Abstract: The present invention provides a device for wearing by an animal. The device is a vest that includes a back, front and chest portion, and a first and second connection systems disposed on the back, front and chest portions, wherein the back front and chest portions are removably connected via the first and second connection systems. The device further includes a ballistic panel, wherein at least one of the back, front and chest portions includes an internal cavity and the ballistic panel is removably disposed in the internal cavity. Each of the back, front and chest portions are separately and selectively replaceable with a replacement portion.