Assistance Dog Gear Guide
VESTS
COLLARS
Collars are an affordable way to label your assistance dog, particularly while out on walks or at dog friendly events where handlers may prefer not to have their dogs fully in "work mode" but could still be at risk of health episodes. Assistance Dog collars come in a range of designs including embroidery, vinyl and custom printed options.
CAPES
PATCHES
Patches are available in three styles: Velcro-backed, iron-on, and sew-on. They're a great way to customize a set, proving especially beneficial for teams who frequently travel abroad and prefer to avoid purchasing multiple vests in different languages. Designs range from fairly basic through to intricately handcrafted leather pieces, accommodating a wide range of budgets. Some handlers choose to haveBANDANAS
During the warmer months, bandanas are a favored accessory among many handlers, providing a comfortable alternative to vests or harnesses for their dogs. They can be useful for small dog teams too, where a vest may not be obvious. Bandanas are available from a wide range of suppliers and have almost limitless options for text. Those with dogs in training may prefer to label with an "in training" bandana, and others use them to add a fun element to their setup.
TACTICAL HARNESSES
LEASH WRAPS
Leash wraps are a versatile, affordable piece of gear which will work for almost any team. Typically leash wraps are either finished with embroidery or vinyl but can be made with Velcro to attach patches. While some leash wraps are designed to slide over the leash, the majority feature snaps, also referred to as snap buttons or poppers, which mean the wrap comes apart and snaps together over the leash or handle. Many makers also offer mini wraps tailored for the shoulder straps on harnesses or traffic leashes, as well as wraps with internal pockets designed for the safekeeping of medical information.
LEASHES
BOOTS
COOLING COATS, MATS & BANDANAS
Due to their limited number of sweat glands, dogs struggle to regulate their body temperature as effectively as humans. This makes heatstroke a significant concern, with potential risks arising from lower temperatures and shorter exposure periods than for people.
In particular, many handlers find cooling coats invaluable when traveling on public transport where air conditioning may not be present. It's important to check the advice given by gear creators before putting a cooling coat on underneath said gear. Some handlers have reported instances of vinyl lettering peeling from vests due to moisture transfer from the coat, and there is a possibility of gradual wear on some leather products if the sealant is not periodically reapplied.
Some teams may prefer to opt for a cooling mat, offering the dog the choice to move away from the mat at their discretion.
DOGGLES/SPECS
Photo Credit: 3B Designs
Assistance Dogs will wear eye protection when there is significant risk to their dog's safety or comfort. This may include certain workplaces or when outside in inclement weather conditions such as high winds or hail. One of the more common situations that may require eye protection for an assistance dog in the UK is for walking by roads after snow/freezing temperatures and the roads have been gritted/salted. The potential for grit and debris to be propelled by passing vehicles, or the dispersion of dissolved salt and water, poses a considerable risk of irritation and even chemical burns to the dog's eyes
LEATHER HARNESSES
PATCH TABS
SETTLE MATS
Settle Mats are a useful piece of kit for assistance dogs while out and about. They provide a portable "clean space" for a dog to lie on as well as providing a clear marker to indicate the area the dog should settle in. They can also provide some insulation and protection against the cold or heat, as well as offering extra padding for older dogs or more slight breeds like Sighthounds. Some makers may include insulating material to improve this. They come in a wide variety of styles and materials to suit a variety of needs and comfort levels. It can be noted however that the more comfortable they are for the dog, the more bulky they are for the handler to carry.
SNOODS
EAR PROTECTION & DEFENDERS
Ear protection is vital if an Assistance Dog is being exposed to loud environments. Dogs can hear twice as many frequencies and at 4x the sensitivity of an adult human being and this means they are much more susceptible to environmental hearing loss. A good rule of thumb is if a small child or toddler would be advised to wear hearing protection (such as at an outdoor event with fireworks or loud music) or anything over around 80dB for more than an hour then it is time for safety rated hearing protection - or to leave your dog at home.
The two types are over ear and in ear - however in-ear may not be recommended if your dog is prone to ear infections so it's best to seek veterinary advice before using. It is possible to make your own using acoustic foam as well, but these will not be as effective or as safe as the professional models.
CREDITS & BUSINESSES
Page written & designed in collaboration with 3B Creations UK
Vest Topic Photo 1: Created & Provided by @Snoots_andboops
Vest Topic Photo 2: Created & Provided by Evergreen Gear
Collar Topic Photo: Created & Provided by Dottie's Pet Boutique
Cape Topic Photo: Provided by @fox.direwolf.phoenix / Harness and Handle by Emerald Wolf Gear / Cape by 3B Creations UK / Leash by Tuck's Creations
Patches Topic Photo: Provided and Manufactured by @Snoots_andboops / Designed by Emerald Wolf Gear
Bandanas Topic Photo 1: Created & Provided by Dottie's Pet Boutique
Bandanas Topic Photo 1: Created & Provided by Evergreen Gear
Tactical Topic Photo: Provided by @fox.direwolf.phoenix / Unknown harness brand / Patches by The Huggable Dog
Leash Wraps Topic Photo: Created & Provided by @Snoots_andboops
Leashes Topic Photo 1: Created & Provided by Evergreen Gear
Leashes Topic Photo 2: Created & Provided by Dottie's Pet Boutique
Boots Topic Photo: Provided by @fox.direwolf.phoenix / Harness, Collar and Handle by Emerald Wolf Gear / Cape by Patience & Love / Leash by Dexil
Cooling Coats, Mats & Bandanas Photo 1: Provided by 3B Creations UK
Cooling Coats, Mats & Bandanas Photo 2: Provided by 3B Creations UK / Vest by Colan Ltd.
Doggles/Specs Topic Photo: Provided by 3B Creations UK / Specs by Rex Specs
Leather Harnesses Topic Photo 1: Provided by @fox.direwolf.phoenix / Harness and Handle by Emerald Wolf Gear
Leather Harnesses Topic Photo 2: Provided by 3B Creations UK / Harness by YupCollars / Cape by 3B Creations UK
Patch Tabs Topic Photo 1: Provided & Created by Evergreen Gear
Patch Tabs Topic Photo 2: Provided & Created by Snoots_andboops
Settle Mats Topic Photo 1: Provided & Created by Evergreen Gear
Snoods Topic Photo: Provided by Fox.Direwolf.Phoenix / Snood created by Emerald Wolf Gear / Collar by Devil Dood Designs / Vest by Gangles Gear
Ear Protection Topic Photo: Provided by 3B Creations UK / Homemade Ear Protection by 3B Creations UK / Vest by Colan Ltd.