WorkingServiceDog.com

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

5 Things to Know Before Flying


Most airlines nowadays make it easier than ever to take your service dog on trip with you. Many airlines offer an accommodating airline service animal policy that allows your dog to join you directly in the cabin.

You can make traveling with your service dog even easier by outfitting your dog in a service dog vest to make it easily recognizable as a working dog to airline staff and fellow travelers.

Here are five more travel tips from WorkingServiceDog.com to make sure your next trip with you canine companion goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Call Ahead

Although many airlines accept service animal and service dogs, it's always important to verify the airline's policy before booking your flight. It it is advisable to call ahead to the airline to notify them that your service dog will be accompanying you on the flight. Usually they will note your ticket that you are accompanied by a service dog.

2. Know your dog’s size

A service animal may accompany their handler in the aircraft cabin if the service dog can be accommodated without blocking an isle or areas used for emergency evacuations.  If the service animal is too big to sit under the seat or at the handler’s feet without intruding on another passenger’s space or obstructing the isle it will need to travel in the cargo hold.

3. You May Not Be the Only One with a Service Dog On Board

Be aware that others may also be traveling with their service dogs on your flight. Some airlines may have a limit as to how many animals – either service animals or regular pets - can be aboard the plane at any time. This is why it's important to call ahead and advise the airline you have a service dog as soon as possible. Of course a service animal will most likely take precedence over a regular pet in the case that the animal count limit is reached on a select flight, but it is still good practice to inform your airline in advance to avoid any issues.

4. Research Your Flight's Pet Health Requirements 

Find out ahead of time what vaccinations or health certificates are required for your service dog to fly. Then book an appointment with your vet to make sure that your dog has a clean bill of health before embarking on your trip.

5. Know the Risks

Not all dogs are created equally and certain breeds carry more of a flight risk than others. The Humane Society recommends that dogs with “pushed in” faces, such as bulldogs and pugs, should not travel by plane.

Follow These Tips and Enjoy Your Trip

Flying with service animals has never been easier, especially when you follow all the above steps.

Don't forget the number one tip and make sure your service dog is equipped with a noticeable service dog vest.



Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Emotional Support Animal Vests

Emotional Support Animals, or ESAs, offer more than just companionship. They provide an increased comfort level for their owner, particularly in social situations. They also require a note from a licensed mental health professional to qualify.

While people are growing accustomed to seeing service dogs, identifiable by their service dog vests in public places, emotional support animals are a newer movement and may require getting used to by some people. They are also not covered by the same laws as service animals.

What is the Difference Between a Service Animal and an Emotional Support Animal

Many people confuse emotional support animals with service animals but there are important distinctions between the two.

Service dogs, including seeing-eye dogs and dogs that aid with disabilities, are supported by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) while emotional support dogs are not and therefore do not receive the same privileges as service dogs in public. While emotional support animals are allowed to fly with their owners and qualify for no-pet housing, they are not required to be allowed entry into any public establishment that ban animals (Source: National Service Animal Registry).

What Is An Emotional Support Animal?

Dogs are the popular choice for emotional support animals and are easily recognizable with an emotional support animal vest. They provide comfort for their owners in public places, such as stores, restaurants and airplanes.

While dogs are common emotional support animals, other less common species have also filled the role. Some of the unique and perhaps surprising animals to assist people for emotional support include pigs, rabbits, snakes and alligators.

Unfortunately, some of these animals may cause anxiety to the general public, despite providing comfort to their owner (Source: Boston Globe).

Stand Out with an Emotional Support Animal Vest

Although emotional support animals are not supported by the ADA, you can still help the public to accept your animal companion by purchasing an emotional support animal vest. These vests highlight that your animal is there to offer you support and will reduce the number of potential confrontations from less animal-loving people in public.


Wednesday, September 2, 2015

A Service Dog ID Provides a Special Advantage

Service dog identification is important as it helps to distinguish your working dog from a regular pet while in public. By providing a service dog id, such as a vest, tag or card, it makes it easier for business owners and the general public to understand that your canine or other type of animal is doing its job by accompanying you.

Contrary to popular belief, service dogs come in many shapes and sizes. While it's still common for Labrador retrievers to be service dogs, dogs as small as a Chihuahua can also serve a purpose as a service dog. However, there are some people that may not be aware of this, and may question you regarding your small service dog. Outfitting your dog with a service dog identification vest, or simply carrying around a service dog ID card can help to address any issues before they begin.

