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The 10 Best Dog Life Jackets for Water Safety

Keep your pup safe—no matter where your adventures take you—with a top-rated dog life jacket.

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dog life jacket
Popular Mechanics; Courtesy Outward Hound

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Before you load your dog in the car for a day of kayaking or hitting the surf, make sure you pack the life jackets—for you, the kids, and your pup. While many dogs instinctively “know” how to keep their heads above water, you can’t rely on that instinct. Not every pooch is a natural swimmer, and even if yours is a pro, she may encounter circumstances that make it hard to keep her head above water—especially if there's a current.

That's why we searched high and low for the best dog life jackets on the market, keeping a variety of needs and budgets in mind. Many of us are dog owners, and get doing everything possible to ensure your pup stays safe, with things like dog car seats and seat belts. So read on for our recommendations to find the perfect life jacket for your dog — then go have some fun.

Best Dog Life Jackets

  • 1
    Standley Sport Performance Dog Life Jacket

    Best Overall

    Outward Hound Standley Sport Performance Dog Life Jacket

    $30 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Dog Life Jacket Flotation Device

    Best High-Performance

    EzyDog Dog Life Jacket Flotation Device

    Read more
  • 3
    High Visibility Dog Life Vest

    Best Value

    Fragralley High Visibility Dog Life Vest

    Read more
  • 4
    Doggy Life Jacket

    Best Fit

    Pawz Pet Products Doggy Life Jacket

    Read more
  • 5
    Outward Hound Grandby Dog Life Jacket

    Great range of sizes

    Outward Hound Outward Hound Grandby Dog Life Jacket

    Read more

What to Consider

Before we get to the reviews, let’s consider the must-have features. While there are no Coast Guard standards for dog life jackets (the way there are for human ones), here’s what you should look for:

D-ring: You may want your dog’s life jacket to have a D-ring so you can attach a leash to keep your dog close, in the water and out.

Handle: A handle sewn into the top of the jacket makes it easier to haul your pup in and out of the water. It also can help you let your dog practice swimming, holding the handle like training wheels until your pup is a confident paddler.

Good Visibility: Bright colors and reflective strips make it easy to see your pooch in any weather, day or night.

Balanced Flotation: Balanced floatation works with a dog’s swimming ability, not against it. Too much buoyancy —or flotation in the wrong places — can flip the dog or put them in a position that they can’t swim in. Look for flotation in the belly, back and sides. If your dog isn’t a strong swimmer, tires easily, or has a short snout, also look for a front flotation pad to keep his head out of the water if he becomes incapacitated.

The Proper Fit: When your dog’s life jacket is properly fitted, the vest stays snugly in place without bogging her down in the water. For a custom fit, try a jacket that bases sizes on the dog’s girth and comes with adjustable straps. Some float coats also offer quick-release buckles to make fast work of taking off the jacket.

How We Selected

All the dog life vests we reviewed rated at least four stars and most of them have ratings of 4.5 and better. We considered the must-haves on the list above, along with a range of styles and colors, including a couple of cute options like shark fins and mermaid tails. (Who says fun can’t be functional?) We also covered a host of price points, from budget options to top-of-the-line, so you can find the right fit for your doggo—and your wallet.

1
Best Overall

Outward Hound Standley Sport Performance Dog Life Jacket

Best Seller
Standley Sport Performance Dog Life Jacket
1
Best Overall

Outward Hound Standley Sport Performance Dog Life Jacket

$30 at Amazon$30 at Walmart$35 at Chewy
Pros
  • Breathable performance material
  • Multiple safety features
  • Durable
Cons

    Key Specs

    • Sizes: 5
    • Colors: 7
    • Material: Polyester, nylon, mesh
    • Top Handle: Yes
    • Reflective: Yes
    • D-ring: Yes

    More than 29,000 reviewers give this bestselling dog life jacket from well-regarded brand Outward Hound an average 4.7 stars—and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

    The durable, high-quality jacket has a front float that fits under the chin to help keep your pup’s head above water — a particularly good feature for small dogs, inexperienced (or less strong) swimmers, and those with short snouts.

    It's made of rugged ripstop nylon and quilted polyester, plus there's a breathable mesh fabric on on the back and belly to keep your pup cool. Other highlights include a D-ring, top handle, reflective details, and a good size range (x-small to xx-large).

