Working with companies like Tactical K9 Solutions to select and purchase a personal protection dog is a choice that will give you years of peace of mind when it comes to protecting your loved ones, possessions, and property. Not only are our dogs there to protect your family, but they become family too.
Like Police K9’s, a level 2 or 3 personal protection dog is always at the ready to put their lives on the line to protect yours. They are trained to engage, attack, and neutralize intruders or other threats. Bringing this level of protection K9 into your life is a huge investment you will surely want to safeguard. Therefore, today, we are here to discuss K9 bulletproof vests and how they are an essential purchase to consider for your new security companion.
A personal protection dog is an amazing being trained to perform specialized security duties at home, work, and public. These animals are trained from a very young age and are selected for their physical strength, high trainability, social skills, temperament, and courage. Not just any dog is appropriate for this specialized course in life.
The very nature of a personal protection dog’s job places them at risk of physical injury… injury that can be lessened or even prevented by purchasing a bulletproof vest for them. Although these vests typically cost between $1000-$3000, the insurance they provide for your prized companion is priceless.
When looking to choose the right ballistics vest for your K9, you will want to select a lightweight vest and doesn’t restrict movement while still protecting all of your dog’s vital organs. These vests are typically custom fit for your animal. In addition to shielding them from the dangers of bullets, they also offer premium protection from stabbings, blunt force trauma, and even explosives.
Augustus Kratos van huis de Gols - A TCS K9 in his Bulletproof-it vest
K9 bulletproof vests have greatly improved in form and function and are made with modern materials that are far more breathable and lightweight than earlier versions of this type of protective equipment. When your dog is fitted for their vest, they are measured at four points to ensure the most accurate fit possible. These points are the neck, abdomen, torso, and finally, the length from neck to tail.
Many of the newest vests on the markets have impressive features, including hidden fit cummerbunds, covered zipper closures to prevent the snagging of fur or skin, and adjustable shoulder fit straps. They allow the personal protection K9 incredible ease of movement with a maximum bullet and stab protection.
Another great feature of the latest bulletproof vests for dogs is that they are designed for long term wear. Dogs that wear these pieces of protective equipment can comfortably do so for hours at a time without overheating, having a loss of range of movement, or loss of speed. In fact, many of these tactical vests have cooling and moisture-wicking capabilities to make sure that your K9 stays comfortable all day (or night) long.
If you are interested in making sure your personal protection dog looks its best, many vest manufacturers offer these vests in various colors to provide the protective element of camouflage or allow them to match the desired dress code.
When considering what vest to invest in for your personal protection dog, you should ensure that it meets or exceeds the current ballistics and spike regulations set forth by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). These regulations guarantee that the vest that your purchase offers adequate protection from gunshots, stabbings, physical beatings, and potential explosions that may be encountered when your dog is in the line of duty.
Some of the K9 Ballistics vests that we recommend are as follows:
● Our Budget Choice - Bulletproof-it K9 Vest
TCS - K9 Misha in her Bulletproof-it Ballistic protection
This vest is an excellent option for owners looking for an extremely lightweight vest that doesn’t break the bank. Suitable of all personal and home protection scenarios, his vest however is developed specifically for Military and Law Enforcement K-9 handlers, is designed to protect the vital organs of your canine from any danger. Built-in D-ring hookups on the top and the rear of the vest give you the control you need when used with snap leash. This is our budget vest of choice, all Tactical K9 Solutions personal protection dogs wear a Bulletproof-it K9 vest when on duty.
● Armor Express TEX10
This vest is an alternative option and similar like the bulletproof-it vest, for owners looking for an extremely lightweight vest option for their dog. The Armor Express TEX10 vest has features such as dual crowd control handles, MOLLE webbing to which flashlights or tracking device can be attached, and 2 D-rings for attaching leads of any length. The TEX10 is easy to put on and off your K9 with its 3 buckle system, and its durable nylon material, available in 5 colors, offers excellent protection to all vital organs.
● Stealth Fighter K9 Level IIIA Ballistic Vest
The Stealth Fighter K9 vest provides level 3A protection. This soft body armor solution is designed for comfortable round the clock wear without restricting your K9s mobility or comfort. It protects all vital organ systems, and the chest plate, side panels, and shoulder straps all have level 3A ballistic panels in them that will stop handgun ammunition.
This vest also has your dog’s comfort in mind. Its mesh lining allows for cooling airflow between the vest material and your dog, as well as the ability for water to drain, should your K9 be in a situation where they become wet. All of the ballistic panels are removable for easy cleaning.
This vest is available in black, multi-cam, and coyote brown.
● OUR TACTICAL CHOICE - Nomad Modular Tactical Harness system with Ballistic Body by Ray-Allen
If you are looking for a very versatile adjustable NIJ level 3 option, this harness vest combination is for you. The Nomad Metal Buckle Harness™ is part of our Interchangeable Harness System - the frame (harness) and the body cape. The harness frame can be used alone as a fully functional tactical or everyday wear harness, or with the body cape, and comes with that tried and true metal hardware. Equipped with 4 metal AustriAlpin Cobra buckles, 2 on each side with a load test of 2000lbs each. The harness is fully adjustable, made from breathable, lightweight mesh, with a padded “Y” frame, your working dog will have full-range of motion and retain his speed and ease of movement.