something happen, like getting lost. When shopping for quality dog collars for your service dog, you’ll want to look for a flat, martingale or limited-slip collar. These are what you’ll typically use for routine, everyday use and regular walking.
When searching for a good hands-free service dog leash, be sure to look for a long and high-quality style. Leashes allow your dog to work with you and adapt to your body movements. This will help your canine better anticipate your needs and the direction you’re moving at any given moment.
You’re not the only one who gets chilly when the seasons change! Your service dog will need a coat too if they’re going to be outside for any amount of time. When you’re out and about and your dog is in their working gear, you’ll want a service dog coat that offers full coverage for his undercarriage and belly. Look for one with a close fit so your service dog’s vest can comfortably fit over it.
Service dog boots are smart and helpful service dog supplies, especially if they routinely work on slick surfaces or in cold environments. Boots protect your service dog not only from the cold, but also from chemicals and salts that can often be found on sidewalks and streets. They offer protection from sharp or rugged objects as well, alleviating risks and preventing potential injuries to your dog.
To protect the inside of your home, nail caps prevent scratches to your walls, cabinets, appliances, vehicles and flooring, especially if your pup performs any type of paws-up tasks.
Service dogs are often trained to carry necessities and important medication for their owners. Clip-on accessory bags are designed to hold leashes, training supplies, additional dog gear and more. These bags aren’t just functional; they also help to calm dogs and promote their physical well-being.
Again, the ADA does not require service animals to wear any type of special vest, harness or ID tag. However, a patch that says what kind of service dog you have and that clearly states “No Petting” can improve your service dog’s public routine immeasurably. A service dog patch keeps the public at bay and allows your service dog the ability to do their work without distractions.
While it’s illegal for a business owner to demand proof of your service dog’s status, a service dog ID card can also help to prevent any potential hassles you may run into. Keep your service dog identification card on-hand for easy access when needed.
Service dogs are task trained to assist handlers with disabilities so the handlers can lead more independent lives. Only service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and must be allowed in public places such as restaurants, grocery stores and on public transportation.
4. There is no breed or weight restriction to a service dog. Any size or breed of dog can be a service dog. Some dogs are more appropriate for tasks than others. For example, it is not practical for a Chihuahua to pull a wheelchair but they might be able to serve as an alert dog for allergens in food or a hearing alert dog that lets their hearing-impaired owner know when the doorbell or phone rings. Although we typically see Labs, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds, many other breeds make wonderful service dogs. Check out Roxy the PTSD Service Dog, and Banner, Super Hero Service Dog on Facebook!
Therapy dogs provide comfort to many people in a variety of settings such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes and more. Therapy dogs are not protected under either the ADA or the FHAA and their access is at the discretion of business owners or managers.
10. Service dogs perform incredible tasks! There is an ever- growing number of tasks that a dog can do. There are seeing-eye dogs for the blind and visually impaired; seizure alert dogs; hearing alert dogs; psychiatric service dogs that do tasks such as remind their handler to take their medication or assist their owner during a panic attack and guide them from a crowded room; diabetes alert dogs who alert to drops and spikes in blood sugar; dogs that pull wheelchairs, open doors, alert to allergens in food, and so much more!
September is Service Dog Month! In honor of all service animals, we’re sharing 10 tips that will help you separate fact from fiction.
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WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — A Warner Robins woman is disappointed after she says some store employees asked her to leave because her service dog didnt have a marked vest.
Martinez says a manager contacted her to apologize for the situation, but she says thats not enough.
Staff cannot ask about the persons disability require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.
“Most of her tasks would include things for anxiety such as deep pressure therapy and light mobility work for me,” said Martinez.
VERIFY: Do service dogs have to wear vests?
Service dogs save lives every day by being the support someone who is facing a disability needs. This requires hard training and a dog that is ready to take on the tasks required of them. Oftentimes these dogs will be marked with a vest or harness but are service dogs required to wear a vest? The short answer is no but there are many reasons why you should, keep reading to find out why!
Service dogs are often seen wearing a vest that shows both that they are a service dog and what specific type they are on occasion. These vests come in multiple styles and sizes to fit any need a handler might have. Some are made to be guide dog harnesses, some to bring medicine, and some are simply to show that it is a working dog.
There are so many reasons dogs wear service dog vests and they are incredibly important. Oftentimes these vests also have patches that have different meanings and might even tell you not to pet. These are also common on service dogs as they could inform the public what or what not to do when in the presence of a service dog.
Service dogs are workers and can sometimes be on duty 24/7 if the jobs require. These dogs love their companions and will do what they need to keep them safe. Because the disabilities that service dogs help are so diverse there is a difference in training for every dog. This also means that service dogs are hard to set with the correct person as some may not be trained for a specific task needed. This also makes the costs associated with obtaining a service dog expensive, but it will be incredibly beneficial.
Some of the different types of service dogs out there includeGuide Dogs/Hearing Dogs, Seizure Response Dogs, Mobility Assistance Dogs, Diabetic Alert Dogs, Autism Support Dogs, Allergy Detection Dogs, and Physical Assistance Dogs. Some of these will also require additional specialized tasks that can be the difference for a patient.
So are service dogs required to wear a vest? Again no, but there are a bunch of reasons why service dogs should wear vests.
First off they mark the dog so the confusion in public goes way down, this is probably the single most important thing too. This will help save you time and effort in many situations (especially the airport) and will keep the dog ready to help if need be without any problematic stalling.
Wearing a vest is also a way many service dogs distinguish working and playing/relaxing. When a service dog has a vest on they are more alert and ready to take action if need be. This is also why you should ask to pet a dog while they are in a vest as it may dull their judgement about the vest.
Lastly a vest is something that distinguishes a dog from being a pet to a working animal and by letting people see that, it may be the difference between them being able help you and them stopping you from getting into certain places.
Service dogs are a blessing to anyone who has one and having a vest is an incredibly smart move. Some dogs may not like a certain vests but may like a different kind. Make sure to get the right size vest and to be proud that you know a service dog! If you have anything to add make sure to comment and share this if you know anyone that could use the information!
SitStay has been your working dog supply headquarters since 1995. From service dog vests, dog beds, and working dog equipment, to dog treats and dog training supplies. Weve got you covered.