Can I just put a service dog vest on my dog?

Under the ADA, it is not a must for service dogs to wear a vest while going out with you. However, whether you dress the service dog in a training vest or training coat depends on your dog's age and training level, where you train with him in public, and primarily on your local laws. If Service Dogs in Training are not protected by law in your area, then stick to training your dog in places where pet dogs are allowed. In areas where Service Dogs in Training are allowed in public places, the Service Dog in Training vest can be an identification showing that he is a working dog, make people aware that the service dog is not just a pet dog, and help eliminate doubts and affirm your rights. The vests may attract attention rather than prevent people from distracting the dogs. You may throw some money on the vests as the puppies grow, and most pups will chew on them. The vests are only needed when your dogs are ready for formal public access and when they are allowed to. It is vital that your dog feels comfortable in the vest before he starts wearing it in public.

In the UK we call our dogs Assistance Dogs, Ireland and other countries use the term Service Dogs. Our personalised assistance dog vests allow you to identify your dog as a working animal. It is not a legal requirement to have your dog vested but it can help with access problems.