A dog is a human’s best friend, as they say. But service dogs do more than merely provide companionship to their owners. They make it possible for millions of people with disabilities to live independently and successfully navigate life’s daily challenges. Because of all the remarkable things they do, it’s not surprising that service dogs hold a special place in the hearts of their handlers.
If you’re looking for fitting gifts for a friend or family member with a service dog, you can never go wrong with presents centered on the unique and precious bond between a pup and its handler. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of gifts for service dogs and their owners.
Best service dog gifts
Do you want to show appreciation to your loved one’s service dog? If so, here are a couple of things you can give this loyal canine for their birthday or other special occasions:
Personalized accessories
Help your loved one set their service dog apart from a typical house pet by giving them accessories that showcase their pup’s extraordinary role. Custom dog bandanas and vests in various colors and prints are good choices. However, instead of merely printing the pup’s name on the products, you can print phrases or sentences to help passersby immediately identify the dog as a service animal.
Gift certificates to a pet salon or spa
A service dog works tirelessly practically 24/7 to ensure the safety and well-being of the person you love. What better way to thank a hardworking canine than with gift certificates to a pet salon or spa where they can receive much-deserved tender loving care?
Pet groomers provide pampering services that any dog will enjoy. The staff will bathe the dog, brush the pup’s teeth, trim the dog’s hair and nails, and clean the pup’s ears. Your loved one’s service dog will indeed become more attentive and energized to return to their duties after a relaxing spa day.
Delicious dog treats
Giving your loved one’s service dog high-quality treats is another excellent way of showing gratitude. As with gift certificates, buying treats can help the owner save money since these are must-have items for any pet owner. When buying dog treats as presents, pay attention to the amount of fat to prevent the service animal from gaining unnecessary weight.
Gift ideas for service dog handlers
Finding the perfect gift for someone in your life who has a service dog is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is look for items that allow them to express their love and care for their beloved dog assistant. Your recipient will surely be over the moon if they receive any of the gift ideas below.
Here are some of the best things you can get your loved one:
Pet store gift cards
Paying for food and other dog supplies probably consumes much of the service dog owner’s living expenses. So, why don’t you help ease some of the financial strain they experience by giving them gift cards from their favorite pet stores? Besides helping the recipient save money, gift cards allow the service dog handler to get the items they need and want for their hardworking pup.
A staycation at a dog-friendly hotel
A staycation is another fitting gift for a disabled person with a service dog. Staying in a beautiful pet-friendly hotel can help pet and owner relax and recharge as they don’t have to worry about tidying up, cooking, or doing their usual chores. They can eat a satisfying breakfast, sit by the pool with their favorite drinks (or, in the dog’s case, their favorite snacks), go for guided tours, and do all sorts of exciting activities together.
Customized items that highlight the bond with their service dog
Take advantage of customization services to transform everyday items into impressive gifts that a service dog owner will love.
Try giving them T-shirts, pillows, mugs, or socks with their dog’s face printed on them. Aside from pictures, you can also opt for humorous messages that any service dog owner will find relatable. For example, a plain white shirt with a print on the back that says, “service human, please do not pet” will surely get a chuckle from your recipient.
Custom t-shirts are a great option for personalized gifts, allowing you to create something unique.
Chose the best service dog gifts
The above items are just gift ideas that will undoubtedly please a friend or family member with a service dog.
As you may have noticed, they consider the needs of the service dog and their handler, making them perfect presents for the pup and owner—and they work for any occasion, too.
So, the next time you want to treat a loved one who owns a service dog, consider the suggestions provided here.
Handing over any of these gifts for service dogs will surely get you a warm “thank you” and an excited “woof” of gratitude.