Service Apparel for Dogs

Service dogs in the United States are not required to wear identifying apparel or carry any sort of paper certification to identify them. But many service dog handlers choose to use apparel to identify their dogs in order to avoid confusion and because these items are functionally useful for service dog work. Options include special harnesses, vests and capes.

  1. Harnesses

    • Functional service dog harnesses come in two varieties: Guide dog and mobility harnesses. The two are similar, with a few key differences.

      Guide dog harnesses are designed to provide support and guidance for a person who is blind or has low vision. They consist of a simple leather harness with a firm U-shaped handle. A plain leash is also attached for times when the handle is not needed.

      Mobility harnesses are made to support a person who is ambulatory but needs assistance walking or getting up from a sitting position. These harnesses also have a handle, but it's wider and shorter, made to distribute the handler's weight and pressure across the dog's body. In this way, a handler can use the service dog to brace herself without injuring her dog. Some mobility harnesses also have a second, longer handle so the dog can help to pull a wheelchair.

    Vests

    • Vest are used to identify a service dog and to provide practical storage. They are usually blue, red or black nylon with contrasting nylon trim. Vests have pockets on the sides to store items like treats, spare leashes or a service dog identification card. There is usually a logo or lettering identifying the dog as a service animal.

      Vests might also be used on service dogs in training. If the dog is still in training, the vest will usually read "Service Dog In Training, Do Not Pet," or something similar.

    Capes

    • A service dog cape is similar to a vest but smaller and provides little to no storage. The only real purpose of a cape is to identify the dog wearing it as a service animal. The cape might have small pockets or no pockets at all. It is a rectangular strip of nylon or mesh that extends over the animal's shoulders and fastens under the girth. Service dog capes feature logos or lettering stating the dog is a service animal.

    Misconceptions

    • Some people believe that all service dogs wear service apparel. This is not the case. A service dog is not required to wear any specific apparel or carry identification in the United States. Service dogs have public access rights regardless of attire, unless they are disruptive. For example, a service dog barking in a movie theater can be ejected, but the same dog could not be asked to leave if he were well-behaved but his owner did not provide identification proving his service dog status.

      Any owner can purchase or make service dog apparel. It is the service the dog performs, not what it's wearing, that makes it a service dog. Many dogs perform services for their handlers that are invisible to observers. For example, some service dogs alert epileptics to oncoming seizures.

    Other Considerations

    • When choosing apparel for a service dog, the dog's comfort as well as the item's function should be considered. A mesh vest is more comfortable in hot weather than a heavy nylon backpack.

      Service dog harnesses are expensive for good reason. They are leather items that must be functional and comfortable for all-day wear while working hard in all types of weather. A service dog harness is an investment for the dog's lifetime.