The Best Dog Life Jackets of 2024

We bring our best friends everywhere: hiking, biking, camping, rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Having your pup outfitted with a well-fitted dog life jacket during those adventures adds an extra layer of safety and security.

Even if your pup is a competent swimmer, a dog life jacket will offer extra peace of mind. In the event of an accident, a solid life jacket will allow your dog to stay afloat if he or she falls into a lake or takes an unexpected swim through a swift current.

Dog life jackets vary in buoyancy, features, affordability, comfort, sizing, and more so it can feel overwhelming to figure out which one is right for you and your pup. Fortunately, our lead tester Meg Carney, and her three dogs, have done the work for you.

As an avid paddler, she has spent years prioritizing her search for the right life jacket for each pup in a range of situations. She always packs life jackets whenever she brings her dogs out on a paddle board, boat, or even just down to the river for a summer swim day. Although her dogs are excellent swimmers, safety is a priority. As a result, Meg is the ideal tester for this guide; she and “her pack” have tried dozens of different life jackets over the years.

They sorted through all the options and tested the best dog life jackets available. No matter what size dog you have or your favorite activities, we’ve got a life jacket to suit your needs so you can hit the water safely with your favorite adventure companion.

Scroll through our reviews below and check out our comparison chart for a comprehensive look at our selections. Our buyer’s guide and FAQs will also help answer any questions so you can choose the best dog life jacket for your water-loving canine companion.

The Best Dog Life Jackets of 2024

• Best Overall Dog Life Jacket: NRS Canine Flotation Device  
• Best Budget Dog Life Jacket: VIVAGLORY Sport Dog Life Jacket 
• Best Dog Life Jacket for Adjustability: Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket 
• Best Life Jacket for Big Dogs: EzyDog Premium Doggy Flotation Device (DFD)
• Best Life Jacket for Small Dogs: Hurtta Life Savior ECO 
• Best Dog Life Jacket for Durability: Astral BirdDog Life Jacket 

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Dog Life Jacket Comparison Table

Dog Life Jacket	Price	Size Range	Dog’s Weight	Entry
NRS Canine Flotation Device	$60	XS – XL	12 lbs. – 80+ lbs.	Side buckle
VIVAGLORY Sport Dog Life Jacket	$20-36	XS – XL	5 lbs. – 90 lbs.	Side and neck buckle
Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket	$90	XXS – XL	N/A	Side buckle
EzyDog Premium Doggy Flotation Device (DFD)	$62-75	S – XL	20 lbs. – 90+ lbs.	Side and neck buckles
Hurtta Life Savior ECO	$74-116	XS – XL	10 lbs. – 80 lbs.	Side buckle
Astral Bird Dog Life Jacket	$75	XS – XL	5 lbs. – 75+ lbs.	Side and neck buckles
Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket	$17-28	XS – XL	5 lbs. – 100 lbs.	Side and neck buckles
Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket	$25-45	XXS – XL	8 lbs. – 90 lbs.	Side and neck buckles
Baydog Monterey Bay Life Jacket	$40	XS – XL	N/A	Side buckles

How We Tested Dog Life Jackets

Our lead tester, Meg Carney, has three dogs. As an avid paddler and water lover herself, Meg has prioritized finding the right life jacket for each pup. Her oldest dog, Ash, a German short-haired pointer mix, has always been a swimmer, so for the last 7 years, they’ve tried out a variety of life jackets to find the best option for him. Now, with two other water-loving pups in her family, Meg has started her search all over again.

The dog’s sizes, weights, and comfort levels while wearing a life jacket vary, making finding the perfect fitting dog life jacket a challenge. However, Meg’s commitment to keeping her pups safe in all situations — from paddling to casual beach days — never wavered. She understands that having a life jacket that helps them feel confident in the water and fits properly is essential so they can stay above water or get pulled out safely in the event of an accident.

Meg spent a couple of months testing nine specific life jackets for this review. Some brands and models she had used previously, and others were new. Since all of her dogs are large or extra large, she enlisted the help of a few friends with dogs to get a feel for the sizing of each jacket.

