A dog wearing blue gear—like a vest or leash—often signals a service dog or one “in training,” though “there’s no official color standard.” These dogs help people with disabilities and must not be distracted. Blue is also sometimes used for therapy dogs, but they “do not have the same legal access rights as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

Not all blue gear has meaning. Sometimes “a dog wearing blue simply reflects the owner’s color preference.” It’s best to look for labels on the vest and observe behavior instead of relying only on color.

Other colors carry different messages. Yellow usually shows a dog “needs space,” often because it’s anxious, reactive, or recovering from training or trauma. Giving distance helps keep both the dog and public safe.

Red typically means “Do Not Pet.” This usually signals a working dog or one that doesn’t handle interaction well. Approaching or touching can disrupt the dog’s job or cause stress.

Green is commonly used for dogs in training or friendly working dogs. They may be learning public behavior or doing tasks but can be approachable in certain situations. Understanding these colors helps people interact respectfully and keeps service and support animals safe and effective in public spaces.