Do you enjoy getting out on the lake or ocean? If you’re a dog owner, then chances are your dog loves the water as much as you. Most dogs love playing around in the shore break or prancing around at the water edge at the lake.
While most dogs can swim, even the strongest swimmers will end up tiring fast. Dog’s don’t have an anatomical design for swimming, and they do the “doggie paddle,” which involves the same movement as running on land.
The lack of resistance from the water means they have to work hard to stay afloat. Leaving your dog in the water for five minutes could wear them out to the point of exhaustion, presenting a drowning risk. So, it’s a good idea to fit your dog for a life jacket.
A life jacket helps them stay afloat when they get tired, and it could end up saving their life. This post unpacks the best dog life jackets for your furry friend.
Contents
The Best Dog Life Jackets – Our Top Picks
- The Best Overall Dog Life Jacket – Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket
The Outward Hound life jacket wins our top sport for the best overall model in this review. You get everything you need to keep your dog safe, with large floatation pads, rugged materials, and a chin float to keep their head above water. - The Best Premium Dog Life Jacket – Kurgo Surf n’ Turf Dog Life Jacket
The Kurgo Surf’ n Turf life vest is a premium model with an expensive price tag. However, you get a jacket offering a secure fit for your dog and plenty of safety features. - The Best Budget Dog Life Jacket – Mermaid Dog Life Jacket
This lifejacket features a comical mermaid design while maintaining all the safety features of leading models. Best of all, it comes with an affordable price tag.
The Best Dog Life Jackets Reviews
Best Overall Dog Life Jacket – Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket
The Outward Hound dog life jacket wins our award for the best flotation device for your pup. This model is available in a range of sizes to fit any breed, offering a snug fit thanks to the two belly clips and the front strap, securing the life jacket in place.
- SIZING BASED ON GIRTH: Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Whether your dog is short and stout or long and lanky, there's a dog life jacket fit for them. Available in sizes XS-XL and featuring adjustable straps, we've made it easy for you to choose a size that supports them based on their girth measurement. We recommend sizing up if the dog's girth size is on the higher end of this size.
- SPLASH WITH SAFETY: The Outward Hound Granby Splash life jacket for dogs is designed with bright colors and reflective accents to provide better visibility while swimming. A front neck float helps keep your dog's head above water whether they are a novice or experienced swimmer.
- NOVICE & EXPERIENCED SWIMMER-FRIENDLY: The Granby Splash dog life jacket is constructed with ripstop material that provides maximum buoyancy in the water without restricting movement on land. Adjustable straps and side release buckles provide a secure fit and neoprene belly band supports their chest and belly while getting their float on!
- MULTI-HANDLE DESIGN: Dual grab handles make it easy to restrain and lift your dog out of the water and provide easy access.
- PLAY IT SAFE: No pet accessory is indestructible. Do not leave with unsupervised pets. Remove and replace if damaged.
The jacket comes in bright orange, with reflective piping strips, for excellent visibility in low light and misty conditions. This jacket comes with floatation panels on the top and sides and around the neck. We like the chin panel that helps to keep your dog’s muzzle in a raised position, preventing them from sucking down water.
The jacket features construction with ripstop nylon materials for durability and long service life. The top of the vest features two grab handles, making rescue easy, even for the largest breeds. The neoprene belly band provides a comfortable fit to your dog without causing any irritation.
What We Liked
- Thick foam provides excellent buoyancy
- Foam muzzle panel
- Rescue drag handles
- Reflective piping for enhanced visibility
- Comfortable neoprene belly band
Best Premium Dog Life Jacket – Kurgo Surf n’ Turf Dog Life Jacket
The Kurgo life jacket brings you a premium choice for your pooch if you have the budget. This jacket comes in several sizes for any breed, featuring construction with durable ripstop nylon. The Kurgo Surf n’ Turf features a bright orange color for easy identification of your dog in the water, and there’s reflective piping along the edges and length of the jacket.
