What a Dog’s Vest Color Might Be Telling You

If you see a dog wearing blue gear—like a vest, harness, or leash—it often means the dog is a service animal or currently in training. While there’s no universal color code, blue is widely used for dogs that assist people with disabilities. These working dogs should not be approached, petted, or distracted, as they are performing important tasks.

Blue gear may also be worn by therapy dogs or service dog trainees. However, therapy dogs do not have the same legal access rights as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act. That distinction is important when it comes to access in public places.

Other vest colors may signal different needs. Yellow usually indicates that a dog requires space—possibly due to anxiety, recovery, or reactivity. Red commonly means “Do Not Pet,” signaling that the dog may be working or uncomfortable with strangers. Green often denotes a friendly dog in training, but interaction should still be approached with permission.

Understanding these color cues helps the public interact respectfully with service and support animals. Recognizing and honoring these signals ensures both the safety of the dog and the well-being of the person it supports.