The 8 Best Animal Handling Gloves
This wiki has been updated 13 times since it was first published in December of 2018. People handle animals for a variety of reasons. Whether you work in a veterinarian's office, train birds, are a professional pet groomer, or just like to rescue wild cats, these rugged gloves can help keep you protected from scratches and bites. We've included pairs that stop just above the wrists, as well as options that reach far past the elbows to ensure there is one to fit every need. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Rapicca Bite Proof
2. WingOfFly Thickened
3. Kim Yuan Extreme
Editor's Notes
February 24, 2021:
Any time you are working with unpredictable animals, you should take the proper precautions, one of which is wearing protective gear like these animal handling gloves. The bigger and stronger the animal, or the more unpredictable, the more protective you need your gloves to be.
Oftentimes people dealing with reptiles that have a tendency to try and crawl up their arms will need a pair that offers full coverage, such as the WingOfFly Thickened and Dan Wild. That being said, the former are rugged enough to resist punctures from cat and dog bites too. However, if you are going to be handling animals with very strong bites or really sharp teeth, you will be better off with a pair that features Kevlar lining, like the Rapicca Bite Proof, even if the cuff isn't as long.
Those who are more worried about claw scratches than bites can look to the PetFusion Multipurpose or Suse's Kinder Falconer. Neither of these are overly thick, which means they offer a bit more dexterity than others. However, the downside is there is the potential of them being punctured if there is enough force behind the tooth or claw. The PetFusion Multipurpose are probably the best choice for groomers as they are also water resistant.
December 11, 2018:
People work with a number of different kinds of animals. As such, gloves made for handling them come in a variety of lengths and can be crafted from many materials. We did our best to include options to work with everything from predatory birds to feral cats to snakes. Every item on our list has been thoroughly vetted to ensure they provide a high level of protection.
Special Honors
Humaniac Maxima The Humaniac Maxima are aptly named, as they offer an extremely high level of protection. If you don't mind sacrificing on dexterity for serious crush protection, these are the ones for you. animal-care.com
Humaniac Rabies Animal Handling Gloves Thanks to a Kevlar lining and a double-layered leather flap that extends over the back of the hand, the Humaniac Rabies Animal Handling Gloves should keep your skin protected from strong bites. They extend all the way to the elbows to keep your wrists and forearms safe too. animal-care.com
4. TiroTechs Premium Leather
5. Dan Wild
6. PetFusion Multipurpose
7. Defences Gauntlet
8. Suse's Kinder Falconer
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.