The Best Service Dog Harness: Our Top Picks Reviewed
Table of Contents
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What Is the Best Service Dog Harness?
- Best Overall Service Dog Harness: ALBCORP Service Dog Vest Harness
With its large reflective strap and velcro panel for patches, this service dog harness is ready to work from the moment you open the packaging. - Best Tactical Service Dog Harness: Barkbay Weighted Military Service Dog Vest Harness
The molle loops, bungee storage, and heavy-duty nylon construction of this dog harness give it all the tools needed to be reliable in any scenario. - Best Service Dog Harness with a Handle: OneTigris Tactical Dog Harness Vest with Handle
The buckles on this harness are made from hard metal to provide a strong closure around the dog’s body. - Best Service Dog Harness for All Sizes: Service Dog Vest Harness with Hook and Loop Straps and Handle
With sizes ranging from XXS to XXL, this dog harness is made to fit dogs of any breed and size. - Best Service Dog Harness for Small Dogs: LMOBXEVL No-Pull with Handle Service Dog Harness
Owners of small dogs rave about the quality, safety, and security this harness provides them and their dogs. - Best Reflective Service Dog Harness: Cymiler Adjustable No-Pull Service Dog Harness with Handle
Featuring 3M reflective stitching, this dog harness is made to be easily seen with products from one of the world’s leading manufacturers of safety products. - Best Breathable Service Dog Harness: MUMUPET Breathable Mesh Service Dog Harness
This vest is made in over a dozen colors and in six sizes, so there is an option for every dog and dog owner.
- Loaded with highly reflective stitching and 2 Bright Service Dog patches
- Woven of tough nylon/polyester, Sturdy handle, durable D-ring to hold leash or ID tag
- This lightweight vest is padded for non-chafe cushioning. Your animal will hardly feel it.
Can Anyone Buy a Service Dog Vest?
Yes, anyone can buy a service dog harness. Some states are rolling out new laws pertaining to the wearing of a service dog vest in public. However, dog owners should brush up on their local laws to ensure they are in compliance.
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a federal set of laws that address service dogs, all dogs are permitted to wear service dog patches. There are no regulations on what labels or clothing a service dog is obligated to wear in public.
Although any dog can wear a service dog harness, the thing that makes a dog a service dog is their training. Emotional support dogs and therapy dogs are not considered to be service dogs and are not allowed the same permissions as service dogs.
What Kind of Harness do Service Dogs Wear?
There are several types of dog harnesses for service dogs. We have listed some of them below:
- Padded Dog Harness. A padded harness is more in line with the traditional harness people think of when they think of dog harnesses. These will often be made with nylon straps and nylon webbing and feature reflective stripes or stitching.
- Tactical Dog Harness. Tactical harnesses are some of the most versatile harnesses on the market. They feature molle loops for carrying lightweight items and are often heavily padded and made of heavy-duty nylon. Tactical vests are known to have plenty of velcro space for identifying patches as well.
- No-Pull Dog Harness. Service dogs can wear a no-pull harness which, as the name explains, prevents unnecessary pulling. This makes walking much easier for the dog walker and relieves the pressure from the dog’s neck.
- Strap Dog Harness. A strap harness is simply a harness made with straps and buckles. No padding is added to these harnesses, and they tend to be budget-friendly.
Why do Service Dogs Wear a Harness?
While there are no laws laying out what a service dog must wear, many owners of service dogs opt to put them in a harness. We talk about some of the benefits of the service dog harness below:
- Safety. Many harnesses are reflective, and all harnesses are designed to keep your dog attached to you. They also provide protection from abrasions and lacerations during playtime.
- Identifying Patches. Many harnesses have velcro panels for patches. Labeling a harness a “therapy dog harness” or “service dog in training vest” can limit awkward interactions with people in public places by alerting them at a distance what the purpose of the dog is. Adding a service dog leash (a leash that says “service dog” on it) can add to the identifiers.
- Storage. Many service dog harnesses have pockets for storing waste bags, treats, etc. This is practical as it takes the weight off of the dog walker.
The Best Service Dog Harnesses Reviewed
There are various service dog harness models. Here we will review the best-selling products so you can choose the right one for your dog.
Life Stage:
Price:
Size:
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Summary: Shatterproof buckles and a large, highly reflective chest strap provide a secure fit on your working dog. A high-quality plastic handle offers more control an adjustable strap ensures your dog has the perfect fit every time.
It includes a removable and reflective service dog patch so your dog can get to work immediately. It is made in several colors and in sizes to fit any breed of dog.