What are the ADA Rules for Service Dogs?

According to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), privately owned businesses must allow service dogs to accompany people with disabilities into their establishments. This holds true for restaurants and other businesses that may not typically allow pets.

Under the act, businesses can't ask about the disability or require any paperwork but they can question if the dog is required to help with a general disability. They can also ask what tasks the dog has been trained to assist with.

Wearing a service dog ID will make it evident to the public that your dog is a service dog and will probably lessen the number of questions about its purpose.

Of note, Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not considered service animals either (source). However, ESAs can benefit from wearing a service vest, or by the handler carrying an ID stating that the animal is indeed an ESA.

What Happens When There's a Problem?

Unfortunately, some businesses or establishments may be unaware of the ADA laws and try to ban people with disabilities from bringing their service dogs into their businesses even when outfitted with visual identifiers that an animal is acting in a special service type of capacity to its handler.  When this happens, both the handler and the animal may just choose to leave and patronize or visit a different establishment. Some establishments may even be aware of ADA laws, but still try to ban an animal serving as a service or support animal.  In some instances, legal battles have ensued. This was the case with a man who had difficulty with his housing establishment

Although service dog identification won't solve the problem in every case, it can help to reduce the amount of resistance from the public.


For more information about ADA rules, please visit:  https://adata.org/publication/service-animals-booklet

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Service Dogs Can Help Those with Autism

Autism Service Dogs provide a level of comfort and safety for people with autism, particularly children on the spectrum.  These service dogs trained for autism can help people to gain the confidence they need to function in normal daily tasks and can provide an added level of assurance for parents of autistic children.

Where Are Autism Service Dogs Allowed?

Children with autism often struggle with social situations and service dogs are allowed to accompany the child on all public outings under the American's with Disabilities Act.

Autism service dogs can even accompany children to school to help foster a more productive, and effective learning environment.

These and all types of service animals should wear a service dog vest to help distinguish it as a working dog instead of household pet. This will eliminate any questions about whether or not the dog will be allowed in a school setting. 

How Can Service Dogs for Autism Help?

There are varying levels of autism and service dogs can be trained to assist with a variety of tasks.

Communication: Some children with autism are non-verbal and may have difficulty with communication but a service dog can help to build the child's confidence and language skills. By voicing their thoughts and opinions to a patient and understanding dog, kids are able to slowly build up their communication skills without fear of being called out if they stumble over their words. They can then begin to use their newly acquired speech confidence to begin to express themselves to people as well. These dogs are also often a child's primary companion and friend, as well as service animal as these animals are non-judgmental and supportive.

Comfort: Children with autism often experience episodes of behavioral instability caused by outside stimuli, such as loud noises or unfamiliar surroundings. Autism service dogs provide a comforting familiarity for children to calm themselves down. Petting or hugging the dog can give them reassurance that everything will be okay.

Safety: One of the common occurrences with autism is that the child will not be aware of their surroundings. This can lead them to walk directly into danger, such as wandering into a street, and an autism service dog can increase the child's safety. The dog can be trained to guide the child away from danger, or in the event that the child has already wandered away, the dog can track the child to bring it back to safety.

If your child is on the autism spectrum, consider adding a service dog for autism to your household. The bond that the child and the autism service dog will form can help your child to grow and improve in many social situations. For more information on an autism service dog you can visit http://4pawsforability.org/autism-assistance-dog/ and remember, a properly outfitted autism service dog will ensure that the child and animal are not at risk of any conflict while out in public, or at school.


Thursday, August 6, 2015

Psychiatric Service Dog

What is a Psychiatric Service Dog?

Psychiatric service dogs assist people with psychiatric disabilities, including panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and depression. These dogs are trained to perform certain tasks to help alleviate the symptoms of a psychiatric issue.

Here are some examples of psychiatric service dog tasks that can be performed:

Retrieve Medication or Telephone for Emergencies

Whether caused by PTSD or a panic attack, people who experience a sudden onset of fear can experience respiratory distress and other crippling side effects that render them temporarily incapable of accessing their medication. Psychiatric service dogs are able to retrieve the medication and bring it to the person. They can also bring a beverage to make it easier for the person to take their medication.

