NEADS is pleased to introduce a new Service Dog vest, manufactured by Ruffwear and designed in partnership with NEADS.

Features include:

• Comfortable vest allows for full range of motion
• A durable, water-resistant, easy-to-clean fabric
• Innovative magnetic buckles for easy on/off
• A Ruffwear-approved silk-screening process for the NEADS logo and Service/Assistance Dog designation
• A “Do Not Pet”/“Pet Me I’m Friendly” card, supplied with the vest
• Zipper pockets to carry small essentials
• Reflective trim for visibility in low-light conditions

Here’s a video to help you fit your new vest:

Key takeaways from the video:

Getting the Vest Ready:
• Start by loosening all the straps (2 shoulder straps, 1 chest strap, and 2 belly straps) and unbuckling the 2 magnetic side buckles
• When ready to place the vest on the dog, use the “Get Dressed’ command and don’t forget to treat your dog. Slide the vest over your dog’s head
• Once the vest is on, the fitting process begins. (Note: Once the vest has been properly fit to your dog, you will simply unclasp the 2 side buckles to put the vest on and take it off.)

The Fitting:
• Start by tightening the shoulder straps
• Next tighten the strap under the chest
• Finally, tighten the belly straps
• The ends of the black belly straps, once the vest is fitted, can be slid back into the pocket-like space where the strap meets the red belly part of the vest.

The Final Fit:
• There will be a slight puckering at the shoulder – that is normal.
• The top of the vest should be at the start of the dog’s shoulder
• The chest emblem should be right at the dog’s sternum
• You should be able to comfortably fit your hand between the vest and the dog’s belly.

Taking the Vest on and off:
• The video shows how to put the fitted vest on and off with one or two hands.
• Helpful commands for putting on and removing the vest are shown.
• If the vest seems to be tight when taking it off over the dog’s head, the shoulder straps can be loosened a bit.

Care Instructions:
• Ruffwear recommends washing the vest, by hand, in cold water and then line drying.

Any Questions? Please contact your trainer. Thank you.