Service dogs improve the lives of thousands of individuals with disabilities every year. Finally getting a service dog can be a major milestone in the search for accommodation and independence. But there are several handy accessories that handlers can benefit from. Extra harnesses, extra identification, travel mats, and travel kits are four examples of service dog accessories that can markedly improve life and function.
1. Extra Service Dog Harnesses
When you receive a service dog, the agency providing you with the dog will likely also provide a basic service harness. While this harness will undoubtedly work fine, it’s always a good idea to have extra harnesses. These harnesses can be better tailored to your needs and the many tasks service dogs perform. For example, harnesses could include accessories such as bridge handles, carry pouches for medical supplies, and even mounts for cameras.
Extra harnesses can also be customized with your and your dog’s identification information. Chest straps, leash wraps, and harness patches are three popular items to include names and phone numbers on. Warnings such as “Service Dog – Do Not Pet” or “Medical Alert Dog” can also be embroidered in a bright color for better visibility.
You can also order “fun” harnesses for your service dog. While most standard service dog harnesses are in black, you can custom-order harnesses in other colors or patterns. These harnesses could be outfitted with your desired accessories for everyday use or reserved for ‘downtime’ when your dog is not working.
Having multiple different harnesses provides you with the freedom to outfit your dog based on your needs, environment, and anticipated activities for that day. For example, the service dog harnesses you use in your workplace and at your home may differ. Similarly, the harnesses you use for everyday life and for travelling could look very different.
2. Extra Service Dog Identification
Your service dog will undoubtedly have a vest that identifies it as a working service dog, likely with a warning that the dog should not be touched. However, it can be useful to have extra accessories that repeat this information. These accessories can be separate of the service harness or vest, such as a bandana or collar ID tag, or embroidered patches that go onto the harness.
Identification accessories can also be used completely independently of your dog. These accessories should be used for spaces that your dog frequents, especially spaces where your dog may not be vested like in your home or vehicle. While the presence of a service dog is useful for visitors or passersby to know, it could be vital information for any first responders or medical personnel. This is especially true if your service animal is a medical alert dog.
3. Service Dog Travel Mat
Service dogs can go (nearly) everywhere you go, which means they’ll be doing a lot of walking. But what about when you’re not moving, like when you meet a friend at a café? During times like those, a service dog travel mat gives your pup a clean, soft place to rest.
Service dog travel mats come in different sizes and materials to best fit your lifestyle. For example, these mats could be made of fleece or a water-resistant material. Similarly, they could have a warning on them (“Service Dog, Do Not Pet”) or have fun patterns. The best service dog travel mats will come with a carrying case, so that you can easily roll up and store the mat.
These mats can also serve as an alternative to dog beds, if they are cushioned or plush enough. For example, if you don’t want to lug an extra dog bed to your office, you could use a service dog travel mat during the workday. These mats are also ideal if you are in an area with limited space, and where a semi-permanent fixture like an extra bed wouldn’t be feasible.
Even if you are going to a dog-friendly travel destination, it is handy to have a travel mat with you. Just because a place may allow pets and service dogs doesn’t mean they are necessarily equipped to provide a comfortable experience.
4. Service Dog Travel Kit
Service dog travel kits are useful for any type of travel, from everyday treks to globetrotting and everything in between. Travel kits are completely customizable to your needs but should include extra ID cards for you and your dog. Other common items include medical tools you may need (such as epi-pens or insulin), first aid for your dog (such as paw balm), a collapsible drinking bowl, and doggy waste bags.
Other items could be more informative in nature and suited for domestic or international travel. For example, many handlers carry business cards with legal information (accessibility statutes, etc.) to ensure public access for their service dog. Tags that hang on door handles (“Service Dog in Room – Do Not Disturb”) are also useful if you plan to stay in a hotel, hostel, or similar location. Even if you are doing to a dog-friendly resort, the location may not be equipped to support service dogs, specifically.
The goal of a travel kit is to reduce the possibility of emergencies or dependencies on third parties. Travel kits should ideally be somewhat small, so that either you can carry them, you can attach them to your mobility aid (such as a wheelchair), or they can be attached to your service dog’s harness.
There are pouches available that attach to service dog harnesses that are intended to carry travel kits. These pouches could be attached via zippers, a velcro material, or clips. Zippers and clips may be more secure, but Velcro material is more accessible for individuals with reduced fine motor skills or joint pain.