- DOG LIFE JACKET: Lifejacket helps your pup stay afloat while swimming; designed for active dogs, the athletic fit and streamlined flotation layer makes this vest comfy for all day wear
- 2 TRAVERSE CONTROL HANDLES: Dog life vest has two perpendicular handles for easy water extraction; life vest is made of rugged ripstop material with neoprene liner
- BRIGHT COLOR & REFLECTIVE TRIM FOR VISIBILITY: PFD is brightly colored and visible from the distance with reflective trim for nighttime visibility; includes metal D-ring for leash attachment
- SIZE & FIT: Size Medium fits dogs with 24 to 32 inch girth, 18 to 27 inch neck; refer to Kurgo Size Chart for all size details
This dog life vest comes with plenty of foam for an excellent float, and it substitutes for a rain jacket. The top of the jacket features two traverse handles with horizontal and vertical positioning offering ultimate control for lifting your dog out of the water. There are two D-rings on the top for leash attachments, and there’s a built-in bottle opener, although we have no idea why the manufacturer decided to include this feature.
You have two belly buckles closing over the belly pan, and the open chest design allows better freedom of movement for the front legs when swimming. The front buckle strap and belly straps are fully adjustable for a custom, snug fit for your pup. The vest also features a zipper allowing you to remove the floatation foam for cleaning the jacket.
What We Liked
- Premium design.
- Ripstop nylon construction
- Bright orange color with reflective piping.
- Vertical and horizontal grip handles.
- Open-chest design for improved range of motion.
Best Budget Dog Life Jacket – Mermaid Dog Life Jacket
The Mermaid jacket is an affordable choice for boaters on a budget. This life jacket features a rugged 600D Oxford nylon cover with EPE pearl cotton foam core. The open chest design of the vest doesn’t interfere with your dog’s front legs when swimming, and you get two adjustable belly straps with quick-release buckles and a chest strap for a secure, custom fit for your pup.
The bright pink design makes the vest highly visible, and the cute mermaid print on the top of the vest, along with the padded tail, provides an amusing novelty look that brings a smile to owners’ faces. The top of the vest features a single reinforced grab handle, and there’s a D-ring for attaching a leash.
You have size options to suit any breed, and the material dries fast, allowing your pup to get dry and warm as soon as possible after exiting the water. This novelty vest is sure to get smiles on the beach and around the lake as your pup bounds along and plays in the water.
What We Liked
- Cute mermaid design for a novelty look.
- Very affordable.
- Abrasion-resistant materials.
- Open chest design.
- Grab-handle and quick-release buckles.
Yoyoung Camo Pet Life Preserver
If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you understand the importance of camouflage and the stealth it offers. The Yoyoung camo pet life preserver is the ideal life vest for the fisherman’s dog. You get a range of sizes to fit any breed, two adjustable belly straps, and a chest strap with quick-release buckles for easy fitment.
- ✅ COOL CAMO PRINT - The camouflage print featured on our dog life vest is always a fave among hunting dogs and pups who enjoy romping around outdoors. Boy dogs AND girl dogs love wearing our camouflage pet life vest!
- ✅ ADJUSTABLE DESIGN - To ensure a secure fit, the pet life jacket is equipped with ultra durable Velcro straps and adjustable quick release buckles. We also carry our dog life preserver jacket in 5 different sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL. IF YOU HESITATE BETWEEN TWO SIZES, CHOOSE THE LARGER ONE.
- ✅ REFLECTIVE DETAILS - Our adjustable dog life jacket is also enhanced with reflective accents along the straps, keeping your pet visible at night, dusk and dawn.
- ✅ FITTED W/ TOP HANDLE - Each dog life coat is finished with a top handle, allowing you to quickly and easily maneuver your pet. A D-ring has also been incorporated, letting you attach your own leash.
- ✅ BREATHABLE & COMFY - With a layer made out of lightweight mesh fiber, the camo life vest for dogs will keep your furry pal comfortable. It also dries fast and wicks away moisture!
There’s plenty of foam in the side, top panels for float, and a drag handle on the top panel for lifting your dog from the water. The side straps also feature reflective materials for better visibility in the water. The jacket cover has a construction with ripstop nylon materials for fast drying and optimal airflow around the jacket’s interior.
The Yoyoung camo jacket features a camouflage print, making it the ideal stealth jacket for fishing dogs. You get a triple-layer design for comfort and float, and the neoprene belly pan provides a friction-resistant, comfortable fit. The top of the vest features a D-ring for attaching a leash.
