So you're ready to take your service dog out in public, but do you put a vest on them? Do you need a special type of vest, or does it have to have certain patches, tags, or writing on it? Am I required to do this by law?
It can all seem very confusing and overwhelming, especially when you look online for information and your screen is immediatly flooded with organizations and companies that "certify" your dog for a fee with easy online registration. You can get a certificate, vest, patches, collar tags, and ID cards in one neat little, expensive package. They essentially ask you to pinky promise swear your dog is a fully trained service dog that can accompany you everywhere you go politely with no issues.
But here's the real truth. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has no legal requirements asking that you clearly identify your dog with a vest. In fact, they state that identification in the form of vests, leashes, tags, badges, etc, are NOT required to avoid discrimination. So why do so many dogs wear some type of identifier in public? What do you do?
As a service dog trainer and handler, I do put a vest on my dog. I was at first very nervous and felt like that vest was a huge billboard complete with flashing lights and fireworks that drew attention to me. As a result, I often trained in dog-friendly places with my dog unvested and quickly found that my large, handsome golden retriever attracted more attention unvested because people often felt he was a well-behaved pet out for an outing and fair game for petting and attention.
I quickly learned, a vest, for the most part, allowed me to navigate public spaces with reduced interactions. As a result, I do encourage my clients to use a small, simple vest with minimal patches or embroidery because from my experience, it helps keep the curious onlooker at a distance and allows my dog to work.
Now, I say minimal information on the vest for a very good reason. If you are out in public either training or actually using your dog in a working capacity, you have an ethical responsibiity to represent your working team in a manner that leaves people with a good impression of you and your dog.
Many times I see folks with a vest covered in a dozen or more patches, some of them very harsh. The one that comes to mind is a very loud, poorly trained boston terrier I encountered once in public that had a rhinestoned vest with patches that said "don't look at me", "mind your own business", "my disability is my business." I walked away thinking they were a very poor ambassador for the disabled community and the dog's loud barking and lunging absolutley attracted quite a bit of attention.
Ultimately, at the end of the day, your comfort and your dog's ability to help you are the most important part of your team dynamic. Whether you choose to vest or not, try to leave those around you with a good impression.
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