best Vests for dogs

Updated November 2020

Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?

Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.

Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?

RUFFWEAR Float Coat

Outward Hound Dog Life Jackets - Beginner

Queenmore Dog Life Jacket, Ripstop Life Vest for Small

EzyDog Doggy Flotation Device Dog Life Vest Jacket

Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket Vest for Swimming and Boating

Bottom Line

This quick-dry lightweight vest is a water sports lover’s delight. The vest is not only good-looking but is made up of premium quality material ensuring durability.

Made with a ripstop material that provides maximum buoyancy in the water and doesn’t restrict movement on land. This vibrant cool looking vest is great for novice or expert swimmers.

High-quality Oxford cloth and polyethylene foam that is quick drying and very durable. The Shark Fin design makes you and your dog stand out on the beach.

Bright colored vibrant vest that enhances visibility. The vest has a front float which assists in keeping your puppers head above water and makes them and you feel safe and secure.

Great looking retractable leash with tough ABS Casing and Anti-slip comfortable handle. The tug quick log system is long-lasting and easy to control.

Pros

Vibrant colors and reflective strips increase visibility. Features a breathable and adjustable mesh underbelly which ensures proper water drainage and reduces heat exhaustion.

Durable and long-lasting. Made with lightweight material that doesn’t restrict the dog’s movement and affect their body. Easy to take off and put back on. Reflective Material increases visibility at night.

Quick-release buckles that make it super easy to use. Reflective accents and bright safety colors enhance visibility. Enhances your dog’s confidence in themselves and their swimming capabilities.

Double chest belly straps provide extra support in case a quick pickup is required. The reflective straps ensure that the visibility is enhanced. The velcro and clips ensure that the jacket stays on.

Vibrant colors and reflective strips increase visibility. Features a breathable and adjustable mesh underbelly which ensures proper water drainage and reduces heat exhaustion.

Cons

The measurements in the description of the Amazon listing are incorrect. Please go by the measurements provided in the pictures.

The size chart provided by the seller can be confusing and is not accurate. Please measure your pupper and order one size up. No D-ring to tie a leash.

The shark fin doesn’t stay up well and is susceptible to flopping when your furry friend is in the water. Handle at the back is not durable.

Tends to be a little bit tight when new which can make it tougher for your pup to move freely in and make it a little bit uncomfortable.

The size chart provided by the seller is not perfect and can cause some confusion. The customer service is good and the product can be replaced.

RUFFWEAR Float Coat

Bottom Line

This quick-dry lightweight vest is a water sports lover’s delight. The vest is not only good-looking but is made up of premium quality material ensuring durability.

Pros

Vibrant colors and reflective strips increase visibility. Features a breathable and adjustable mesh underbelly which ensures proper water drainage and reduces heat exhaustion.

Cons

The measurements in the description of the Amazon listing are incorrect. Please go by the measurements provided in the pictures.

Outward Hound Dog Life Jackets - Beginner

Bottom Line

Made with a ripstop material that provides maximum buoyancy in the water and doesn’t restrict movement on land. This vibrant cool looking vest is great for novice or expert swimmers.

Pros

Cons

The size chart provided by the seller can be confusing and is not accurate. Please measure your pupper and order one size up. No D-ring to tie a leash.

Queenmore Dog Life Jacket, Ripstop Life Vest for Small

Bottom Line

High-quality Oxford cloth and polyethylene foam that is quick drying and very durable. The Shark Fin design makes you and your dog stand out on the beach.

Pros

Quick-release buckles that make it super easy to use. Reflective accents and bright safety colors enhance visibility. Enhances your dog’s confidence in themselves and their swimming capabilities.

Cons

The shark fin doesn’t stay up well and is susceptible to flopping when your furry friend is in the water. Handle at the back is not durable.

EzyDog Doggy Flotation Device Dog Life Vest Jacket

Bottom Line

Bright colored vibrant vest that enhances visibility. The vest has a front float which assists in keeping your puppers head above water and makes them and you feel safe and secure.

Pros

Double chest belly straps provide extra support in case a quick pickup is required. The reflective straps ensure that the visibility is enhanced. The velcro and clips ensure that the jacket stays on.

Cons

Tends to be a little bit tight when new which can make it tougher for your pup to move freely in and make it a little bit uncomfortable.

Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket Vest for Swimming and Boating

Bottom Line

Great looking retractable leash with tough ABS Casing and Anti-slip comfortable handle. The tug quick log system is long-lasting and easy to control.

Pros

Vibrant colors and reflective strips increase visibility. Features a breathable and adjustable mesh underbelly which ensures proper water drainage and reduces heat exhaustion.

Cons

The size chart provided by the seller is not perfect and can cause some confusion. The customer service is good and the product can be replaced.

