The Best Service Dog Vests

We all love our furry friends, but some pets go above and beyond to keep us safe and comfortable. If you have a service dog, you know how much help they can be. Some dogs work with law enforcement, some guide the blind, and others help those with mental and physical illnesses. If you’re looking to get your service dog a vest so others know that it’s on duty, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up the best dog vests on the market so you can spend less time online and more time snuggling your pet.

What to Look For

When narrowing down the best service dog vests on the market, we considered size, price, and additional accessories. For example, if you had a small dog and wanted a vest to fit it, the Auroth tactical dog harness has options for small, medium, and large dogs. If you wanted to get an all-in-one kit, the ActiveDogsCom service dog harness kit has all the accessories you’ll need. Keep reading to see all our picks in detail and find the service dog vest that’s right for you.

Industrial Puppy Service Dog Vest

Jack of all trades

This well-rounded harness is perfect for service dogs of all kinds and comes at a great value.
Best Overall

Find on Amazon

No matter what kind of service dog you have, it’s important to have a reliable harness that fits them properly. If you’re new to the market and don’t know what to look for, this is a great place to start. This well-rounded vest is professional grade and durable enough for any job. It features a reflective strap and stitching for better safety in the dark and a welded D-ring for a solid leash connection. It has a breathable cushioned interior, so it’s just as comfortable as it is durable. No matter what kind of dog you have or what service you use it for, you can’t go wrong with this purchase.

Pros:

  • This vest has eight available sizes, so you can be sure there’s an option that will fit your dog.
  • It can handle backpack attachments for supplies or storage, so it’s more useful than a standard vest.

Cons:

  • The buckles can cause chafing on the dog’s skin if fitted too tight, so it’s important to get the right size for a safe fit.

Rabbitgoo Tactical Dog Harness

Tough as nails

This heavy-duty harness is built for the toughest dogs and the hardest jobs.
Runner Up

Find on Amazon

If you need a vest that’s just as tough as your dog is, look no further. This military-grade harness is meant for service dogs in hard jobs like law enforcement and the military, but also hunting and any outdoor activities. It’s made of 1050D Nylon and has two metal shoulder buckles to support any pulling force. It even has reinforced stitching and a sturdy top handle for added durability. Simply put, if you need the absolute best from your harness, this is the one for you.

Pros:

  • This harness is covered in velcro to give plenty of space to attach patches, ID badges, etc.
  • It has four quick-release buckles and five fully-adjustable straps, so you can get a snug fit and remove the harness easily.

Cons:

  • This harness is a bit pricier than other brands, but the quality is well worth the money.

Auroth Tactical Dog Harness

Big things, small packages

This harness features adjustable straps for a snug fit even on smaller dogs.
Best For Small Dogs

Find on Amazon

If you have a small dog, sometimes it can be hard to find clothes and accessories that fit it. Lucky for you, Auroth has you covered. This heavy-duty vest comes in four different sizes and features fully-adjustable straps so that you can get a snug fit on your dog, no matter how small. It has two leash attachment points and even has a Molle system for carrying gear. Whether your dog is small or large, this vest is made to be sturdy and strong.

Pros:

  • This harness comes in more than 10 different colors and plenty of camouflage options, so you can find the style that fits your dog best.
  • It’s made of 900D Nylon and has padded pressure points for extreme durability.

Cons:

  • The vest may look small on larger dogs and large on smaller dogs, but if you follow the sizing guidelines it should fit correctly.

ActiveDogsCom Service Dog Vest Harness Kit

All in one

Get everything you need with this convenient full harness pack.
Best Full Kit

Find on Amazon

If you want to cover all your bases in one purchase, this harness kit is your best bet. It features all kinds of add-ons that you may need for your service dog, such as a leash, bridge handle, service dog ID, a travel tag, patches, and more. Everything about this harness flaunts high-quality craftsmanship. Plus, the molded rubber handle and breathable mesh liner make this harness sturdy as well as comfortable. If you’re serious about your service dog, this one-stop shop can get you started on the right foot.

Pros:

  • This kit comes in five different colors and plenty of sizes, so it’s customizable to your preferences.
  • It features an adjustable, reflective chest strap for high visibility and a snug fit.

Cons:

  • It’s a bit pricier than other options, but it’s worth it to get all the additional accessories.

Mumupet Service Dog Harness

Don't break the bank

This harness gives you the quality you need even if you’re tight on cash.
Best On A Budget

Find on Amazon

If you’re working with a tight budget, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. This no-frills harness from Mumupet offers the same quality as other top competitors at a more affordable price. It has a breathable mesh interior and an anti-chafing design, making it just as comfortable as it is practical. Best of all, it’s about half the price of most other brands. It may not have all the flashiest features, but this straightforward harness can help you save big time.

Pros:

  • This harness comes in more than 10 colors and even includes some camouflage print options, so you can pick the print that suits your style.
  • It comes in six sizes, so you’re more likely to get a closer fit that’s more comfortable for your dog.

Cons:

  • This harness can be pulled off if your dog tries to get out of it, but with the proper measurements it should fit fine and won’t come off easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can small dogs be service dogs?

Yes, service animals come in all shapes and sizes. Any dog can be a service dog as long as they’ve been trained properly and can actively help their owner.

What’s the difference between a service dog and an emotional support dog?

Although emotional support dogs can be helpful, they’re not considered legitimate service dogs but the ADA. While they may be trained by their owner to be helpful, emotional support dogs have not been trained by a facility to help with specific tasks.

About the Author

Mitchell was tasked with training the family dog, who proved to be a fun yet ornery companion. Up for the challenge, he quickly figured out just how difficult pet care can be. Through years of working with animals, Mitchell developed a passion for pets both big and small. He's raised numerous furry friends through the years and hopes to share his knowledge to help dog owners raise happy pets.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.