What We Liked
- Camouflage design for stealth.
- Thick neoprene padding.
- Reflective strips.
- Open chest design.
- Oxford ripstop nylon for durability.
Queenmore Dog Life Jacket
If you’re looking for a novelty life vest, then the Queenmore turns your pooch into the shark of the sea with its comical fin protruding from the water. The Queenmore comes in a range of sizes to fit any breed, and plenty of padding on the sides, top, and chest strap of the vest.
- DOG LIFE JACKET WITH HIGH BUOYANCY - The shark dog life jacket is made of the ripstop oxford cloth fabric and filled with polyethylene foam. The high quality material can provide high buoyancy and resever long life.
- CUTE SHARK FIN DOG LIFE VEST - The dog life jacket is eye-catching with the cute shark fin standing whenever your pet is swimming in the water or walking on the pool or beach.
- STRONG FASTEN SYSTME - Fasten the dog life vest with easy-to-act magic sticker at the neck and the belly. And adjust the nylon straps and fasten the strong buckles. And then the dog life vest fits well and always keeps on your dog.
- RESCUE HANDLE, LEASH HOOK AND REFLECTION - Grab the strong and anti-slip handle at the back, lift your pet in emergency quick. Fasten a leash to the D-ring hook at back to keep your pet alawys around at you and find your pet easily with the reflective design.
- DOG LIFE VEST FOR SMALL, MEDIUM AND LARGE DOGS - We supply size from x-small through xx-large and the dog life jackets are suitable for dogs weigh 5.5 pounds through 120 pounds. The dog life vest is perfect the most dog sizes and dog breeds. Please measure your dog and give the priority to the CHEST size.
The top of the vest features a single reinforced rubberized drag handle with a plastic D-ring for attaching the leash. You get an Oxford ripstop nylon fabric, offering breathability and airflow around the body and fast drying times.
The jacket secures in place with two belly straps and a single chest strap, featuring an open-chest design for optimal range of motion. The belly and chest strap also feature Velcro for additional strength, keeping the vest in place. The belly pan also features a wide design for extra safety.
What We Liked
- Novelty shark fin design.
- Wide belly panel.
- Oxford ripstop nylon for durability.
- Velcro strips for a secure fit.
- Rubberized drag handle.
Mklhgty French Bulldog Life Jacket
If you have a small dog like a pug, Frenchie, or bulldog, the Mklhgty life jacket is the best choice for your pup. Due to their short neck and snout, these smaller breeds tend to dip their head in the water when swimming. As a result, they end up drowning far faster than other breeds.
- PERFECT BUOYANCY: Dogs that might be a little anxious for the first time in the water usually need more buoyancy. Mklhgty dog life jackets have been completely upgraded, built in extra padding. Superior buoyancy helps your dog better stay safe in the pool
- FRONT FLOAT DESIGN: Mklhgty dog life jacket has a removable front float plate design that supports your dog's head to stay above the water and release neck pressure
- HIGH VISIBILITY: Mklhgty dog life vest is made of reflective stripes and bright safety colors enhance visibility as your beloved pet swims under water
- RESCUE HANDLE: Safety Strong grab handle on the top that you can quickly hold the handle on the top to rescues if your dog is in danger. And the grab handle makes it easy to guide your dog into and out of water
- ABOUT MEASURE: Chest girth is the decisive measurement.Before choosing a size,please measure your dog's chest and back length,do not just judge your dog's size from weight. If between sizes, we recommend order the larger one for more comfortable fit
This life vest brings an added layer of safety ideal for these breeds. The large chin float keeps their head above water, ensuring they don’t get tired and drown while swimming. The neoprene floats inside the jacket panels focus on floating the back and the chest, lifting the dog’s posture into a higher swimming position.
The dual belly straps have quick-release buckles, as does the chest strap, with reflective strips down the sides and along the top of the vest. The chin float attaches to the vest using a zipper, allowing you to remove it when your dog is playing on the beach or the deck.
You get a reinforced drag handle to pull the dog from the water, and a D-ring positioned in front of the handle to attach your leash.
What We Liked
- Ideal for small dogs like pugs, bulldogs, and Frenchie’s.
- Reflective strips.