She found that some jackets run small, some just right, and others fit loosely so having dogs of different sizes and ability levels was ideal. A wider variety of test dogs helped her better understand the versatility and adjustability of each selected life jacket option.

The primary features we analyzed while testing included:

• Fit: We looked at how well the life jacket fit different dogs within the same size range, if the vest restricted any natural movement, and how well the jacket stayed in place as the dogs ran around and played.
• Buoyancy: All the jackets included a foam panel below the head, which is important to keep the dog’s head above water. When watching the dogs swim in the jacket, we watched to ensure their jacket was supportive and held them in their natural swimming position.
• Adjustability: We wanted to be sure that the life jackets had a proper fit and were adjustable enough to achieve that. How easy they were to adjust, how well the adjustment features stayed in place, and where on the jacket they were placed all influenced our review.
• Features: Finally, additional features like the handle, D-ring, and reflectivity were considered. Jackets with less durable features were likely rated lower, and the functionality of those features was evaluated during use.

During testing, her dogs primarily frolicked in different areas of the Columbia River in central Washington. Meg’s dogs love swimming, so sometimes she’d bring them to the river to paddleboard, play fetch, and swim to their heart’s content. Check out some tips for paddleboarding with your pup. Other testing occurred while paddling on Washington’s Lake Chelan, along waterways in Voyager National Park, on adventures in Lake Superior, and kayaking in the Florida Keys.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Dog Life Jacket

Selecting the best dog life jacket involves considering your dog’s size, weight, and body shape to ensure a proper fit. Even though two of our tester dogs are roughly the same size on a sizing chart, they have different needs and body shapes, influencing which vests work best for them.

Several features can enhance the life vest’s functionality, and as a pet parent, you want to know how to keep your dog safe as you enjoy a day on the water. In the following sections, we highlight which features to look for while shopping and how to prioritize each for your dog’s needs. If you plan on taking your dog along for land-based adventures, you’ll want to check out our guide to the Best Dog Harnesses and Best Dog Backpacks for our top recommendations.

Fit

Choosing the best fit and adjustability in a dog life jacket is essential for your pet’s safety. Begin by measuring your dog’s chest girth, neck circumference, and length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Use these measurements to select the appropriate size according to the manufacturer’s sizing chart, or better yet, to try them on your dog in a local pet store.

Look for life jackets with adjustable straps around the neck, chest, and belly, allowing you to customize the fit to your dog’s unique body shape. The straps are ideally wide and durable to prevent chafing and discomfort. Better life jacket designs have a fabric or foam barrier to prevent the straps from rubbing directly against the dog. Additionally, buckles and clips should be secure and easy to fasten, even when wet.

Adjust the straps for a snug fit. You should only be able to fit two fingers between the straps and your dog’s body. Pay attention to areas where the jacket may rub or pinch, and make further adjustments as needed. Once your dog has gotten wet and moved around in the water, the straps may need to be adjusted, as many jackets loosen once wet.

The Ruffwear Float Coat dog life jacket has a permanently attached telescoping neck closure for optimal adjustability. The adjustment strap is quite secure and stays that way even while your dog swims, but the strap is challenging to access and adjust once wet, so fit your dog before they enter the water. This jacket has one of the more secure adjustments and fits most larger dogs, making it one of the tops for adjustability and versatility.

During water activities, periodically check the fit of the life jacket to ensure it remains secure and comfortable for your dog. If your dog is between sizes or has an unusual body shape, consider trying on multiple jackets or brands to find the best fit. A properly fitting and adjustable life jacket provides peace of mind while keeping your furry friend safe in the water.

Ease of Putting On and Taking Off

The ease of putting on and taking off a dog life jacket depends on the overall design and the inclusion of features like adjustable straps. Jackets with multiple adjustable straps, especially around the neck and chest areas, allow a customized fit to accommodate different breeds and body shapes. Quick-release buckles are also advantageous as they facilitate effortless removal and secure fastening.

Jackets like the Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket and EzyDog Premium Doggy Flotation Device (DFD) include a buckle for the neck portion of the vest. Having the option to unclip the neck strap is a welcome feature for those dogs who fear having a jacket slipped over their heads.

