A cape is a lightweight loose-fitting piece of fabric that lays over the dog's back and has a strap that goes under the ribs and one across the chest.
Additional elements for assistance dog attire might include reflective strips, zippered pockets, D-rings, hook-and-loop fastener areas for attaching patches, a top-mount handle, a brightly colored collar or leash, or one with lettering on it.
[1][2] In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act does not require a service dog to wear a vest, ID tag, or specific harness.
However, in 2015 the House of Lords Select Committee on the Equality Act 2010 published a report which, among other changes, suggested to amend the laws so that a kitemark might be worn by genuine assistance dogs trained to an appropriate standard and certified for public access.
Such vests provide "ballistic and edged weapon protection for vital organs while allowing complete freedom of movement".
[9][10] Specialty body armor such as the $30,000 ones used by the United States Navy SEALs may be waterproof and incorporate night vision cameras and two-way audio.