In the case that someone needs help but is unable to get to the phone, a psychiatric service dog can be trained to retrieve the telephone and bring it to the person to dial for help.

Look for Help

If someone experiences symptoms of a panic attack or other psychiatric disability that leaves them unable to seek help on their own, a psychiatric service dog can be trained to alert a family member, friend or co-worker.

Provide Support

For people who experience dizziness as a side effect of medication, a psychiatric service dog can provide support when using stairs or standing up. Large dogs are best suited for providing this type of service as they must be able to support at least some of the person's weight.

Wake Up Handler

Some medication for people with psychiatric disabilities causes them to be heavy sleepers and they may not awake at the sound of a fire alarm or alarm clock. A psychiatric service dog can wake them by nudging or gently tugging on them.

Assisting with PTSD

Someone with PTSD may need assistance feeling safe, even in their own home. Psychiatric service dogs can help by turning on lights or searching the room before the person enters. If everything is clear, the dog will return to the owner and provide reassurance that everything is okay.

What are the Psychiatric Service Dog Laws?

Psychiatric service dogs are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act and receive the same rights as service dogs for people with physical disabilities. The laws for psychiatric service dogs according to the ADA include that they are allowed to accompany their handler to any public establishment.

An emotional support dog is not considered to be a psychiatric service dog. Although they may offer a sense of comfort and security, they have not been trained to specifically perform a task and are not included in the service dog laws under the ADA.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

What You Need to Know About Service Dog Laws

Service Dog Laws create an accepting, safe and fair environment for people with disabilities to bring their service dogs with them in public. Several federal agencies have developed service dog laws to protect disabled individuals when in public, traveling or seeing housing. We’ve listed out some of the top resources, and what they help define in regards to service dog laws:

ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act.
This is a civil rights law that outlines laws about allowing public access to disabled individuals with a Service Animal.

The ADA includes sections regarding Service Dog Laws outlines rules that businesses and equally, the handler must follow:

What are the Service Dog Laws for Businesses?

Service Dogs are protected under the ADA. According to these service dog laws, no public establishment may deny a person and their service dog entry into their business. This applies to restaurants, shops and any other place where the general public is permitted.

Businesses may not ask specifics about a disability but may ask if the animal is required because of a disability and what task the dog has been trained to perform. Businesses also may not ask for documentation about whether the animal is a certified, licensed or trained service animal. Although businesses may not charge an extra amount to accommodate the dog, they may charge for any damage done on the property by the dog.

What are the Service Dog Laws for Owners?

Service dogs must be under control at all times. This is usually achieved using a leash or harness, however in the case that the handler is unable to hold a leash due to a disability, the dog may be under voice control.

If a service dog disrupts the public, the owner and the dog may be asked to leave the premises. This includes excessive barking, jumping or running around. If the dog poses a threat to people, such as by growling, you may also be asked to leave.

FHAA: Fair Housing Amendments Act
This is a civil rights law amendment that extends ADA protection to disabled individuals with a Service Animal who are seeking housing in the public sector.
Service dog laws also cover housing. According to the Fair Housing Act, a person with a disability may not be denied housing based on that disability. A landlord or homeowner's association must provide reasonable accommodations to people with a disability, which includes waiving a no-pets rule and deposit.

ACAA: Air Carrier Access Act

The Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 states that air carriers may not discriminate against anyone with a disability. This includes allowing service animals to accompany their owners in the cabin on flights with no additional charge.

Service Dog Laws Make Everything Better

These service dog laws help to protect everyone, from the person with a disability to the general public. If you have questions about service dog laws, check the ADA.

Monday, July 27, 2015

Veterans - Know Your Rights

 

Our brave military veterans fought hard for our Country.  Some return with scars you can see, some return with scars you can’t.

Those that return needing the assistance of a service dog have the right to train them themselves. Some people want to mislead disabled persons by telling them that their dog is not a “real service dog” because it is small or because it is owner-trained?   This is simply not true;  an increasing number of service dogs are small, mix breeds and owner trained.  The right service dogs are the ones that work best for their handler’s needs.

Know the laws, know your rights.  Take the time to read the ADA Requirements so you are informed.

-          It is NOT against the law for your dog to wear a service dog vest if it is owner-trained. 