- Zipper attachment chin float.
- Reinforced drag handle.
NRS CFD Dog Life Jacket
If you’re looking for a rugged and durable life jacket for your dog, the NRS CFD vest is a great choice. Featuring design and construction with 1000D Cordura nylon, this vest stands up to the toughest abuse, providing years of service.
- 1000-denier Cordura shell is tough enough to withstand years of canine abuse.
- NRS buckles secure the vest with three adjustment straps at the waist and neck.
- A grab handle on top of the vest works great for getting your pet back into the boat and for retrieving tired dogs.
- A rugged leash ring allows you to use the vest as a walking harness or for attaching a strobe light.
- The red model has reflective safety tape for extra visibility.
The top of the vest comes in a high-visibility red/orange color, allowing for easy identification of the dog in the water. The adjustable NRS buckles with quick-release clips on the belly and chest provide a secure fit to your dog, and the straps also feature reflective strips. The vest comes in a range of sizes for any breed.
The side panels sit further to the top of the vest, allowing optimal float. The open-chest design allows for a total range of motion in the front legs. The top of the vest comes with a reinforced drag handle, and there’s a D-ring for attaching your leash.
The rear of the vest has a zipper pocket for storing the leash, treats, and other necessities for your dog to enjoy a day on the water.
What We Liked
- Reflective strips on the straps and bright orange/red color.
- Rear zipper pouch.
- Rugged D-ring and drag handle.
- Rugged 1000D Cordura nylon construction.
AmazeFun Dog Life Jacket
We wrap the review with another amusing novelty life jacket. This jacket has a comical dragon design, with wings attached to the top of the vest and an interesting dragon print, available in three colors. The eyes of the dragon print feature reflective colors, and the hot-red tail adds visibility to the vest.
- ☆【NEW! SPORTS-STYLE DESIGN+CUTE DESIGN】——Gray cute dragon gives your beloved dog a new look and sports-style design don't hinder his/her natural movement. Thoughtful strategically positioned design not only provides cute look but also keeps your dog in a natural swimming position, making them feel more comfortable.
- ☆【SUPERIOR BUOYANCY & SAFETY DESIGN】——The dog life jacket is made of ripstop high grade polyester 600D oxford & nylon and high buoyancy material, the same as luxury comfort human life jacket material, and enough to float the dog on the water. Heavy-duty yet more comfortable fastening system around the belly and neck to keep securely fastened, let your puppy play easily and freely in the water.
- ☆【EASY TO PUT ON AND TAKE OFF】——Adjustable belt and underbelly combine with Velcro panels make the dog swimsuit easy to put on and take off, and create a most comfortable state for all breeds and body shapes. The strong, low-profile, durable grabbing handle on the top for quick and easy rescues if your dog is in danger. And the heavy-duty D-ring hook is perfect for dog leash.
- ☆【HIGH VISIBILITY】——Designed with bright colors can enhance visibility in and out of water or low-light conditions; You can spot your pup easily on water and land, no worry about your dog disappearing from your sight.
- ☆【SIZING BASED ON GIRTH】——While the AmazeFun dog life jacket comes with adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit for your pup, always make sure to measure your pup's ribcage at the deepest part; do not judge your dog's size from weight or other brands' standard. Sizes range from S-L. If your dog's measurement is between sizes, please choose the next size up.
You get 600D ripstop Oxford nylon materials providing plenty of airflow around the vest for fast drying times. The belly strap features a wide design for a secure fit and better comfort for your dog. The two belly straps and the chest strap come with quick-release buckles and Velcro, with reinforced knot sleeves for long service life.
The top of the vest comes with a rubberized, reinforced drag handle and a strong D-ring for attaching the leash. The AmazeFun Dragon life vest comes in three sizes for small, medium, and large breeds, but it’s not suitable for big dogs like St. Bernard’s and Mastiffs.
What We Liked
- Comical dragon novelty design.
- Hi-visibility colors.
- Wide belly support for comfort.
- 600D Ripstop Oxford nylon construction.
Other Best Selling Options
- SIZING BASED ON GIRTH: Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Whether your dog is short and stout or long and lanky, there's a dog life jacket fit for them. Available in sizes XS-XL and featuring adjustable straps, we've made it easy for you to choose a size that supports them based on their girth measurement. We recommend sizing up if the dog's girth size is on the higher end of this size.
