Keep Your Loyal Helper Close With Best Service Dog Leashes
Service dogs are the textbook definition of a blessing. They are always here to help and support their handlers no matter the place, time, or situation. However, even the most loyal service dogs need to be kept on a leash, and what better way to do that than by selecting from the finest service dog leashes of 2023?
Choosing the right leash will serve two purposes. First, it’ll keep your dog close to you without putting them in any form of discomfort, while letting everyone around you know that you’re with a service dog.
The second point is extremely important; a service dog leash will reduce the number of people distracting the dog with petting and interaction. It’ll also stop people from bothering you about no-dogs policies, as service dogs are allowed pretty much everywhere, including almost all public places.
You will use a service dog leash for hours every day, so you must buy a high-quality leash that is comfortable and good-looking.
With so many new products and options on Amazon, we curated this list to help you find the best leashes available in the market.
Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Right Service Dog Leash
As mentioned earlier, a service dog leash is used every day for hours, so it must be sturdy and reliable. However, strength is not the only factor in finding the perfect one. These are the questions you have to answer before purchasing the best service dog leash for you and your pup.
What Length Do You Want?
Service dog leashes come in all sorts of sizes, from 2 feet up to 8. However, there is no “right” size that works for everyone. You have to pick a leash length that works the best for you based on your standing height, the dog’s training, and how comfortable it is to work with. Ideally, you want a leash length that gives your dog plenty of movement options while keeping them close to you.
If you’re looking for some pointers on how to get your service dog in training to learn how to heel properly on their leash, this video from My Service Dog and Me breaks down the learning process:
What Color Do You Want?
The color of the leash goes beyond just aesthetics. Yes, a big reason to choose a particular color is to match it with your dog harness and other existing gear, but you also have to worry about its vibrance.
Whatever color you choose, make sure that the leash stands out and its lettering is legible in every lighting condition. Also, the best color for the writing on the leash is shiny silver or white; you should avoid black writing for better visibility.
Is the Hook Easy to Use?
You might have to unclip your dog multiple times a day and then re-clip them with their leash. So, look for a service dog leash with an easy-to-operate hook/clip. It should be operable with one hand because you may not have both of your hands free at all times.
Is the Leash Safe for Dogs?
Trained service animals are usually very well-behaved and will not chew on the leash. However, it is still a good idea to be extra cautious. Ensure that the leash you buy is completely dog safe and will not fall apart from a little chewing.
What Is Your Budget?
Service dog leashes are available in a variety of price ranges. However, buying a cheap, low-quality leash is a complete waste of your hard-earned money. Yes, you will save a few dollars, but it will break in a month or two. Then you’d have to worry about buying a new leash and spend even more money.
On the other hand, high-quality dog leashes are not that expensive, and a proper nylon leash will last you for years to come. You can also buy a complete set that includes a lanyard, dog tags, leash, and patches if you’re willing to pay a little extra.
Find the Top Service Dog Leash in 2023
ALBCORP Service Dog Leash
– Best Overall
First on our list is a no-nonsense service dog leash by ALBCORP, with a heavy emphasis on practicality and reliability. It is made from highly durable nylon, capable of handling and fitting even the largest dogs. The color of this leash is a vibrant red so no one can miss it, and the reflective “service dog” printing on the leash corresponds to your dog’s delegation.
Both ends of the leash are designed with their intended use in mind. The handle is soft and padded, while the metal bolt is durable and sturdy. It can be connected to a harness or a collar.
- Industry-leading construction quality
- Soft neoprene handle
- Vibrant red color with excellent visibility
- Only 4 feet in length
Industrial Puppy Service Dog Leash Wrap
– Best Clip
Next up, we have another solid choice and a definitive example of quality service dog leashes. It has every feature you want from a modern-day leash, like visibility, a metal hook, a comfortable handle, extremely robust nylon construction, bright red fabric with shiny lettering, and a fair price.
If you want to buy a leash for your service dog without having to think too much about its constructions and features, this is the right choice for you. Industrial Puppy even rigorously tested it to ensure a consistent quality no matter where you mount it.
- Spring-loaded metal hook for attachment
- Rustproof leash clip
- Dog safe construction material
- It is the same price or higher as its competitors
Dexil Limited Service Dog Leash
– Best Lettering
This Dexil Limited leash continues the theme of quality construction and vibrant, highly visible color. However, it has one major upgrade over the previous two: its length options. The difference between 2 and 4 feet might not seem like much, but it gives you the choice to keep your dog closer to you.
Another thing that makes this leash unique is the descriptive writing options. The leash can tell people all they need to know about your dog (like if they are in training or not) without bothering you at all. All in all, this is an excellent leash for anyone who may want something shorter than 4 feet without sacrificing quality.
- Embroidered descriptive writing on the leash
- Available in both 2 and 4 feet
- A bit thinner than its competitors
PLUTUS PET Service Dog Leash
– Strongest Construction
The last standalone leash on our list can also compete for the top spot thanks to its bold white lettering, which includes a paw print design at the end of the phrase “Service Dog.”
Along with the bright red color, every other attribute of this leash is everything we’ve come to expect, like quality nylon construction, robust metal hook, and a comfortable handle. This leash is built to last, and this mentality is pretty evident in its design.
- White reflective lettering with service dog description
- Sleek modern design
- Some customer reviews said the lettering washed off
The last option on our list is less of a dog leash and more of a set for service animals. The Nationwide Service Dogs leash with an included kit has the usual high-quality leash in vibrant red. But it also has a white and red “Service Dog” patch that you can attach to your dog’s harness, as well as some cute red dog tags with the phrase and medical emblem written on them. It even includes a lanyard so you can keep easy track of your keys.
Each of these components is well-built with the longevity and comfort of your dog in mind. Besides, you’re getting four individual items for the price of just a leash.
- Plenty of items for dog identification
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Easily mountable and removable dog tag
- Only Beth Marie Luxury Boutique sells genuine items from Nationwide Service Dogs, so check the seller name under “Sold By”
People Also Asked
A: A service dog is defined as a dog that has been trained to provide support to physically and/or mentally ill people who are disabled. Service animals can perform tasks, like alerting their owners about their dropping blood sugar level or pressing an emergency button if their owner falls unconscious. The exact tasks performed by a service dog depends on the person and their unique needs.
A: Legally, no. Emotional support animals are not classified as service animals by ADA. So, any establishment that allows service animals can easily reject an emotional support dog without any consequences. Similarly, therapy dogs differ from both of these. Generally, they are trained so they can provide comfort to a number of different people, like visiting patients in hospitals.
A: No, they do not. You have to put your service dog on a leash if the premise you're in mandates it. However, if your dog's duties require it to be without a leash, then you can legally remove it without any issues.
A: No, the dog's owner has the full right to train their dog themselves. There are also no particular service dog breeds. You can even turn your beloved pet into a diligent caretaker if you train them properly.
A: No, it can be any color you'd like. There are no regulations surrounding this, so you're free to express yourself through the appearance of your service dog's leash and other gear they may wear.