-          You do NOT need to have your dog professionally trained for your dog to be a “real service dog”.

-          Do NOT pay online for service dog certification and registration, there is no company on the internet that can certify your dog online.  In fact no registration is needed for any dog to be a service dog.

-          Do NOT try to pass your dog off as a service dog if it is not, it is against the law and can result in severe penalties.

You fought for our rights – we want you to know yours.

Thank you for your service to our great Country – thank you for your photos.
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Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Learning the Difference Between Companion Dogs, Service Dogs and More

Dogs have filled various roles for people over the years but the most common is as a companion dog. Companion dogs' primary purpose is to provide companionship, comfort and loyalty to their owners. Unlike service dogs, who are trained to help with specific tasks, companion dogs simply make their person's life better by providing friendship and unconditional love.

Here's a short glossary to help you distinguish between the different kinds of dogs, including companion dogs, service dogs, emotional support dogs and therapy dogs.

Companion Dogs

Most household pets fall under the category of a companion dog. These dogs have not been specifically trained to assist their owners with tasks and they do not receive any special treatment in the public. Companion dogs and their owners must abide by any rules set in place by businesses, such as “No Animals Allowed.”

Service Dogs

Service dogs have been trained to assist their owners with a variety of tasks based on the owner's disability. Examples of this type of dogs include seeing eye dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf and dogs that assist people with autism, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and seizures. Some of these tasks include pulling a wheelchair, alerting a person to a noise, reminding someone to take their medication or notifying them of an oncoming seizure.

The rights of service dogs and their owners are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. No public establishment may refuse service to a person and their service dog, even if the place regularly prohibits dogs.

Emotional Support Dogs

Dogs that provide comfort as a medical treatment for depression, anxiety and other conditions are considered emotional support dogs. Although these dogs may be prescribed by a doctor, they are not considered to be service animals under the ADA because they have not been trained to learn specific tasks to help with a disability.

People with emotional support dogs may still be able to bring their dogs in public, however. For instance, emotional support dogs are allowed to accompany their owners on flights.

Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs are often used in a clinical setting to help patients improve physically, socially or emotionally. Typically, therapy dogs can be found in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes and schools.

Although occasionally therapy dogs may also be service dogs, most do not qualify as service dogs and are therefore not protected under the ADA. Public places are not required to allow therapy dogs but may choose to allow them at their own discretion.


For details on Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals, you may visit https://adata.org/publication/service-animals-booklet

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Do I Need to Know How to Register A Service Dog?

One of the first questions that will likely cross your mind after getting a service dog is how to register a service dog. Luckily, the answer is easy: you don't have to register a service dog.

Registering a service dog is not required under the Americans with Disabilities Act. All public establishments, including restaurants, stores and airplanes, must allow you and your service dog to enter. According to the ADA, businesses are not allowed to require proof of service dog registration or documentation stating that your service dog has been trained. Businesses may only ask if the animal is required due to a disability and what work the animal is trained to do.

But What If My Dog is a Therapy or Emotional Support Animal?

Therapy and Emotional Support Animals are not considered to be service dogs and are not included in the laws set by the ADA. A note from a doctor declaring an animal to be an emotional support animal does not mean that it is the same as a service dog. However, registration is not required for therapy or emotional support animals either.

If It's Not Required, Why Are There So Many Registration Sites Online?

Many service dog registration websites take advantage of the fact that many people don't know the laws. They try to sound official and convince unsuspecting individuals that registering your service dog is necessary. There is no national registry service for service dogs and none of these websites are affiliated with the government. You do not need to know how to register a service dog at all.

As mentioned earlier, it's not a requirement to register your service dog and you are not breaking any laws by not doing so. There are no legal repercussions that you need to worry about but you may still receive questions from business owners and other people in public.

What If I Get Asked for Proof of My Service Dogs Duties?

Despite the laws set by the ADA, it's not uncommon to have someone, such as a restaurant or store employee, question you about the validity of your service dog.