Closure Type:
Padded:
Non-Corrosive Hardware:
Locking Mechanism:
Front Clip or Back Clip:
Reflective:
- Many sizes and colors are available
- Flashlight handle and large reflective strip
- Breathable nylon webbing
- Removable patch
- High-quality plastic handle for control
- The velcro strap can fail with large dogs
Customer Review: Many happy customers rate this highly for its reflectivity and build quality. The handle served them well when training their service dogs, and the buckle was sturdy enough to hold their dog.
Other customers complained the velcro quickly wore out and said the straps were of poor quality.
an overall /10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability (/10):
- Material Quality (/10):
- Cost Effectiveness (/10):
- Customer Feedback (/10):
- Product Variety (/10):
Life Stage:
Price:
Size:
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Summary: This tactical dog harness is built of heavy-duty nylon that is made to be water resistant and protect against abrasions. Three quick-release buckles allow for easy use, and four adjustable straps enable you to get the best fit possible.
It features hook and loop service animal patch panels and molle loops for storage of lightweight items like treats and water bottles. Reflective patches are included, and leashes are attached with either the front or back aluminum V-ring that is made to not rust or show metal fatigue over time.
Closure Type:
Padded:
Non-Corrosive Hardware:
Locking Mechanism:
Front Clip or Back Clip:
Reflective:
- Water-resistant
- Molle loops
- 4 adjustable straps
- Dual brushed aluminum V-rings
- Elastic bands for storage
- The size chart is inaccurate and sizes run small
Customer Review: Dog owners loved the versatility of this dog harness and said its multi-faceted function was great for hiking and camping. They liked the quality of the velcro panels, and the molle system held up to their demands.
Critical reviews noted poor sizing as a point of frustration. These customers had to return the harness and get a bigger size for their dogs, so the sizes run small.
an overall /10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability (/10):
- Material Quality (/10):
- Cost Effectiveness (/10):
- Customer Feedback (/10):
- Product Variety (/10):
Life Stage:
Price:
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Summary: The breathable mesh lining of this assistance dog harness allows ample airflow to keep your dog cool and comfortable. It is held together by sturdy metal buckles, and a stainless steel D-ring gives dog owners a strong connection from the leash to their dog.
A velcro patch panel allows you to put “service dog” or “do not pet” patches on your dog to ensure everyone knows this is not simply a pet dog, but a working dog. It is available in sizes up to X-large and in three colors to choose from.
Closure Type:
Padded:
Non-Corrosive Hardware:
Locking Mechanism:
Front Clip or Back Clip:
Reflective:
- Metal buckles
- Stainless steel D-ring
- Velcro ID badge panel
- Breathable mesh lining
- Bungee cord storage
- A small number of complaints mention the D-ring leash attachment breaking when their dog pulled hard
Customer Review: Dog owners positively reviewed this harness and said they liked the look and feel of it. Several use this as a training tool and say it works great for their small breeds and puppies as well as their big dogs.
There were only two negative reviews, and both said the D-ring on the top had broken when their dogs pulled suddenly.
an overall /10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability (/10):
- Material Quality (/10):
- Cost Effectiveness (/10):
- Customer Feedback (/10):
- Product Variety (/10):
Life Stage:
Price:
Size:
Color:
Material:
Summary: This harness is held together with one shatterproof plastic buckle that is adjustable to provide a great fit for your dog. The reflective chest strap provides security and safety at night and in the rain when you and your dog are harder to see.
Stainless steel hardware and a control handle on the top give this harness the level of control dog owners seek when walking their dogs. It is able to accommodate a backpack, which is sold separately, to hold food, bowls, and treats. It is available in several colors and many sizes for all breeds of dogs.
Closure Type:
Padded:
Non-Corrosive Hardware:
Locking Mechanism:
Front Clip or Back Clip:
Reflective:
- Reflective
- Stainless steel D-ring
- Control handle on top
- Available in many sizes
- Accommodates backpacks
- Does not come with patches
Customer Review: Many dog owners tout this harness as “the best harness” and love this as a piece of service dog gear. Their dogs are comfortable in the harness, and they like the large reflective strip across the chest.
Common points of frustration among critical reviewers were the lack of patches and that it is not machine washable.
an overall /10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability (/10):
- Material Quality (/10):
- Cost Effectiveness (/10):
- Customer Feedback (/10):
- Product Variety (/10):
Life Stage:
Price:
Size:
Color:
Material:
Summary: This dog harness is made with 3M reflective strips to provide durable, long-lasting visibility. A front ring provides the ability to hang service dog ID tags, and the rustproof D-ring on the back gives you a secure connection to your dog.
Breathable mesh lines the thickly padded vest to give your dog comfort and cool them on long walks. It is made in several colors and sizes up to extra large, so most dog owners will be able to find a version that fits their dog.