Poorly designed dog life jackets may have inadequate adjustments, leading to difficulty achieving a snug fit or causing discomfort for the dog. Complex closure mechanisms or cumbersome materials can impede the ease of putting on and removing the jacket. Most life jackets included on our list have a maximum of three closure points: two around the waist and one around the neck/chest.

The straps around the waist may be the most difficult for some owners to adjust if your dog moves a lot while putting on a life jacket. For best results, ease your pup into wearing the life jacket; start at home by wearing it for short periods of time and practice taking it on and off at home a few times, as well. This should increase their comfort level and make your first adventure more enjoyable for all involved.

Pet Parent Tip: If your dog is moving around too much while you’re trying to put the jacket on, consider using a lick mat to keep them stationary. Put their favorite spreadable treat (peanut butter, yogurt, cottage cheese, wet dog food, etc.) on the mat, pop it in the freezer for an hour or two, and then give it to your dog when conditioning them to the jacket. Lick mats with suction cups on the bottom can be secured to a door or the floor to keep them in one place while you adjust the jacket.

To condition tester pup Tundra to a life jacket, we had him wear the jacket for about 15 minutes a day for several weeks. The first few times, we had to use a lick mat to put it on him because he was unsure and didn’t want to move around once we adjusted it. After a few days, he started moving freely while wearing the jacket, but some dogs take longer than others. Meg’s other two dogs are less fearful of wearing things, so their conditioning period was much shorter. Her goal with any new activity is to create a positive association, and sometimes, that takes time to build.

Mobility

Having enough natural mobility is crucial for dogs swimming or recreating around water. Dog life jackets with a streamlined design and strategic placement of buoyancy panels allow for unhindered limb movement, enabling the dog to paddle freely without restriction.

The jacket should not restrict the movement of major joints and muscle groups like the shoulders. Flexibility in the material and options for fit customization like we found in the EzyDog Premium Doggy Flotation Device can also influence how well the jacket moves with the dog’s body.

The NRS Canine Flotation Device is an excellent example of a life jacket that helps dogs maintain a natural swimming position without restricting any movement. The design leaves plenty of open space for the dogs’ shoulders and back legs to move freely, helping them maintain a more natural body position in and out of the water.

Comfort

Comfort as we found in the Paws Aboard Life Jacket is paramount to ensuring a dog is willing to wear the jacket for extended periods. Soft, nonabrasive inner linings prevent chafing or irritation, while breathable materials promote airflow, preventing overheating during strenuous activity. Adjustable straps and buckles enable a customizable fit, accommodating various body shapes and sizes while keeping them in place.

Ease of swimming is linked to comfort and mobility, but mainly to the buoyancy panels positioned to keep the dog afloat in a natural swimming position. Proper buoyancy distribution prevents the dog from tipping forward or backward, maintaining balance and stability in the water. Dog life jackets should always have a panel under the head and across the chest to help keep the dog’s head above water.

Well-padded jackets offer cushioning against impacts and provide additional buoyancy, keeping the dog’s head above water. Depending on the activity, the amount of padding and bulkiness may be a consideration so it doesn’t restrict mobility.

Handles

After the overall fit and flotation of the jacket are squared away, the next aspect to check is the features. Features like a strong handle may not be a first thought, but they are used often when paddling or boating with dogs.

Two of our tester dogs are obsessed with paddle boarding. They enjoy jumping off the board to fetch or swim around as Meg paddles. In faster-moving water, she won’t allow this, as they may fall off the board in these conditions. To aid them in getting back on the board, a robust and sturdy handle like we found in the Hurtta Life Savior ECO is necessary so she can quickly pull them up and onto the board without capsizing.

The handle serves multiple purposes, including assisting in lifting the dog in and out of the water, providing additional support during emergencies, and aiding in control and guidance while swimming.

Consider the following about the handle when choosing a dog life jacket:

• The handle should be securely attached to the jacket with reinforced stitching or durable materials so it is able to withstand the dog’s weight without tearing or breaking.
• The handle should be positioned strategically along the back or top of the jacket to offer optimal leverage and balance when lifting the dog.
• The handle should be padded or ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip, especially during prolonged use or challenging conditions.