Thankfully, outfitting your dog in a service dog vest is often an accepted form of service dog identification and helps to quickly resolve any debate over the purpose of your dog in public locations. Service dog vests and identification tags make it easy for the public to see that your dog is a working dog and you shouldn't be asked for any further forms of registration. Again, you do not need to know how to register a service dog at all, regardless of what level of service it is providing – Service, Emotional Support or Therapy related.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Tips for Traveling with a Service Dog

Traveling with a service dog is now a smoother process than in years past. More and more businesses and establishments now understand and accept that Service Dogs and ESAs provide a valuable service to their handlers, and therefore are now more accepting of these animals. Additionally, the ADA has established special service dog laws that make it a simple process to bring your dog with you on flights and other travel-related adventures. Here are some tips to make traveling with a service dog as easy as possible.

1. Call Ahead

While airlines can accommodate your request to bring your service dog on the airplane, they may need advanced notice. Airlines often only allow a certain number of service dogs per flight and need at least 48 hours notice for flights longer than eight hours or for dogs that serve as emotional support dogs instead of service dogs. Check the website of the airline you are traveling on. Nowadays, each airline has an informational page on traveling with a service dog. Here are a few from some of the popular airlines:
Of note, Airlines are not allowed to charge an additional fee for traveling with a service dog under the ADA.

2. Bring Along Some Form of Service Dog Documentation

Although according to the Americans with Disabilities Act you are not required to show proof of your service dog's duties and training, it can be helpful to have a form of service dog documentation on hand regardless. Examples of service dog documentation can be:
  • An identification card
  • Written medical documentation
  • A service dog vest with tags
These can help others easily identify your dog as a service dog, and can make traveling with a service much easier. According to the Non Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel 14 CFR 382 Act, any of the above mentioned ways can be used to distinguish between your service dog and a pet.

Companion dogs and emotional support dogs do not fall under the ADA but may be allowed with proof of a letter from a licensed mental health professional.

3. Pack a Travel Bag for Your Service Dog

Traveling can be stressful for a dog, even a trained service dog. Pack your dogs’ favorite toys, treats and other comfort items to make them feel more relaxed on the flight or other forms of travel. Bring along a travel water bowl and a water bottle. Don't forget to bring a copy of their vaccination records as well in case of an emergency.

4. Stay Ahead of Nature’s Call

Before traveling, limit your dog’s food and water during the 24 hours prior to departure. Make sure that you give them a chance to go to the bathroom right before your leave as well and plan bathroom breaks accordingly during travel.

5. Research Your Destination’s Service Animal Laws

If you're traveling out of the United States, research your destination's service dog laws before you travel. Not all countries make exceptions for service dogs. With these helpful tips, we wish you safe travels! Follow these guidelines and traveling with your service dog will be an easy, enjoyable experience.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Emotional Support Animal Vests: An Increasing Sight and Comfort to Many


Emotional Support Animal Vests: An Increasing Sight and Comfort to Many
Emotional support animals provide important therapeutic benefits to their owner’s through companionship, emotional support and psychological comfort. Typically an individual will opt for the services of an emotional support animal, or ESA if they need such animals to help with psychiatric disabilities or other mental impairments. In fact, many people who rely on emotional support animals would miss out on many aspects of daily life that others may take for granted. For example, an ESA can help an individual with severe anxiety move through public places by providing emotional reassurance.  
A dog wearing a service dog vest and accompanying its owner in a grocery store is a common sight. However, we’re starting to see other animals serving as emotional support animals—to varying degrees of success.

If It Has an Emotional Support Animal Vest, It’s an ESA—Right?

Non-traditional alternatives to emotional support dogs have raised issues (and eyebrows) wherever they are encountered. Some truly unique, and sometimes surprising, animals have served in emotional support roles, including pigs, rabbits, snakes, and alligators Source: Boston Globe)
The issue is that emotional support animals, while beneficial to those who are comforted by them, are not supported by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Dogs are often seen in this capacity; however, the presence of these other animals might cause more anxiety and unrest than they intended.

How Do Emotional Support Animals Help People?

Many often confuse emotional support animal laws with service animal laws. There is a distinct difference between the two. Service dogs, including seeing-eye dogs and dogs that aid with disabilities, are supported by the ADA.
However, emotional support dogs are typically used to ease anxiety and do not assist with disabilities. They let their handlers feel a sense of comfort in public spaces such as stores, restaurants, and even airplanes. But not everyone is a “dog-person,” and so they’ve turned to the aforementioned pigs, rabbits, and reptiles to serve as their emotional support animals.
Unfortunately, when it comes to having animals in public places, not everyone is on the same page. The differences between ESA and service animals and vague ESA laws only complicates things.

