Animals can't use items that require activation. The only items they could use are those that give passive bonuses, generally resistance and protection.
Rules citation?
Command Word So some Animal Companions can speak (Normally Common) so they can activate a Command Word Item. If they also had Ranks in Use Magic Device then they could attempt activate Spell Completion / Spell Trigger Items (They do not have spellcasting class levels so cannot activate via spell knowledge.) Look up Familiars and wands for more on that option.
It is an interesting idea to make the command word in the language of the animal, but as written (Check the stats section for listed Languages) animals do not have a formal language. (Probably due to an animal having an Int of 2)
Aren't belts and headbands use activated, and not command word activated?
Use Activated: This type of item simply has to be used in order to activate it. A character has to drink a potion, swing a sword, interpose a shield to deflect a blow in combat, look through a lens, sprinkle dust, wear a ring, or don a hat. Use activation is generally straightforward and self-explanatory.
Seems like it would function on animal companions just fine in that case.
FarmerBob,
LazarX and I agree with you, we were just listing the exceptions - which is most Wonderous Items. Yes, I believe that passive use items will not be an issue, even if they are not designed for the animal. See notes for general magical items and size. Potions may be an issue for those without hands to self administer.
Rules are kind of bare in this area... technically, I guess if they have the right body part for it they have a slot...
Personally, (and I mean this as a house rule) I would say that animals have 1 effective slot. That way someone doesn't put 4 sets of boots on a spider, or have a snake get shafted for lack of limbs, or make everyone's head explode with odd anatomy animals like an octopus which would arguably have almost no slots or a crap load.
You could have armor (barding) and a magic item slot.
I don't see why an animal couldn't activate a command word item if the activation word was a noise appropriate to the animal (such as a growl). I could totally see a druid creating something like this for his well-trained animal companion.
I don't see why an animal couldn't activate a command word item if the activation word was a noise appropriate to the animal (such as a growl). I could totally see a druid creating something like this for his well-trained animal companion.
Teaching it to do a command word to activate its item would so be a trick though.
But yeah, seems legit. Understanding animals is already in the realm of magic (ie, speak with animals), so I don't see why making an item growl/snarl/hiss activated would be impossible.
Animals are animals.
That said, equipping one is going to be an expense in the name of thousands, likely involving custom items. In that sense...it provides some balance. You'd want to craft passive items such as +s to saves which would not require activation or understanding on their part to use.
For belts, you might consider a girth, which is similar in shape and function. For capes, a saddle blanket. Headbands would most reasonably take the form of a bridle, which has part of its normal design already a band across the brow of the animal and behind the ears.
This would mean the animal would need outfitted each morning, adding to preparation times somewhat, but is another tradeoff that PCs also must deal with, with their own armor, and so on.
In other words, you'd need some conversion and some conversation with your DM. Their slots are going to be somewhat limited in comparison, and what they can activate will be limited in comparison...and items would likely be custom. You will also be 'dividing' your PC's wealth. However, belt = girth and similar conversions are probably reasonable assumptions and will help an animal survive in the long run, so speak with your DM.
Girth (Belt)
Saddle Blanket (Cape)
Bridle (Headband)
Horseshoe (Boots or shoes, though Paizo also provides "horse shoe" items)
For any creature ridden, these are items that would need cared for and maintained. For as much use as a normal PC would get out of them, masterwork quality would probably be required anyway, for longterm comfort of the animal if nothing else.
What animals may use and not use, according to Paizo.
This post should help clarify a few things.
