A blue vest often signals a service dog or one in training. While not a legal requirement, blue is a widely recognized color indicating a highly trained working animal assisting someone with a disability. If you see a dog in blue gear, give it space and avoid distracting it.

Therapy dogs also wear blue vests while providing emotional support in hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Unlike service dogs, they do not have automatic public access rights and must be invited in. Always ask the handler for permission before approaching or petting a therapy dog.

Dogs in training wear blue to serve as a “Student Driver” sign for the public. These dogs are learning to focus and ignore distractions in busy environments. Even if the vest doesn’t explicitly say “In Training,” simple actions like eye contact or baby talk can easily disrupt their lessons.

Sometimes, blue gear is simply a fashion choice. To tell the difference, check for written labels and observe if the dog is actively working. Recognizing these color cues—including yellow for dogs needing space and red for “do not pet”—helps keep public spaces safe and respectful for everyone.