Worried? Get an Emotional Support Animal Vest

Emotional support animal vests help avoid confusion and conflict. They allow the general public to accept ESAs of all kinds. So long as your animal is well-behaved and providing support for you, few would object to its presence.

No matter what animal you have, it can provide you with emotional assistance. But without a clear visual indicator such as a vest, you could be in for some anxiety-inducing confrontations. An emotional support animal vest helps you avoid this.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

What is a Migraine Alert Dog?


A migraine alert dog is trained to pick up the signals that a migraine is headed your way. By alerting you to this oncoming migraine, this medical alert dog will help you to be prepared to deal with it before the crippling pain starts. Fitted with a small service dog vest, a migraine service dog can accompany you in public to make sure that you're always prepared.


How a Migraine Alert Dog Can Help You

Although a migraine alert dog can't prevent a migraine, it can help you to prepare for it and recover. By warning you before a migraine strikes, you could be able to:

-        reach a safe location if driving
-        find your medication
-        relax in a migraine-ready room with no light or sound.

Migraines are more than just severe headaches and migraine service dogs can help you cope with the other symptoms as well. If you experience vertigo with your migraines, a medical service dog could help support and stabilize you while guiding you to safety.

Training and Specifics for Migraine Alert Dogs

Service dogs for migraine alert require a different kind of training from other medical alert dogs. Migraine alert dogs learn your body's specific signals, which means that the more time you spend with your dog, the better that it will be able to assist you. As the dog begins to learn more about your body from daily interaction with you, it will be able to sense a change and offer a warning.

Migraine alert dogs can tell that a migraine is on the way by sniffing your breath and sensing your aura. While any size dog can be a medical alert dog, small dogs are often better as they have an easier time getting close to you.

Becoming an Official Migraine Alert Dog

Although not required by ADA, certain types of service dog certifications can provide your dog with service dog status, saying that it can accompany you anywhere that a service dog is allowed in public. As long as your symptoms qualify under the ADA, a migraine alert dog can accompany the handler in public.

If you are training your service dog to be a migraine alert dog, be sure to fit your medical alert dog with a service dog in training vest to alert the public to your working dog.

If you suffer from migraines, a service dog vest and certification are both helpful to ensuring that your service dog is able to help you at all times.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Mesh service dog vest


Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer with a Mesh Service Dog Vest

Summer is right around the corner and your service dog needs to be prepared for the warmer weather. A mesh service dog vest is the perfect way to combat common summer dangers, such as dehydration and overheating, that could seriously harm your pup.

Mesh service dog vests are lightweight, making them perfect for when your service dog accompanies you on outdoor adventures during the summer.

Beat the Heat and Humidity with a Mesh Service Dog Vest

Some parts of the United States, such as the southeast region, suffer from high humidity during the summer. While this may be uncomfortable for humans, just imagine how miserable the humidity could make your dog. Add a bulky vest on top of a fur coat and you'll likely end up with one overheated canine.

A mesh service dog vest, which is made out of a lightweight, breathable material, can help to eliminate some of the excess heat and make it easier for the dog to cool off. Your dog will feel cooler even with two layers of durable mesh than in a traditional padded service dog vest.

Special Features of the Mesh Service Dog Vest

A mesh service dog vest serves two purposes: to keep your dog comfortable and to properly identify your pooch as a service animal. Our mesh service dog vests offer several practical features to help identify your dog as a service animal:

Included free patch - Service dog patches can be sewn to your vest to identify your dog as a service dog, therapy dog or emotional support dog, to name a few.

Reflective strip – Our vests feature a reflective safety strip along the back and sides of the vest, making it easy for others to see that your dog is working, even at night. 

Heavy D-ring – Attach a service dog ID card and service dog leash to the mesh service dog vest with this handy heavy-duty D-ring.

Adjustable straps – Fit the vest snugly to your dog with adjustable straps and you'll never have to worry about your dog getting loose.

Find a Mesh Service Dog Vest Before Summer Arrives


Plan ahead and order your mesh service dog vest today to keep your dog cool and comfortable all summer long! Most of our products, including our lightweight service dog vests, ship within two business days. Order now and you'll receive your mesh vest in just a few days!