Essential Service Dog Gear Recommendations

Understanding the Gear

There are dozens of different types of gear and countless designers, making it overwhelming to choose the best options for you and your dog. It's essential to find gear that your dog is comfortable with and that helps them perform tasks efficiently. Here, we'll explore various types of service dog gear and recommend some options for you.

Eye and Footwear:

Eyewear and footwear are excellent types of gear to protect your dog from the elements. Eyewear can shield your dog's eyes from debris, dirt, and the sun. Some veterinarians even recommend goggles for breeds prone to eye problems to prevent health issues. Plus, a dog in goggles is undeniably cute!

• Dog Eyewear | Dog Goggles Eye Protection | Rex Specs

  • Rex Specs is a popular choice praised for quality and durability. Their goggles offer a wide range of vision and have vents to prevent fogging. Some drawbacks include dogs being able to remove them rather easily, and the lenses can scratch easily.

• QUMY Dog Goggles

  • These are budget-friendly goggles with UV and debris protection. They tend to work well, and their flexible design helps them fit many dogs. They may pinch fur, though, and sometimes fail to keep debris out.

Footwear protects your dog's paws from harsh terrains, extreme temperatures, and sharp objects. Boots are also beneficial for escalators to prevent paw snags.

It is important to remember that many dogs will be uncomfortable with either of these at first, and it is critical that you introduce them in a way that doesn't cause your dog to fear or react negatively.

• QUMY Dog Shoes for Medium Large Breed (qumypet.com)

  • These boots feature Velcro straps to get a perfect fit and anti-slip grooves along the bottom. However, they are not suitable for water and may be too short for some dogs.

• PUPTECK Anti-Slip Dog Socks

  • These socks are a general favorite because, unlike hard shoes, they are soft and very flexible. They have a Velcro adjustable strap, as well as anti-slip grips on both the top and the bottom for continuous traction even if the socks rotate. They can be worn both indoors and outdoors, although it is not recommended that they be used in rough terrain.

Leashes and Harnesses:

Leashes are essential for all dogs, including most service dogs. Some service dogs are permitted to be off leash for task reasons, but most must be leashed while in public.

• Taglory Rope Dog Leash 6 FT

  • This leash has varying lengths and thicknesses to fit your particular needs. It is a sturdy material with reflective patterns and a padded handle for comfort. One commonly mentioned drawback is that it simply cannot withstand chewing puppies.

• CSJCreations Hands Free Dog Leash

  • A hands-free option made of waterproof and easy to clean biothane. It is strong and can withstand heavy pulls but is not chew-proof. Each piece is also handmade, making easy product unique.

Harnesses are commonly used to identify service dogs and offer better control than collars, distributing pressure across the chest and shoulders.

• Service Dog Kit - Harness Vest, Bridge Handle, ADA Cards (activedogs.com)

  • This is a durable starter set with positive reviews. It includes a harness, a handle, and ADA info cards. There are a few complains about fit, especially for narrow chested dogs.

• PETNANNY Tactical Dog Harness

  • Popular for the stiff upright handle, easy to use clips, and the ample Velcro space, this harness is a general favorite. However, it may fit some dogs oddly despite the sizing guide.

Specialized Gear:

Some service dogs need specialized gear in order to assist their handlers effectively. This often includes specialized harnesses for guide dogs and mobility assistance dogs.

• Balance Assistance Harness™ for service dogs - Bold Lead Designs

  • Bold Lead Designs are known for their high-quality products that are handmade to fit dogs' measurements. They offer multiple different handles as well. The most obvious downside is the high price, but they are known to have some of the best made and longest lasting harnesses.

• Double Strap Support Harness – Bridgeport K9 Equipment

  • This harness has similar quality to Bold Lead Designs but is much more affordable. It features padded comfort and a secure double strap that is adjustable, but this may not fit some dogs properly.

Identification and Accessories:

While not required by the ADA, having identification pieces can make public outings smoother.

• Just 4 Paws Custom Service Dog ID Card

  • This ID card is highly regarded for its official look and durability. It includes a QR code that links to your dog's service dog registration, which comes with the purchase. Some users have noted occasional misprints, but it is generally praised for its quality and ability to make outings easier.

• SprinklesandNachoCo ADA Personalized Cards With Task Info

  • Cute, customizable info cards that have the dogs trained tasks, ADA information, and more. The information looks less formal than the other ID card, but is far more custom, fun, and easy to understand.

Accessory patches are a fun and expressive way to communicate messages to the public. While there are plenty of good basic sets, Etsy does have an even wider variety of custom patches (more than we can recommend here), that everyone should look into.

• MTLEE 16 Pieces Service Dog Patches

  • These are basic Velcro patches covering the essential messages. There are a handful of decorative patches in the mix, to add to the value. These are well-loved but there are a few complaints about embroidery quality.

• J.CARP Store 20Pcs Service Dog Patches

  • This set has the basic messages as well, but a few more of the fun, decorative patches, making this set a little more personal. They are also Velcro, and have fewer but similar complaints than the last set.

Conclusion

There are countless types of gear and dogs. What works for us may not work for you and your furry companion. Ensure you do your own research and feel free to reach out to us with new product discoveries. We're always on the lookout for great new products!

Note: The products recommended in this post are based on my personal experience and research. I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned, nor do I receive any compensation for these recommendations.