The 12 Best Service Dog Vests of 2023

A service dog is a canine friend that is trained to assist a person with disabilities. It needs a special vest to distinguish it from other dogs. In addition to that, the vest should give the owner or handler total control over the pet.

From the dog's perspective, the vest should be safe and comfortable. Depending on your needs as a pet owner, here are the best service dog vests to consider buying.

7 Best Service Dog Vests: Review

1. Best Overall: Industrial Puppy Service Dog Vest

• Size: XXXS - XXL
• Materials: Nylon
• Closure Type: Buckle
• Available Colors: 6

What makes this product the best of the best in this service dog vest review is its versatility, durability, safety, and ease of use. It comes with two removable patches with the "service dog" labels. You can remove these during playtime or when going for walks, which means you don't have to buy a second vest for other activities.

In addition to this, the vest can accommodate backpacks to store food, medications, and other important items. The backpack can be bought separately.

When it comes to durability, the harness is built using strong, weatherproof nylon material with seams that won't fray.

A reflective band is attached to the front strap to improve nighttime visibility. The removable patches are also reflective to give all-around visibility.

There is a belly buckle for easy suiting up and removal, but the only thing missing is a MOLLE system for attaching extra pouches.

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2. Best Budget: Fairwin Service Dog Vest

• Size: XS - XXL
• Materials: Nylon
• Closure Type: Buckle
• Available Colors: 2

Fairwin's service dog vest is a reasonably priced product that has a solid design and craftsmanship. It is built using high-quality nylon material with a stainless-steel D-ring and an upgraded top-mounted standing handle for training & controlling.

The back and neck straps are padded for comfortable use, and they have a breathable mesh lining to keep the covered skin aerated.

You also get a night reflective line and removable reflective patches. However, the vest does not have pockets and a MOLLE system.

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3. Best Tactical: Hanshengday Service Dog Vest

• Size: XS - XL
• Materials: 1000D Nylon
• Closure Type: Buckle
• Available Colors: 2

As the best tactical service dog vest, Hanshengday's harness features two MOLLE straps on all sides for attaching extra pouches.

On top of that, it has a hook-and-loop strips panel on which you can attach ID panels or morale patches, and X-bungee cords for holding a water bottle or umbrella.

The vest has 4 quick-release buckles for easy on/off, while a military class rubber handle gives you control of your dog.

Durable 1000D nylon is used to build the harness, giving it a high-quality design. This is finished off in rubber soft padded pressure areas for maximum comfort. All in all, this is one of the best service dog harnesses. On the downside, the vest is not reflective.

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4. Most Comfortable: Albcorp Service Dog Vest

• Size: XXS - XL
• Materials: Nylon
• Closure Type: Buckle
• Available Colors: 5

Apart from having a lightweight design, the Albcorp service dog vest has breathable padding all-around that prevents chafing. This makes it very comfortable and your dog will hardly feel like it is wearing anything.

Other than that, the unit features a durable D-ring on the upper side to attach a leash or ID tag, and a high-quality plastic handle for easy control.

Two hook-and-loop removable patches are included, and they have reflective lettering to improve nighttime visibility. The front strap also has a reflective strip.

However, the vest does not have bungee cords or a MOLLE system to increase functionality.

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5. Most Durable: Rabbitgoo Tactical Dog Harness

• Size: M - XL
• Materials: 1050D Nylon
• Closure Type: Metal Buckle
• Available Colors: 3

Rabbitgoo's harness takes durability to the next level due to its military-standard 1050D nylon construction, which is water & tear-resistant and has reinforced stitching. What's more, it has heavy-duty metal shoulder buckles that can withstand great pulling force during training, hunting, and other activities.

That said, as one of the best service dog vests with a handle, this product has a reinforced top grip to match its durable construction.

The unit is also very practical because it has MOLLE systems on both sides for holding water bottles, tactical gear, and other equipment. This is in addition to the multiple hook-n-loop panels for attaching the removable patches.

On the downside, the vest is expensive and it does have reflective strips/trims. However, you can attach reflective patches on the sides.

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6. Best Choke-Free: Voopet VP008

• Size: XS - XXL
• Materials: Polyester
• Closure Type: Double Ring
• Available Colors: 14

Voopet's VP008 is designed to distribute the traction pressure evenly through your dog's body, which prevents choking. Additionally, it is made using soft, breathable oxford material that is very comfortable to your pet's neck and skin.

That said, this polyester oxford fabric is scratch and abrasion-resistant for maximum durability. There are multiple reflective threads throughout the outer surface of the vest. These create a luminous effect to enhance nighttime visibility.

You also get easily adjustable slide straps for snug-fitting, but there are no MOLLE systems for holding extra gear.