- SPLASH WITH SAFETY: The Outward Hound Granby Splash life jacket for dogs is designed with bright colors and reflective accents to provide better visibility while swimming. A front neck float helps keep your dog's head above water whether they are a novice or experienced swimmer.
- NOVICE & EXPERIENCED SWIMMER-FRIENDLY: The Granby Splash dog life jacket is constructed with ripstop material that provides maximum buoyancy in the water without restricting movement on land. Adjustable straps and side release buckles provide a secure fit and neoprene belly band supports their chest and belly while getting their float on!
- SINGLE RESCUE HANDLE DESIGN: A top grab handle makes it easy to restrain and lift your dog out of the water and provides easy access for a rescue should they get into trouble while swimming.
- PLAY IT SAFE: No pet accessory is indestructible. Do not leave with unsupervised pets. Remove and replace if damaged.
- Made for the water: Our water-compatible webbing remains stable when wet, meaning it won’t stretch, break up or loosen in the water; The heavy-duty sheltered buckles are easy to use and keep your pup secure
- Safety first: Features a strong, low-profile handle for helping your dog out of the water; Reinforced, tuckable D-ring for leash clip-in; We’ve increased visibility in low-light conditions with reflective accents and a light loop for The Beacon
- Improved fit: Our dog life vest is built with PVC-free GAIA foam panels that are soft, comfortable, and designed to wrap around and move with your dog; Their strategic placement supports a natural swimming position
- Adjustable neck: The telescoping neck closure adjusts to fit a range of dog sizes; Simply adjust it once and secure it permanently for easy on and off
- Share more adventures: Made for dogs that love to join their humans on the water; A great safety option for rafting, kayaking, boating, surfing, paddleboarding or playing on the beach
- CHOOSE THE RIGHT JACKET: The dog life jacket comes in 6 sizes (XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL), suitable for puppies, small, medium, and large dogs of all breeds. Please measure your dog's ribcage girth at the DEEPEST part, just behind the front legs, and refer to our SIZE CHART to select the correct size for your dog
- FOR YOUR DOG'S SAFETY: The VIVAGLORY dog life jacket is constructed with extra padding to provide strong buoyancy in the water without restricting your dog's movement. Your dog will feel at ease while swimming or engaging in other water activities. The hook and loop system around the belly and neck will securely fasten the life vest to your dog
- CONVENIENCE & FIT: The VIVAGLORY dog life preserver features a durable grab handle on the top of the jacket, making it easy to pull your dog out of the water when needed. The D-ring is for attaching a dog leash. Adjustable straps and durable quick-release buckles ensure easy on and off, allowing the life jacket to fit your dog perfectly
- HIGH VISIBILITY: The dog life vest comes in bright colors with reflective trims, enhancing your dog's visibility in and out of the water. This allows you to quickly identify your dog
- WARM TIPS: The lifejackets provide your dog with added safety and endurance while swimming. For your pet's safety, please do not leave your dog unattended while they are wearing the life vest. Allow them some time to get used to wearing the life vest before using it
Dog Life Jackets Buyer’s Guide
We put together this buyer’s guide to give you an idea of what to look for in the best dog life jacket for your pup.
What to Look for in a Dog Life Jacket?
Floatation Panels
The core of the dog life jacket is the floatation panels. These neoprene or polyurethane provide buoyancy in the water, keeping the dog floating. The life vest should feature a thick panel on the top and sides and around the chest.
This positioning of the panels helps them maintain an upright swimming position in the water, preventing them from rolling over in rough water. Some models also feature chin floats that keep the dogs head out of the water when they feel tired.
Visibility Reflection Strips
Look for reflective strips on the belly straps or handle or reflective piping along the back of the jacket. These reflective materials bounce sunlight, backing it easy to spot your dog in the water or on the beach.
D-ring and Handles
The life jacket should feature reinforced drag handles for lifting your dog from the water. Look for D-rings in front of the handle to fit a leash so you can tether the dog to the boat and prevent them from falling overboard. You’ll also need a leash for walking your dog on the beach or the lake shoreline if other dogs are around.
