Top 5 Best Service Dog Vests and Harnesses for Working Dogs (2017)
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Service dogs play a crucial role in our society, often in dangerous and demanding environments. Finding the best service dog vests or a dog harness for service dogs that are fit for purpose is a must for the safety of the dog, handler and the general public. Comfort, strength, durability, safety and visibility are all important factors to consider when choosing a kit for your service dog.
If your canine helper is not wearing a vest to distinguish him from other dogs, people may unintentionally distract him from his job. It is common knowledge that folks should not interact with working dogs (here’s a story about this). However, if your Fido doesn’t wear a proper service dog vest, how would anyone know
The best service dog vests and harnesses also give the handler complete control over the animal.
Harnesses will also be comfortable for the dog to wear for long periods of time, as many service dogs will be wearing their vest around the clock.
Vests and harnesses are generally a must-have for service dog owners. So when you’re out searching for the right kit, you’ll want a vest that is durable and fits your canine well, while still be comfortable for the dog since he’ll be wearing it very often.
Here are five best service dog vests and harnesses that we’re coming in this article:
If you’re not the one for purchasing dog supplies online, then when you go to a local pet store, it is best to bring your dog with you when shopping for the best service dog vests. Test the vest with your pup to ensure that it fits properly and that it stands out from his coat. You need to select a vest that is easily seen, even from a long distance.
ULTIMATE LIST: The 50 Best Dog Harnesses for Walking Your Dogs
5 Best Service Dog Vests and Harnesses
Keep your service dog safe while he’s on the job
1 Industrial Puppy Service Dog Harness
The Industrial Puppy Service Dog Harness is the only harness you’ll need. With removable patches you can swap your service dog’s message whenever you need. This vest can accommodate backpacks too (sold separately). Fill them up with groceries, medication, food, or bowls and your service dog can help you carry whatever you need.
This is one of the best service dog vests because it is made from the strongest military standard materials available. Dog handlers are impressed with the quality and strength of this garment. The top-mounted handle is a well-liked feature, giving a means of taking immediate control of your dog in emergency situations.
There’s a sturdy alloy D-ring that can accommodate a leash or ID tag. Made from top quality, breathable mesh with fully adjustable reflective velcro straps, your dog will be comfortable, safe and visible when it matters. The Industrial Puppy Service Dog Harness is a great vest for medium to large dogs.
Unfortunately, small or slender dogs get a bit of a raw deal. Consumers say the straps are way too long for them and the buckles are unnecessarily bulky. This is quite possibly one of the best service dog vests on the market, except perhaps if you have a small service dog. Even then, it’s probably worth trying as modification may still give you a better vest than others available to you.
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Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review + PHOTO): “Exceptional! Vibrant color and very sturdy. Our Labrador really loved it when we put it on her. She seems very comfortable in it. She’s a stocky English-breed lab, 78lbs and the XXL size fits her very well. We…”
2OneTigris Tactical Dog Molle Vest Harness
Here’s another military grade harness from OneTigris. It has all the benefits of the Service Dog Harness with added features for tactical functionality and high-level activity.
Your dog will have superior comfort, even during high-level activity. High quality nylon and foam padding provides structural integrity, breathability and protection from abrasion during activity.
The adjustable straps provide a good fit for most breeds of dog but as with the service dog harness, the OneTigris Dog Harness is too wide for slender dogs. A few dog handlers have found that the chest clip can come undone too.
Tactical dog handlers rate this product highly. This is clearly a top performing harness to receive high praise in such a specialist discipline. It’s not a perfect harness for all service dogs, but it’s not far off.
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3Doggie Stylz Service Dog Harness
Doggie Stylz is another harness that can accommodate saddlebags. This time they are sold with the harness, offering great value for money. This harness and saddlebag combination is an extremely versatile piece of kit, suitable for service dogs, law enforcement dogs, therapy dogs and medical alert dogs. Use it for activities such as hiking, cycling, tracking and hunting.
This model has the added benefit of interchangeable velcro panels on the saddlebags as well as on the harness. It’s available in all black or black saddlebags with a red vest. Dog handlers have commented on the excellent fit of this vest due to its fully adjustable straps. It is surprisingly lightweight for such a robust piece of kit. Like the Industrial Puppy, this vest comes with a sturdy quick grab handle.
The quick release buckle makes it easy to take on and off. Comfort is another highly rated aspect that makes this one of the best service dog vests. The Doggy Stylz Service Dog Harness is made with a Neoprene underside, providing warmth, breathability and protection from abrasions. Although good, Doggie Stylz doesn’t hit the mark quite as well as the Industrial Puppy harness and saddlebag combo.
Dog handlers have been disappointed with the strength of the Velcro – the saddlebags can rip off when used in crowds of people or with heavy loads. They note that the sizing is off too and the lettering on the patches scrapes off too easily. Doggie Stylz have produced a good, affordable product in their service dog harness. It’s perhaps not in the same league as the Industrial Puppy but depending on the nature of your work, this is still a contender.
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4Doggie Stylz Service Dog Harness Vest
Here is another of the best service dog vests from Doggie Stylz. This harness will see your pup through service training and beyond. It has everything you need to keep your dog safe, comfortable and under control.
Dog handlers love the quality of this vest. The upper material is made of strong nylon, making it cool and comfortable for your dog. The underside is neoprene – a very effective material for preventing abrasions. The entire vest is double stitched for extra strength. There’s no fuss involved when putting this vest on or taking it off, thanks to the reflective easy snap release buckle. The straps are fully adjustable too, and dog handlers have commented that it fits their dog like a glove as a result.
The tough nylon handle gives you extra control whenever you need it, and you can quickly attach your leash to the D-ring. With two removable reflective patches, the general public will have no problem identifying that your dog is working when he’s wearing the Doggie Stylz Service Dog Harness Vest.
There isn’t a lot wrong with this vest if you look at the online reviews. Sizing causes a bit of a hassle. Some dog handlers say that they run small; others say that they run big. Whichever it is, the general consensus is that there is a big jump between sizes, making this vest unsuitable for ‘in-between’ dogs. If you’re unlucky and your dog is between sizes then you might want to give Industrial Puppy a try.
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5Do Not Disturb/Dog Is Working Dexil Limited Dog Harness
This service dog vest from Dexil Limited has been designed to let the general public know that your dog is working and should not be disturbed. It is available in a range of coded colors with wording to prevent accidents or incidents. Other aids available in the color-coded range include buckle and semi-choke collars, leads, harness and coats.
Dog handlers rate this vest highly and have highlighted a few well thought out design features including a second D-ring at the front of the vest allows a ‘no pull’ control when on the leash. The wording is clearly marked in 3 places in embroidered lettering, so there is no risk of it being scratched off. Overall, the sizing is accurate compared to many of the best service dog vests on the market. It’s also lightweight and cool enough to be worn in the heat.
Less impressive is the neck section of the vest. Buyers complained that it is disproportionately small compared to the rest of the vest and it’s not adjustable. A number of dog handlers couldn’t get their dog’s heads through the neck hole of the Do Not Disturb/Dog Is Working Dexil Limited Dog Harness.
One dog handler has unfortunately discovered that the dog can back out of the vest altogether as there isn’t a rear fastening. Head and rear issues aside, this is a high quality vest that not only safeguards service dogs, their handlers and the general public but raises awareness of the crucial roles that these dogs play.
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