How We Decided

If you spend a lot of time near or on the water with your dog, a dog life jacket is an essential investment. Even though many breeds are excellent swimmers, a dog life jacket provides an extra layer of safety and security should you find yourself in an emergency situation. Here’s the breakdown of how we arrived at the best life jackets for dogs:

23

Models Considered

8

Hours Researched

1

Experts Interviewed

5

Consumer Consulted

The table of contents

Buying Guide

Key Considerations

Features

Prices

Tips

Other products

FAQ's

Buying Guide For Best Dog Life Jackets

Just like life jackets for humans, dog life jackets may seem like something you don’t need to invest in, or will never need. The fact of the matter is that any open body of water can be dangerous to both owner and dog, no matter how experienced they are. A dog life jacket not only provides extra buoyancy to relieve exhaustion from general swimming but can prove life-saving in an emergency situation.

Buying Guide For Best Dog Life Jackets

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Key Considerations

Since they’re highly technical garments, there’s a lot to consider when purchasing a life jacket for your dog. Among other things, shoppers should look at the price, technical specs, added features, and additional certifications (by governments or marine organizations).

Caution

Since a dog life jacket is about safety, a rule of thumb is that ‘you get what you pay for’. There have been countless recalls of dog life jackets made by unscrupulous sellers who create products that are too good to be true. Substandard floatation, shoddy stitching, and unsafe designs are the price an owner pays for saving money.

Dog Life Jacket Features

Among other things you’re going to want to consider when selecting a life jacket for your dog are sizing, features, and usage. If it’s just for extra buoyancy when swimming, a lighter-use jacket is probably enough. If you’re a big-time boater, or frequent deep water without dog-friendly shore access (unlike a beach), you might want to consider high-end jackets loaded with features. Though still new on the market, there are even GPS-equipped life jackets for dogs that will cut off the engine of your boat should your beloved pet go overboard. When it comes to safety equipment, the sky is the limit.

Expert Tip

As a general rule, once your dog has been swimming and the life jacket is wet, you should remove it as soon as it is safe to do so. The foams used in these jackets are not meant to stay wet constantly, and on top of that leaving a wet life jacket on your dog (even on a sunny or hot day) can cause skin and fur issues.

Dog Life Jacket Prices

As mentioned above, while it doesn’t pay to be cheap when buying safety gear, it’s important to consider your budget and what you really need out of a life jacket for your dog. Since the cost of a dog life jacket can get into the $100’s, be mindful of what you hope to get out of it, and how often you’re going to use it. Always buy the best quality you can afford, and be sure to look for certifications or awards from third-party organizations for extra peace of mind.

Tips

To make sure you get the most out of your dog life jacket, here are a few things to consider:

Get the right size. Just like with human life jackets, one that is too small or too large can actually prove to be more dangerous than not having one at all. A dog’s life jacket should be as snug as possible without restricting breathing or swimming movement. Remember that for thick-coat breeds, as they get wet the jacket will become looser, so when fitting the jacket dry, ensure it’s good and snug.

Always fully dry out your dog life jacket, and don’t leave it in the sun. The materials used for buoyancy degrade over time if they’re put away wet or in direct sunlight. Since it’s a technical garment it should be treated with care, so always read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Always keep a close eye on your dog near open water. A life jacket provides an extra layer of safety but is no substitute for an attentive owner. Make sure to always keep an eye on your dog to make sure they’re not swimming too far afield, or showing signs of exhaustion.

other products we Considered

Aside from our picks, there is an abundance of choices that we couldn’t test. But here are other options that you might want to consider for your dog.

SILD Pet Life Jacket: An excellent option that isn’t too expensive. It’s made from quick-drying materials with your dog’s comfort in mind.

SeaChoice Adjustable Life Jacket: With a large footprint filled with extra buoyant materials, this jacket is ideal for dog’s that are not strong swimmers.

FAQ's

What size life jacket should I get for my dog?

Look closely at the given manufacturer’s sizing charts, and measure your dog both along its length and around its chest. As mentioned above, when getting the size of your dog life jacket right you want it to be nice and snug. Adjustable straps will take up any slack, so make sure not to go too large so that the straps might not tighten before they hit their limit.

How do I clean my dog’s life jacket?

If you store your dog life jacket in a well-ventilated, dry place, cleaning should be minimal. Any spot cleaning should be done with a sponge, warm water, and a little dish soap. Do not use any solvent-based or chemical cleaners, since they can degrade the foam inside and pollute waterways.

How often should I replace my dog’s life jacket?

If you take care of your dog’s life jacket and store it properly, it should last the life of your dog. If left to fade in sunlight or put away wet, it can degrade in a matter of years. A good test is to squeeze the foam to about half its original thickness: if it rebound relatively quickly then it’s still fine, if the pressure creates a lasting indentation, then the foam has begun to degrade.

The Team That WOrked on This Review

Nitin Gupta

Chief Content Officer

JJ Resnick

Director of Growth

Erik Adler

Editorial Director