The Best Service Dog Patch for Your Caring Companion

It is essential to put a patch on your service dog. However, finding the best patch for your working dog isn’t a cakewalk. So, we’ve compiled everything in this buying guide that you should know when you’re picking up a patch for your service dog. 

What Is a Service Dog Patch?

Service dog patches help people recognize that these dogs are not pets, but working dogs. If people cannot perform certain activities due to some disability, a service animal will assist in accomplishing various tasks. For instance, hearing dogs alert their owners when they hear the particular sound of a cell phone, doorbell, or fire alarm and guide them to take action. Not only are they applicable to the hearing impaired, but working dogs can support people with various disabilities, from blindness to emotional issues involving depression and anxiety. In short, the service patch for dogs is a mark of identification that avoids any unnecessary nuisance. When a dog has a service dog patch linked to its vest, people do not pet them.

Types Of Service Dog Patches 

Various types of patches indicate the function or status of your working dog. Let’s have a look at the purpose of different service animal patches.

• In training patch

When you get a service dog, your first duty is to hire a professional dog trainer to adjust your four-legged friend according to the job that you expect from them. This type of patch says, “In Training” or “Service Dog In Training.” Also, people attach this patch to the service dog harness to impart a message that the dog needs some space and time to conform to public gatherings. When someone in a group comes across this sort of patch, they create more room for your service dog.

• Do not pet patch

You would have come across a patch branded with the messaging “Do Not Pet.” It means the dog is either busy or doesn’t like petting. If you see this patch, you should avoid petting or getting close to that dog. The dog might be guiding or assisting its owner due to any disability.

Also, young dogs are not so playful and mature as old ones are. As a result, they do not always react positively to social interactions and take their sweet time. So, this patch prioritizes the dog’s comfort and allows your service dog to escape any unwelcome petting.

• Ask to pet patch

This patch means that your dog is amiable, but people should consult the owner before petting it. Although the dog is friendly and loves to play with people outside the home, it is essential to have the support of his owner to avoid any mishaps. 

Since the owner understands their fur buddy’s needs and requirements, their consent matters the most. And these patches clearly convey the message to strangers, directing them on how to react around working dogs. 

Similarly, some other patches similar to service dog patches contain messages like “Therapy Dog,” “Please Pet Me,” “Emotional Support,” and more, entailing what function they serve and whether they’d appreciate your attention or not.

For a few important tips on proper service dog behavior, take a look at this video from DoggyU:

Features That Matter When You’re Buying a Service Dog Patch

When looking for the best patches for your working dogs, you should opt for the following features.

• Lettering

The service dog patches come with woven, embroidered, and stitched lettering. The lettering describes the message engraved on the patch, which must be easily identifiable. Before choosing your patch, make sure that the lettering has high visibility in darkness and from a distance. When choosing the best working dog patch, you should opt for one that’s easily readable from a distance.

• Hook or loopback

Whether you want to attach your service dog patch to a leash, collar, or vest, the hooks assist you in doing so. If your patch has a loopback, it becomes easier to change without working hard and wasting your time. Plus, hook and loop attachments make adhering the patches to the working dog’s accessories easy.

• Reflectivity

When researching best working dog patches, the term “reflectivity” consistently crops up. It means that light collides with the lettering and bounces back, paving the way for adequate visibility of words. The reflective patches easily communicate the message during the night as well.

What Should You Look For In a Service Dog Patch?

• Size

Will this particular patch fit the service dog easily? Finding the right size of patch can save you money and effort. Plus, the right patch size also ensures the animal’s comfort. Therefore, the patch should both fit your dog’s body and communicate the message as well. Hence, it would help if you always analyzed the size chart of service dog patches.

• Material

Various materials are used to manufacture the best patches for your working dogs. The common materials for dog patches are nylon, polyester, cotton, and silicone. These materials serve different purposes, including comfort, ease of use, longevity, and durability. We recommend that you opt for patch material that is easily washable, lightweight, and retains its quality over long-term usage. In addition, materials like silicone and polyester are known for their weather resistance.

• Color

Choosing a patch for your service dog that is visible even in the darkness of night is dependent on its color. The color of lettering matters more here. Therefore, always look for a service dog patch with contrasting text and background. White lettering with a black background can be a good choice in this sense. Make sure that the color corresponds with the pattern of the collar and leash to enhance the grace of your service animal.