Neck Float
The neck float is necessary for small breeds with a natural downward angle to their neck and head positioning. The chin float keeps their head out of the water when they tire.
Belly Strap
The jacket should have two belly straps and a chest strap to keep the vest securely in place. The first few times you fit the jacket to the dig, they may find it irritating and try to remove it. When they realize they can’t get it off, they’ll forget about it and carry on without a second thought to removing the vest.
How Do I Fit My Dog for a Life Jacket?
The life jacket should offer your dog a snug, secure fit without restricting movement. The dog should have a full range of motion in the front legs, and the belly pan should offer a comfortable fit that doesn’t irritate the dog.
The vest should provide a comfortable fit in all positions when running, sitting, and lying down. It’s common for dogs to protest the fitment of the jacket the first few times, but they’ll get used to it after a few sessions.
However, if the dog starts whining or whimpering after a few hours, they’re trying to tell you that the vest is uncomfortable, and it might be hurting them.
Most manufacturing brands offer dog life jackets in various sizes to suit any breed. We recommend you look at the following three factors when assessing the right fit for your dog.
Neck
The front panel wrapping around the chest should not restrict the dogs breathing or push into the chest cavity, restricting movement.
Grab a tape and measure your dog’s neck. Measure around the thickest part of the animal’s neck, below the collar.
If your dog is in-between an inch measurement, scale it up to the larger number. So, if your dog’s neck measures 6.75-inches, round it up to 7-inches to be safe.
Chest
The next measurement you need is the chest. Take the tape and measure the dog around the thickest part of the chest, right behind the animal’s front legs. Measure the dog when it’s in a relaxed standing position.
If you attempt to measure when they are lying down, it results in an inaccurate measurement and a poor fit.
Weight
Some manufacturers offer a size curve dependent on weight. While it’s not the most accurate way to size a vest, it gives you another variable to ensure you’re making the right choice. If your dog is overweight, choose the next size up to ensure you don’t cramp their tummy.
Best Dog Life Jackets FAQ
Q: Do I need a life jacket for my dog around the pool?
A: If you have a new dog, giving them a life vest for use around the pool can help them learn to swim. If you have an open-plan pool, the vest could prevent them from drowning if they fall in while you’re not around and they can’t find the steps.
Q: When do I need to fit my dog for a life jacket?
A: If your dog enjoys playing in the water, then a life jacket is a must. If they get swept by a rogue wave on the beach, the vest will give them the floatation they need to reach the shore. If you’re out on the lake, the vest keeps them floating if they accidentally fall overboard and you don’t see it right away.
Q: Can my dog still drown if it’s wearing a life jacket?
A: Yes, your dog can drown while wearing a life vest. If you leave them in the water for too long, they’ll grow tired, and they might dip their head in the water, causing them to drown.
This is especially true with breeds like pugs and bulldogs that struggle to keep their chin above the water. Look for models in this review with chin floats to help your dog keep its head above water.
Q: Do I need a hi-viz vest for my dog?
A: Choosing a model with high-visibility colors allows easy spotting of your dog anywhere on the beach or in the water. They’re ideal for misty days or low light conditions, and some models come with reflective strips or piping, improving the animal’s visibility if they are swimming in the lake.
Dog Life Jackets – The Verdict
Keep your furry friend safe out on the water or at the shoreline with a dog life jacket. The models in this review represent the best value for money and top-quality design for optimal function. There’s a model in this review to suit ay activity and breed.
If you’re on the fence with your choice, why not go with one of our top picks?
- The Best Overall Dog Life Jacket – Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket
The Outward Hound life jacket wins our top sport for the best overall model in this review. You get everything you need to keep your dog safe, with large floatation pads, rugged materials, and a chin float to keep their head above water. - The Best Premium Dog Life Jacket – Kurgo Surf n’ Turf Dog Life Jacket
The Kurgo Surf’ n Turf life vest is a premium model with an expensive price tag. However, you get a jacket offering a secure fit for your dog and plenty of safety features. - The Best Budget Dog Life Jacket – Mermaid Dog Life Jacket
This lifejacket features a comical mermaid design while maintaining all the safety features of leading models. Best of all, it comes with an affordable price tag.
