4 Best Dog Bullet Proof Vests

If you’re looking for a better way to walk your pet down the block, a dog harness can make all of the difference. Unlike a dog collar, a harness won’t cause excessive strain on your dog’s neck or chest as you tug them along. Dog harnesses are objectively the best tool you can have to enjoy walks through nature with your faithful pooch.

But if you’re looking for the coolest-looking dog harness, then we highly recommend you take a look at tactical dog vests, also known as dog bulletproof vests. Continue reading if you’d like to learn more about body armor vests for your pet.

What is a bulletproof vest for dogs?

Bulletproof vests are vests made to absorb a bullet or cause them to ricochet off, leaving the user relatively okay after firefight. As you can imagine, a ballistic vest can be quite costly, and those made specifically to fit the form of a dog are even pricier. In fact, residential consumers might not be able to get their hands on a real bulletproof vest for dogs in the United States.

Do K9 dogs wear bulletproof vests?

Here’s the sad reality about K9s and military dogs. Although having a bulletproof vest would make their line of work a lot safer for them and their human partners, not every service dog is issued a bulletproof vest. Remember how we said these things can be costly? Well, that’s the main reason why K9s don’t wear them very often.

In fact, law enforcement departments are forced to reach out to nonprofit organizations in search of donations from kindhearted strangers. They need to hold all sorts of fundraising efforts in order to provide their K9s with bullet and stab protection.

If you’re feeling generous, try to help out however you can. Many nonprofit organizations like Little Blessings Inc. are have K9 fund support to help save lives by donating K9 vests to our servicemen. Though you might not know it, the dog’s handler will appreciate every little bit you can give.

Are bulletproof vests legal?

For law enforcement, yes, body armor bulletproof vests are legal. For the average customer, they are legal, provided that the owner has never been convicted of a felony. As for a K9, you might only be able to get your hands on a secondhand K9 bulletproof and bullet or stab-proof vest.

What to look for in a bulletproof vest

Even though we’re using the term bulletproof vest, all of the items mentioned in this guide will not actually make your dog bulletproof. The products down below are military in form, not function. That said, here’s what you should look for when shopping for a body armor vest for your dog.

Materials and durability

The single most important thing you want to consider in a bulletproof vest for your dog is the materials. The material should be lightweight, breathable, and not snap at the slightest tug. Most modern dog harnesses are made of a fabric composite that’s built to withstand pulling, chewing, and clawing.

Also, you should consider choosing a harness vest that comes has reinforced stitching and two-ply materials to prevent the fabric from coming apart at the seams. These are costlier but are well-worth the investment.

Reflective Surface

A reflective surface will reflect what little light there is at nighttime to as to alert passersby of the dog’s position. This is a crucial feature for those who plan on taking their K9s on late-evening strolls around the neighborhood.

Adjustability

Although you should size the dog vest properly, it never hurts to have an adjustable vest for your growing pup. The vest come with a series of buckles to make it conform to the body of small, medium, and large dog breeds. Take a look at the manufacturer’s size chart to determine whether the vest can be adjusted to fit your dog’s body shape.

Clip style

Dog harnesses and vests can have three different clip styles: front, back, and dual clips. A front clip is great for handlers who want to train their pets not to pull. A back harness is better suited for trained pets who don’t need as much guidance or tugging to control, but it might release the inner sled-dog in them.

We highly recommend getting a dual clip style vest harness, solely because it offers the best of both front and back-clip worlds.

Designs

It goes without saying that the harness vest should be as comfortable for your dog as possible. Although you’ll need to pay attention to the design of the vest and how it’ll fit around your dog’s front, you should also make sure it won’t ride up and accidentally press against its neck during walks.

Additional features

There are also several additional features you can get in a dog vest harness. For instance, they can have ID patches to help identify the dog and to whom it belongs. You can also find loop and hook handles on the vest to make your dog help carry some of your load during hiking trips.

Top 4 Best Dog Bulletproof Vests

Now, let’s move onto the crux of the matter. Below, you’ll find our top 4 picks of the best body vest for your dog. These vests will add much-needed protection while also offering a wide range of different benefits. Though they’re not made for police dogs, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate the protection that these body armor vests have to offer.