Another bonus: It is nice if the handle is brightly colored or has reflective elements for enhanced visibility, facilitating quick identification and retrieval of the dog in the water.

Visibility

​​Wearing bright colors on the water and in the backcountry can be a good practice in case of an emergency or rescue situation. A dog’s visibility, especially in busy or low-light conditions, is important so you can monitor them as they swim.

Bright, high-contrast colors such as neon yellow, orange, or red are highly visible against the water’s surface, making it easier for owners to locate pets from a distance. We tend to gravitate toward orange as our go-to life jacket color for dogs, and we avoid more natural colors that may blend into the environment.

Reflective stripes or panels like those found in the VIVAGLORY Sport Dog Life Jacket and the Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket improve visibility, especially in low-light conditions or during nighttime activities, by reflecting light back to its source.

In addition to color, the design of the life jacket plays a role in visibility. Large, strategically placed patches of color or reflective material on the jacket’s surface maximize visibility from various angles, even when the dog is partially submerged. If traveling on a boat at night, you may also consider attaching a red light to the top of the life jacket for added visibility.

Quality and Durability

The best quality and durability like those found in the Astral BirdDog Life Jacket are achieved through a combination of high-caliber materials, thoughtful construction aspects, and well-engineered design features.

Materials: Utilizing durable and water-resistant materials such as nylon, polyester, or neoprene improves longevity and resilience against wear and tear. Reinforced stitching and robust hardware like corrosion-resistant buckles and zippers contribute to the jacket’s durability.

Construction aspects: Double or triple stitching along stress points enhances the jacket’s strength and prevents seam failure over time. Taped or welded seams provide extra protection against water infiltration, extending the jacket’s lifespan. Foam padding or buoyancy materials should be securely encapsulated within the jacket to prevent shifting or bunching, maintaining buoyancy and comfort.

Design features: An ergonomic and streamlined design minimizes drag and discomfort for the dog while promoting ease of movement in the water. Reinforced handles and reflective accents enhance functionality and visibility, adding to the jacket’s overall quality and durability.

Features and Versatility

Optimizing functionality as we found in the Baydog Monterey Bay Life Jacket involves incorporating features that prioritize safety, comfort, and ease of use. Features that improve the functionality of a dog life jacket may include:

• Adjustable straps and buckles
• A handle positioned on the top of the jacket
• Reflective accents
• Buoyancy panels strategically distributed throughout the jacket

To enhance versatility, additional features can be integrated into the design, including:

• Removable flotation inserts
• D-ring attachments for leash attachment
• A streamlined silhouette with minimal bulkiness
• Quick-release buckles

Most of the dog life jackets we included on our list include most, if not all, of these features. Removable flotation inserts are the least common feature, but may be suitable for dogs that need a more customized flotation system.

Flotation

To assess the buoyancy level of a dog life jacket, look for buoyancy panels strategically placed around the chest, back, and sides to provide balanced flotation and maintain the dog’s natural swimming position. We found great buoyancy in the Astral BirdDog Life Jacket for this very reason.

There should be enough panels to keep your dog afloat in the water without causing excessive bulkiness or restriction of movement. Foam inserts are commonly used for their lightweight buoyant properties. When looking at jackets, check that the foam is securely encapsulated within the jacket and isn’t shifting or bunching, which could compromise buoyancy.

Also, assess the jacket’s flotation capacity relative to your dog’s size and weight. Different sizes and breeds may require varying flotation levels to ensure adequate water support. Selecting a jacket with the appropriate flotation capacity to match your dog’s specific needs and swimming abilities is essential.

For instance, Ash is a water-loving maniac who would swim all day if we let him, but Tundra took almost three years to learn to swim and is exceptionally timid with new activities. While they both wear life jackets, Ash wears a much sleeker, lightweight jacket because he is a stronger swimmer and doesn’t need as much support. Tundra’s life jacket extends further down his back and has additional padding to give him as much support as possible, which instills more confidence in the water.

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