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7. Best with Multiple Colors: Bolux DC112

• Size: XS - XXL
• Materials: Nylon
• Closure Type: Double Ring
• Available Colors: 20

Sometimes it's all about the color and Bolux's DC112 has enough options to pick from. There are 20 in total and include patterns like Santa Claus and desert camo .

Whichever option you choose, it will be one of the best large service dog vests because the XXL size is ideal for 100 to 120-lb pets.

The unit features a sturdy rugged nylon handle to give you reliable control over your pooch, especially when training.

All the parts are anti-aging and will retain their new look for a long time. The only issue is a lack of bungee cords and a MOLLE system for holding extra items.

Other Recommended Service Dog Vests

8. Vovodog VD007

If you are on a tight budget, Vovodog's VD007 is an affordable service dog vest that you should consider buying. The unit is built using high-quality, breathable nylon material to maximize comfort. Additionally, it is wear-resistant, double-stitched, and does not deform easily.

A rubber handle is attached to the upper side to give you a good grip when controlling your pet. You also get two detachable Velcro patches with the words "service dog" and a stainless-steel D-ring for leash attachment.

Key Features

• Affordable.
• High-quality, breathable nylon construction.
• Wear-resistant and double stitched.
• Grippy rubber handle.

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9. Dihapet Dog Harness

This dog vest comes in a wide range of colorful shapes to give your canine friend some uniqueness. It would make a beautiful gift and underneath the colorful high-quality oxford-built exterior is a breathable mesh padding for maximum comfort.

There are buckles fitted on the neck and chest straps for easy on/off, while a reflective line around the harness keeps your pooch highly visible in the dark. If your pet starts misbehaving, there is a padded handle at the top for easy control.

Key Features

• Wide range of colorful shapes/patterns.
• Breathable mesh padding.
• Neck and chest strap buckles.
• Reflective line.

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10. Voopet VP017

With a minimum neck girth of 8.75 - 14.25 inches, Voopet's VP017 is one of the best small service dog vests in this review. It is easily adjustable via chest straps and has a durable wear-resistant buckle for wearing/removal.

The vest's handle is designed to avoid sudden impact, which helps to distribute traction pressure evenly to prevent choking. You also get reflective straps and a rustproof D-ring.

Key Features

• Small neck girth.
• Wear-resistant buckle.
• Prevents choking.
• Rustproof D-ring.

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11. ActiveDogs Service Dog Harness

A set of 3 heavy-duty nylon tri-rings allow you to attach a leash, an ID tag, and something extra when using this vest on your dog. This is in addition to the rubber molded handle, which gives you more control if he/she starts to misbehave.

Another unique feature about this product is its air-tech breathable mesh lining that is also padded for maximum comfort. What's more, the chest to girth plate is padded and contoured to keep your pooch feeling cozy.

Key Features

• 3 heavy-duty nylon tri-rings.
• Rubber molded handle.
• Air-tech breathable mesh lining.
• Padded and contoured chest to girth plate.

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12. Doggie Stylz Service Dog Vest

This service dog vest is the perfect one to use for training because it comes with two removable reflective patches with the words "service dog in training". Once you are done training, you can buy other patches with words that match the dog's task.

A reflective strip is fitted on the front strap and this works hand in hand with the removable patches to give all-round visibility in low light conditions. You also get an easy-snap belly buckle for quick on/off and a welded D-ring for leash attachment.

Key Features

• Two "service dog in training" removable reflective patches.
• Reflective front strip.
• Easy-snap belly buckle.
• Welded D-ring.

How to Buy the Best Service Dog Vests

1. Size and Fit

It goes without saying that for a service dog vest to work, it must fit. For this, you need to check its sizing, where there are neck and chest measurements are given for each vest. These are usually in a range, so you have to measure your canine friend, then look for fitting sizes that cover your measurements.

It is worth mentioning that some vests have an additional sizing requirement, which is the dog weight. Ensure you check all these before buying.

2. Comfort Features

Comfort is a key factor to consider as the vest must not cause any harm to your dog's skin and fur. There are some features to look for, such as thick padding, breathability, and a lightweight structure.

For instance, the Albcorp service dog vest has a lightweight design with breathable padding that prevents chaffing. We highly recommend this.

3. Ease of Use

Ease of use is mostly associated with how quick and easy it is to put on or remove the vest. Buckles simplify this process, but if they are not durably built, they will affect the integrity of the harness.

Therefore, you should ensure the vest has sturdy buckles or that will hold up to heavy pulling from the handle. Double rings are also a good option as the closure type.

4. Leash Attachment

Service dog vests with D-rings for leash attachment are very practical because you won't have to use an additional collar when going for walks or hikes.

