A California couple has launched a line of protective vests for small dogs to wear in coyote country. The spiky body armor makes it difficult for the predators to attack and gives owners a chance to intervene if their beloved pets are targeted as prey.

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Paul and Pamela Mott created the CoyoteVest for their own dogs’ protection after the heartbreaking experience of watching one of their companions being dragged away by a coyote on a day at the park. But not only have they channeled their grief into a way of caring for their remaining pets, they have sold hundreds of vests to other pet owners who are just as concerned about keeping them safe.

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The most basic vest includes a strip of twelve 1” spikes around the collar and a swath of Kevlar to protect dogs’ backs. An upgrade features an extra 26 spikes along the back and a set of nylon bristles meant to poke they eyes and mouth of an offending predator. The final addition to the CoyoteVest is the electric shock option: a remote held by the owner controls an electric pulse that surges through metal fibers in the vest – an unpleasant surprise for anyone looking for an easy meal.

There is no guarantee that pets will be saved if using the vest, but it sure does look intimidating and would likely be quite an inconvenience for an attacking coyote. The duo reinforces the importance of always being near your dog if in a place where coyotes may be lurking. The vest is meant to deter the predators, but to also offer owners some time to intervene if an attack does occur. And, for anyone asking if the vests fit feline friends, the couple says that the product “does not discriminate” and that any companion animal who fits can enjoy the freedom of protected play.

+ CoyoteVest

Via Oddity Central

Images via CoyoteVest