    2
    Best High-Performance

    EzyDog Dog Life Jacket Flotation Device

    Dog Life Jacket Flotation Device
    2
    Best High-Performance

    EzyDog Dog Life Jacket Flotation Device

    Credit: Amazon
    Pros
    • Good range of sizes
    • Ergonomic handle grab
    • Well-constructed
    Cons
    • Not as good for thick-chested dogs
    • Pricey

    Key Specs

    • Material: Nylon, Neoprene
    • Top Handle: Yes
    • Reflective: Yes
    • D-Ring: Yes
    • Options: 5 sizes; 2 colors

    This dog life jacket is a top-performer for high-energy dogs. This attractive float coat combines high-performance materials and innovative design to keep your pooch safe wherever she roams. Plus, the ultra-buoyant material promotes an easy swimming position, perfect for canines of all ages and abilities. The company commits their dog life jackets to rigorous testing on water and land to ensure they are both comfortable and ergonomic.

    Some users noted that getting the right fit with thick-chested pups could be tough, so boxer and Rottie owners might want to look elsewhere.

    3
    Best Value

    Fragralley High Visibility Dog Life Vest

    High Visibility Dog Life Vest
    3
    Best Value

    Fragralley High Visibility Dog Life Vest

    Credit: Amazon
    Pros
    • Comprehensive sizing
    • Great customer service
    • Adjustable
    Cons
    • Not ideal for small or short-legged dogs

    Key Specs

    • Material: Cotton
    • Top Handle: Yes
    • Reflective: No
    • D-ring: Yes
    • Options: 6 sizes; 4 colors

    This durable, value-packed dog life jacket features strong fabric, superior buoyancy, an adjustable fit. The jacket is a good choice for larger pups, like Labs and poodles, though less so for small breeds or those with shorter legs, like pugs and bulldogs.

    The jacket features a top handle, D-ring, and is available in bright colors, with an easy-to-spot striped design that's great for daytime visibility. The main downside is that it lacks reflective accents.

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    4
    Best Fit

    Pawz Pet Products Doggy Life Jacket

    Doggy Life Jacket
    4
    Best Fit

    Pawz Pet Products Doggy Life Jacket

    Pros
    • Reflective strips and handle
    • Heavy-duty hook-and-loop fasteners
    • D-ring
    Cons
    • Jacket is a bit heavier than most

    Key Specs

    • Material: Nylon
    • Top Handle: Yes
    • Reflective: Yes
    • D-ring: Yes
    • Options: 5 sizes; 3 colors

    This dog life jacket works on the biggest of pooches, while also keeping teacup pups safe. In fact, it hits all the basic must-haves: it’s reflective, has a handle, and sports a D-ring for leashes. There are also adjustable nylon straps and a heavy-duty hook-and-loop fasteners around the belly and neck that keep it snugly in place, even when it gets wet.

    The only caveat is that the life jacket is a bit heavier than others at just under a pound, and of course it'll weigh more when it's wet. That may not be an issue in the water, but if it's a hot day your pup may feel overheated on shore.

    5
    Great range of sizes

    Outward Hound Outward Hound Grandby Dog Life Jacket

    Outward Hound Grandby Dog Life Jacket
    5
    Great range of sizes

    Outward Hound Outward Hound Grandby Dog Life Jacket

    Credit: Amazon
    Pros
    • Adorable design
    • Good for novice and experienced swimmers
    • Double-handle design makes it easy to lift pup
    Cons
    • No D-ring

    Key Specs

    • Material: Polyester
    • Top Handle: Yes
    • Reflective: Yes
    • D-ring: No
    • Options: 5 sizes; 3 colors

    Part of the reason this life jacket is such a consistent favorite — beyond its adorable design — is that it’s made to fit a variety of canines, from corgis to Afghans, with adjustable straps based on girth. Plus, it's perfect for all swimmers, from newbies to old pros.

    The jacket comes in five sizes and three bright colors, with reflective accents for extra visibility, though there's no D-ring to attach a leash. Also, a few pet parents noted that if the jacket fits on the large side, it can slide and make swimming difficult, so measure carefully.

    6
    Premium Pick

    Ruffwear Float Coat

    Float Coat
    6
    Premium Pick

    Ruffwear Float Coat

    Credit: Amazon
    Pros
    • Great fit
    • True to size
    • Safety-oriented
    Cons
    • Pricey

    Key Specs

    • Materials: Nylon, polyester, GAIA foam
    • Top Handle: Yes
    • Reflective: Yes
    • D-Ring: Yes
    • Options: 6 sizes; 3 colors

    The shape of the jacket supports a natural swimming position, and the adjustable neck fits a range of canines, from Chihuahuas on up. Water-compatible webbing remains stable when wet, so it won’t stretch or loosen in the water.

    It's made of nylon, polyester, and soft PVC-free foam panels, with a low-profile handle that lets you easily help your dog onto dry land. There's also a D-ring and reflective details.

