Abstract: The present invention relates to a navigational safety system for visually impaired quadrupeds. An onlay has a right side, a left side, a top side, a bottom side, and a chest side. The onlay is retrofittable to or manufactured into a harness worn by a quadruped. Distance sensors and vibrators are integrated into the onlay and configured to determine the distance between obstacles and provide localized vibration stimulation to the quadruped. The vibration causes the quadruped to change course avoiding the obstacle. In this regard, the localized vibrations are positioned on the right torso, the left torso, and the chest of the quadruped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method associated with helping blind dogs navigate. With respect to the device, it is a set of one or more sensors and stimulators, which provide situational awareness to a blind dog regarding objects and sudden drops in its vicinity, helping the dog freely move about without the risk of collision or fall. The core components of the invention are a distance sensor, a microcontroller, a tactile/audio stimulator, an accelerometer, a power source, a control panel, a body harness, and a head wrap, which, generally speaking, are configured as follows: a frontal distance sensor mounted on top of a blind dog's head using the head band, the lower distance sensor, the stimulators, the microcontroller, the accelerometer, the power source, and the control panel are mounted on the blind dog using the body harness.

Abstract: A vest can be worn by a visually impaired pet, such as a dog, to help the pet navigate without hurting themselves by bumping into walls or objects. The vest includes plastic tubing with wire woven therein. The tubing is shaped like a halo that surrounds the front and sides of the pet's head. Should the visually impaired pet run into an object or wall, the halo will hit before their head hits and the pet will turn away before injuring themselves. The vest can be worn about their torso with their front legs fitting in leg holes of the vest. The vest can be adjustable to fit a range of pet sizes. The halo can also be adjustable to provide safe navigation of the pet. Typically, the vest is designed for dogs, but other visually impaired pets or animals may benefit by using the vest.

Abstract: The muzzle release apparatus allows an operator to remotely and wirelessly disengage a restraint system from the snout of an animal. The system is activated using a small hand-held transmitter. A receiver on the collar detects the signal from the transmitter and electronically engages a solenoid mounted on a restraint under the animal's jaw. The solenoid retracts a locking mechanism that secures two metal pins to the restraint. Each pin is attached to a strap that goes around the animal's snout and is permanently mounted to the opposite side of the restraint. When the pins are released from the restraint, the straps slide off the snout allowing the restraint to fall freely away from the jaw area. The plate is attached to a collar around the animal's neck. The plate will stay attached to the collar at all times, even if deactivated.

Abstract: A blind animal safety harness comprises an elongated harness extension attached to a body harness by an extension fastener. Adjustable harness fasteners provide secure fitting of the harness to a variety of animals of different sizes. The extension fastener supports the harness extension from the harness in a generally horizontal configuration. The length of the harness extension provides forward extension beyond the forwardmost portion of the animal's head, providing protection from injury from collision with objects and obstructions. The forward extension also provides neuromuscular feedback to warn the animal of obstructions without hard collisions. Lateral extension of the harness extension provides lateral clearance between the harness extension and the side of the animal's head, preventing direct collision of the animal's head with objects and obstructions to the side.