That said, you should look at the specific leash attachment point as the vest should be able to distribute the pressure evenly when you pull the leash. The ideal location should be behind the shoulder blades. It should not be close to the neck.

5. Handles

You need a strong handle to control your canine friend during training or when he gets out of line. Also, a sturdy piece will not break apart if you fall and have to hold it as your dog pulls you up. Reinforced handles like the one in Rabbitgoo's harness are highly recommended.

6. Pockets

These are not common in dog vests. The best you can find are bungee cords for holding umbrellas & water bottles, and MOLLE systems for attaching extra gear.

That said, some units like Industrial Puppy's harness are designed to accommodate backpacks. This makes such vests very practical, especially when going for walks or hikes.

7. Reflection

Lastly, you should put a lot of consideration into reflection, especially if you like going out with your dog after sunset. Reflective strips make your pooch more visible in the dark and most vests have them on the front strap.

To give your canine friend all-around visibility, ensure the Velcro patches on the sides also have reflective lettering.

Q&A

1. Does My Service Dog Need a Vest?

As per the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) , a service dog does not need to wear a service vest or any other item that identifies them as service pets. It is optional, but they have some benefits, such as safety (reflective strips), practicality (MOLLE systems, bungee cords, etc.), and many more.

2. Can an Emotional Support Dog Wear a Service Dog Vest?

Yes, he can. However, just like service dogs, this is not mandatory. There is no law requiring such animals to wear service vests.

3. Is There a Required Color for Service Dog Vests?

No. Since no law requires service dogs to wear vests, naturally, there is no law stating which color should be used. Therefore, you can pick any color that suits you.

4. My Service Dog Vest Is Chafing My Dog, What Can I Do?

This is a common occurrence if you buy low-quality service dog vests. If you spot this issue, try to place an additional padding layer using an old sweater or shirt. This should prevent damage to the skin and fur.

Buy on Etsy

ALBCORP Service Dog Vest Harness - Reflective - Woven Polyester & Nylon, Comfy Mesh - Walmart Link

FAIRWIN Service Vest Dog Harness - Adjustable Nylon with Removable Reflective Patches for - Walmart Link

VOOPET Service Dog Harness, No-Pull Emotional Support Pet Vest Harness, Reflective - Walmart Link

JSXD Dog Harness,No-Pull Service Dog Harness with Handle Adjustable Outdoor Pet Dog Vest - Walmart Link

Cymiler Dog Harness,No-Pull Service Dog Harness with Handle,Adjustable Comfort Pet Dog - Walmart Link

MUMUPET Service Dog Harness, No Pull Easy On and Off Pet Vest Harness, 3M Reflective - Walmart Link

Demigreat Service Dog Harness, Reflective Dog Vest Harness with 5 PCS Patches, Adjustable - Walmart Link

Fairwin's service dog vest - Walmart Link

the Albcorp service dog vest - Walmart Link

Rabbitgoo's service dog vest - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

ALBCORP Service Dog Vest Harness - Reflective - Woven Polyester & Nylon, Comfy Mesh - eBay Link

FAIRWIN Service Vest Dog Harness - Adjustable Nylon with Removable Reflective Patches for - eBay Link

VOOPET Service Dog Harness, No-Pull Emotional Support Pet Vest Harness, Reflective - eBay Link

JSXD Dog Harness,No-Pull Service Dog Harness with Handle Adjustable Outdoor Pet Dog Vest - eBay Link

Cymiler Dog Harness,No-Pull Service Dog Harness with Handle,Adjustable Comfort Pet Dog - eBay Link

MUMUPET Service Dog Harness, No Pull Easy On and Off Pet Vest Harness, 3M Reflective - eBay Link

Demigreat Service Dog Harness, Reflective Dog Vest Harness with 5 PCS Patches, Adjustable - eBay Link

Fairwin's service dog vest - eBay Link

the Albcorp service dog vest - eBay Link

Rabbitgoo's service dog vest - eBay Link

Conclusion

As we round up, Industrial Puppy's harness stands out as the best service dog vest due to its two removable patches and ability to accommodate backpacks. The latter is especially important as it makes the vest very practical. Most of them do not have pockets.

If you want a vest for tactical use, Hanshengday's harness is a better option because it features two MOLLE straps and X-bungee cords. These allow you to carry extra gear, such as flashlights, water bottles, umbrellas, and the like.

However, if durability is your main concern, then your best bet is Rabbitgoo's service dog vest . It is built using military-standard 1050D nylon with reinforced stitching. The material is water and wear-resistant. Also, it has heavy-duty metal shoulder buckles and a reinforced top handle.