The 5 Best Emotional Support Dog Harnesses For Canine Heroes

Canine companions can fill our hearts and lives with joy, but for some, a dog is more than just a friend. Support dogs can provide care and assistance across a whole spectrum of needs, from therapeutic application to guidance and assistance for those with disabilities. If you rely on your pet to offer a helping hand while you’re out and about, it’s important that others can quickly identify them as a support pet. And for that, there are few better accessories than an emotional support dog harness.

Best Emotional Support Dog Harness to Consider

The primary purpose of an emotional support dog harness is to ensure your pet is visible and easily identifiable to the public. Depending on your needs, this can be achieved by choosing a harness with bright coloring and an appropriate badge or tag to identify their role. These harnesses aren’t just great for emotional support dogs, either. Many of the options we found include removable badges, so you can add your own customized tags to display that they are a service dog, therapy dog, or more.

Harnesses aren’t just a great way to display important information, though. Their comfortable fit and even pressure distribution make them a relieving alternative to traditional collars. Many of the options we reviewed also include additional comfort features like breathable materials and padded fabrics to ensure your pooch is at peace within.

Stealing the top spot on our list is the bold and brilliant service dog harness from Voopet. This vivid design is sure to catch eyes, and thanks to a wide range of color options you’re sure to find a style to coordinate with your dog’s natural coat. It also features replaceable labels, with a set included that reads ‘emotional support’. While the dual-buckle design of the Voopet harness certainly offers a snug fit, if you’re looking for an escape-proof outfit the tactical harness from Petnanny can’t be beaten. With four buckles in total and a range of adjustment options, this well-fitting harness will hold any curious pooch safely inside. Don’t miss the rest of our favorites below.

Voopet Service Dog Harness

Whether you want to dress a support dog for the role or simply to alleviate some of the discomfort caused by collars, this dual-buckle harness from Voopet is a practical and affordable choice. It couldn’t be easier to don and doff, with two ergonomically placed plastic buckles and a range of adjustable straps that can be fine-tuned to find a snug fit for your pooch.

At the top, a secure nylon handle will offer a comfortable and secure grip when you need to keep your pet by your side. A rustproof D-ring also provides a secure hold compatible with most leash attachments.

Pros:

• Removable velcro ‘emotional support’ patch
• Anti-friction pads inside for added comfort
• Wide range of bright color designs

Cons:

• The material can be a little stiff on arrival

ALBCORP Emotional Support Dog Vest

With a classic red and black duotone design, this emotional support harness from Albcorp won’t leave onlookers doubting the essential companionship of your service dog.

This harness features a single-buckle closure, making it a little easier than most to get fitted. The durable plastic buckle also includes a safety locking feature that will hold it firmly shut once closed. It’s not just the buckle that’s built to last, the handle above is reinforced with a plastic shell for enhanced grip and damage protection.

It’s not just for emotional support dogs, either. The two patches can be easily removed and replaced with your own, letting any passerby know their role.

Pros:

• Also available in all black
• A wide range of sizes is available
• Durable D-rings for leash and ID tag

Cons:

• Heavy design might not be comfortable for puppies or the smallest breeds

Petnanny Tactical Dog Harness

Most dogs quickly become familiar with the fit and feel of a harness, and many will prefer the even weight distribution to the localized pressure applied to the neck by a collar and leash. If your pooch is a little more curious than most, however, or even a known escape artist, they might find a way to wriggle out of single-buckle designs.

This sturdy tactical harness from Petnanny is one of the snuggest-fitting options we could find. Secured in place with two metal and two plastic buckles, it’s sure to hold in place once attached. The metal shoulder buckles are extra resilient with the strength to withstand a pulling force of up to 1100 pounds. That’s more than enough to hold any eager pooch in place.

Pros:

• Two multi-purpose metal clips for attachments
• Reinforced nylon top handle
• Hook and loop panels for ID tags and patches

Cons:

• This premium design is a little pricier than most

Industrial Puppy Store Emotional Support Dog Vest

Support dogs are widely utilized as companions for all manner of conditions. If you rely on your pooch for support when you’re out in public, you want to ensure that they’re clearly visible for all to see.

This practical harness from Industrial Puppy Store doesn’t just draw attention through its classic two-tone color scheme. It’s also lined with reflective strips, to illuminate you and your canine companion during walks after dark. With sturdy metal hardware and detachable patches included, it’s a great choice for a range of support applications.

Pros:

• Comfortable padded mesh inside
• Sturdy carry handle
• Welded reinforced D-ring

Cons:

• This single-buckle design doesn’t fit as snugly as some

Industrial Puppy Store Emotional Support Dog Vest with Leash

Though most emotional support harnesses are equipped with a sturdy carry handle at the top, this secure hold is only useful when you want to keep your dog immediately by your side. When it’s time to stroll together, you’ll need a leash to let them roam with a little more freedom.

This bundled set from the Industrial Puppy Store contains everything you need to explore the outdoors with your support dog. The single-buckle harness is made from durable nylon with extra padding inside to keep them snug every step of the way. The four-foot leash features rust-proof polished hardware and attaches to a reinforced D-ring on the harness, offering a secure hold for many walks to come.

Pros:

• Bold ‘emotional support’ labeling on the leash
• Removable side patches
• Reflective patches for safety in the dark

Cons:

• Only two color styles to choose from

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an emotional support harness?

An emotional support harness (also often referred to as a service dog or therapy dog vest) is a type of special assistance device that helps the handler manage and control the dog’s behavior during public outings. The harness provides a calming feeling when strapped on, which can help reduce stress-related behaviors in many dogs. They also often feature clear labeling and bright colors so to ensure that your support dog is visible and can quickly be identified as such.

When else can an emotional support harness be useful?

If your pet has exhibited concerning signs of anxiety, aggression, restlessness, or distress in unfamiliar situations or new environments, then he may benefit from wearing an emotional support harness. Harnesses can offer your dog a more comfortable experience when being held on a dog leash, as they are less restrictive than traditional collars. If you’re concerned about resolving a particular issue relating to your dog’s health or behavior, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian to assess and determine if this kind of support is necessary or appropriate.

What are the different types of emotional support harnesses?

Several alternatives exist, and some are certified by organizations such as Assistance Dogs International (ADI). In general, emotional support harnesses can be distinguished by the number of buckles and adjustment options onboard. If you want to display a specific sign on the harness, it’s also worth making sure that they feature patches that are interchangeable or hardware for hanging tags and more.

Are there any additional benefits associated with using an emotional support harness?

Yes! Aside from assisting you in managing their behavior and reducing unwanted negative responses, these types of vests may also provide cognitive benefits such as increased focus and concentration while providing enhanced safety protection when out in public places like parks or shopping centers. Best of all, they offer your dog a more comfortable fit than traditional collars which can sometimes constrict the neck area.

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