    The only downside is the price. This is a more expensive life jacket, but the quality shows in the ratings—91 percent give it 5 stars.

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    7
    Most Versatile

    Kurgo Surf-n-Turf Dog Life Jacket

    Surf-n-Turf Dog Life Jacket
    7
    Most Versatile

    Kurgo Surf-n-Turf Dog Life Jacket

    Credit: Amazon
    Pros
    • Durable material
    • High-contrast colors
    • Two handles + two leash attachments
    Cons
    • Not suitable for smaller dogs

    Key Specs

    • Material: Nylon
    • Top Handle: Yes
    • Reflective: Yes
    • D-ring: Yes
    • Options: 5 sizes; 2 colors

    This vest offers so many practical features that will come in handy for both you and your doggo. It doubles as a personal floatation device and a raincoat (just remove the floatation layer and you’re ready for stormy weather).

    Its two handles make it easier to lift your dog out of the water—great for large or heavy breeds. It’s also constructed of rugged ripstop nylon, which means it’ll stand up to whatever your pup dishes out.

    The brightly colored vest comes with reflective trim for nighttime visibility and two metal D-rings make leash-connecting easy. There’s no padding under the belly straps, so watch for skin irritation if you’re lifting your pup out more than once or twice a trip.

    8
    Best for Active Dogs

    Vivaglory Dog Life Vest

    Dog Life Vest
    8
    Best for Active Dogs

    Vivaglory Dog Life Vest

    Now 10% Off
    Pros
    • Offers excellent range of motion
    • Good safety features
    • Bright colors are easy to spot
    Cons
    • Less buoyancy than other options
    • No D-ring

    Key Specs

    • Material: Neoprene
    • Top Handle: Yes
    • Reflective: Yes
    • D-ring: No
    • Options: 5 sizes; 6 colors

    If your dog hates life jackets—and any other form of constraint—this is the perfect solution. This sporty, neoprene life jacket is designed with three adjustable straps and side-release buckles, so modifying the fit isn't struggle, even when pup is wet.

    The sporty styling adjusts to both the neck and body, so pup can get move around easily, whether she’s running in the sand or chasing a ball into the water.

    The only drawback is that its sleek design means it isn't as buoyant as other option. Also, it doesn't have a D-ring.

    9
    Best for Warmth

    Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket

    Dog Life Jacket
    9
    Best for Warmth

    Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket

    Pros
    • Great for beginning and experienced swimmers
    • Very buoyant
    • Keeps dogs warm
    Cons
    • No D-ring

    Key Specs

    • Material: Neoprene, polyester
    • Top Handle: Yes
    • Reflective: Yes
    • D-Ring: No
    • Options: 5 sizes; 7 colors

    This high-performance dog life jacket keeps your pup afloat, and insulates them from cold water. A front neck float adds extra support for your dog’s head, and the grab handles make it easy to reach in and help out a dog in need.

    The dog jacket has a good range of sizes for small and large dogs, whether they’re skinny or stout. The bright colors and reflective trim make it easy for you—and other boaters—see your dog in the water.

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    10
    Best Costume

    Queenmore Ripstop Dog Safety Vest

    Ripstop Dog Safety Vest
    10
    Best Costume

    Queenmore Ripstop Dog Safety Vest

    Now 50% Off
    Credit: Amazon
    Pros
    • Fast-drying
    • Cute design
    • Great buoyancy
    Cons
    • May not work well for larger breeds

    Key Specs

    • Material: Mesh, nylon
    • Top Handle: Yes
    • Reflective: Yes
    • D-ring: Yes
    • Options: 5 sizes; 4 colors

    This snugly fitting life-jacket is strong, and made from anti-slip fabric. The life jacket dries quickly, adjusts easily, keeps your dog safe with reflective accents, and somehow manages to do it all with whimsical mermaid appeal. The neck, belly and back floats offer all-around buoyancy.

    There's a low-profile handle makes it easy to scoop your little mermaid out of the water. Some reviews noted that this might be better for smaller canines, since a couple of breeds over 50 pounds had difficulty staying afloat. Also, consider ordering up in size, as it runs large.

    Headshot of Kathleen Willcox
    Kathleen Willcox
    Kathleen Willcox is a journalist who writes about parenting, technology, shopping, food and wine. Her work appears in a variety of publications, including Popular Mechanics, Wine Enthusiast and SevenFifty Daily. She is based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where she lives with her husband and twins.
    Headshot of Kelley Rebori
    Kelley Rebori has written for national brands like HGTV, Zillow and Paintzen for more than a decade. She loves home renovation projects, chocolate icing and small poodles. She and her husband split the year between their homes in Tennessee and Italy.
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