Raptor Shield Pet Pertection Vest - Veterinarian Recommended Against Hawk Attacks & Other Birds of Prey (Small)

I live in a large city with heavily wooded neighborhoods. I've seen hawks and owls in my own backyard and coyotes outside my fence. I've read many articles on whether or not a hawk or owl can pick up a 6 lb dog, but was convinced to buy these shields based on the experiences of several friends whose pets were attacked while being walked. My tiny Chi loves to explore the backyard and track the chipmunks and squirrels, but I had to stay with her constantly and have seen very large owls come within a few feet or her, before I picked her up and took her inside. Now I feel like she can wander on her own and has some protection against aggressive predators. The shields are well made. My only concern is they may get hot in the summer heat. Overall, a great product!

I’ve just recently moved to an area with a number of hawks flying above. I wanted to give my chi the best chance of survival as I can’t protect her 100% of the time. She runs like lightening. I researched the different protectors and decided with Raptor Shield. With the actual shield they add a clear piece that Velcro’s on to the end of the product for longer coverage. I used it even though my dog isn’t long. I feel the main part of the shield is good. I think a half an inch more on the sides would be better protection. My research showed the dogs lungs get pierced if grabbed. I would be giving it another star if the 1/2 inch was added. Now what bothers me. In my opinion the neck is not protected at all. It’s a vinyl fabric piece that as soon as my dog moves it flips back. Since the neck is a common place for birds of prey use I was not happy. As you can see I modified the neck piece with a rubber strip that isn’t beautiful but will protect my dog. The customer service is very good. I recommend the product but I hope in the future they redo the neck and add a little to the side. Honestly, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one again with those mods.

My dog is 7.6 lbs which qualifies her for a size SMALL. However, the small does not cover her entire back. It is about 3-4 " short....enough room for talons to get to her. I will have to send it back and reorder a larger size. I think the manufacturer should include back measurements in the description of the sizes. That being said, it goes on easily; approximately 5 seconds max to put it on, so easy it is more likely to be used. One thing I don't understand is why the vest is so ridiculously expensive! The manufacturers don't say that the vest is "raptor proof," just "puncture resistant." I would like to see proof of that. They should make a video showing the vest being raked by something that is the equivalent to a large raptor's claws. My neighborhood has already lost two toy poodles to the great horned owls that live here, and I don't want to take a chance on my itty bitty white dog, which is why I bought the vest in the first place.

I know my dog is protected from hungry hawks in my area.

Shield is stiff, but doesn't seem to bother my baby overly much. Didn't need the additional "butt guard," as the shield was long enough to cover her from neck to rump. I hope I never have to "need" this guard... but it gives me piece of mind to let her go roaming in the yard when we're out there too w/o worrying about hawks. Great looking product, glad was offered by Amazon, as I had first seen this advertised in a dog magazine over a year ago.