Closure Type:
Padded:
Non-Corrosive Hardware:
Locking Mechanism:
Front Clip or Back Clip:
Reflective:
- 3M reflective strips
- Distributes pressure evenly across the dog’s chest
- Friction resistant padding
- Front clip for service dog tags
- Breathable mesh lining and sponge padded plates
- Sizes run big
Customer Review: Happy consumers of this product liked that their small dogs were comfortable and seemed to keep cool in this harness. It served their purposes well and kept their dogs safe while walking and training.
The most common complaint, even among positive reviews, was that the sizes large. Many negative reviews say the harness itself is of high quality, but the sizes are off, and they recommend ordering multiple sizes and returning the ones you don’t need.
an overall /10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability (/10):
- Material Quality (/10):
- Cost Effectiveness (/10):
- Customer Feedback (/10):
- Product Variety (/10):
Life Stage:
Price:
Size:
Color:
Material:
Summary: Two quick-release buckles on this harness provide the fit and security dogs need from a harness while offering a reduced chance of malfunction by only providing two buckles. The 3M reflective stitching is durable and highly reflective to allow you and your dog to be seen in conditions where visibility is compromised.
Front and back reinforced D-rings give you options for dog walking and dog training, while the top-mounted control handle means you can ultimately control what your dog is doing at any time. This no-pull, no-choke harness is padded with a sponge and made of durable nylon to resist tearing, abrasions, and wear and tear with regular use.
Closure Type:
Padded:
Non-Corrosive Hardware:
Locking Mechanism:
Front Clip or Back Clip:
Reflective:
- 3M reflective stitching
- Breathable mesh lining and padded plates
- 2 quick release buckles reduce the chance of malfunction
- 2 reinforced D-rings
- Includes reflective patches
- The buckles are made of plastic
Customer Review: Many happy people reviewed this harness, with over 7,500 reviews in total on Amazon. These dog owners liked how sturdy the material was and said their dog is now easily recognized as an emotional support animal because of this harness.
The included patches were highly reflective and of high quality, but negative reviews comment on the lack of patches that were supposed to be included and how easily the buckles broke while walking their large breed puppies.
an overall /10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability (/10):
- Material Quality (/10):
- Cost Effectiveness (/10):
- Customer Feedback (/10):
- Product Variety (/10):
Life Stage:
Price:
Size:
Color:
Material:
Summary: Boasting a large reflective strap that runs across your dog’s chest, this service dog harness is built with your dog’s safety in mind. The oxford nylon material provides great resistance to abrasions and tears, while the D-ring gives you a strong sense of control while you’re walking your dog.
A flashlight loop allows you to secure a torch to your dog for even better nighttime visibility and security. It is available in over a dozen colors and patterns and sizes running all the way up to XXL for giant breed dogs.
Closure Type:
Padded:
Non-Corrosive Hardware:
Locking Mechanism:
Front Clip or Back Clip:
Reflective:
- Available in multiple colors and patterns
- Large reflective front strap
- Flashlight holder
- Large buckles
- Anti-chafe design
- Sizes run small
Customer Review: Happy dog owners have the perfect fit with this harness. These dog owners had great success using it as a tool for dog training, and many owners of small breeds say it is the best harness they have ever used.
Other dog owners, however, say the sizing is inaccurate, and the edges of the harness are rough and cause abrasions.
an overall /10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability (/10):
- Material Quality (/10):
- Cost Effectiveness (/10):
- Customer Feedback (/10):
- Product Variety (/10):
What Should I Look for in a Service Dog Harness?
When looking for a service dog harness, consider these factors:
- Build Quality. Heavy-duty stitching, aluminum D-rings, and high-quality padding are all examples of high-end features a well-built harness will have.
- Safety Features. Reflective stitching, durable D-rings, and breathable mesh are things to be on the lookout for when searching for a harness that will keep your dog safe, visible, and cool.
- Storage. Although not required, some dog harnesses have pockets or molle loops that enable the dog vest to become a more versatile tool for carrying items.
- Patch Panels. Putting service dog patches on your dog isn’t necessary, but it can be helpful when bringing your dog into public places. Having patch panels large enough for patches that can be seen at a distance is a plus.
What do Different Color Service Dog Vests Mean?
There are no federal color requirements for service dog vests.
In fact, there are no federal requirements for what a service dog needs to wear in public at all. A dog’s training and the purpose of that training is what gives them the service dog title.
However, there are colors among the service dog community that have unofficial meanings, and we list some of them below:
- Orange Service Dog Harness: Hearing assistance dogs
- Red Service Dog Harness: Therapy dogs
- Purple Service Dog Harness: Mobility assistance dogs
- Yellow Service Dog Harness: Generally a warning of an aggressive dog.
- Green Service Dog Harness: Other kinds of working dogs, often olive green.
