The Best Dog Life Vests

Buying Guide for Dog Life Vests

Why buy a dog life vest?

Life vests and life jackets are personal, wearable flotation devices that keep the wearer afloat and their head above the surface when immersed in any body of water, either by accident or by choice. However, humans aren’t the only ones who should wear life vests out on the water. If you enjoy taking your dog along for any of these activities, they must wear one. Many dogs are naturally strong swimmers, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t wear life vests when they’re out on or around the water. Accidents happen, and hazards in the water aren’t always easy to spot. It’s best always to be prepared—better to have a dog life vest and not need it than be caught in a situation where you wish you had one but don’t.

What should you look for in a dog life vest?

• Size: Your dog’s life vest will not do them any good if it doesn’t fit them properly. You don’t want it popping off in the water, cutting into their skin, and causing circulation issues. There are plenty of dog life vests for dogs of all breeds and sizes, so no matter how large or small your pup is, you shouldn’t have any issue finding one that fits them. Dog life vest sizes may be based on general breed size, weight, or chest size; it varies by brand, so make sure the factor matches your dog properly before buying a vest. Also, watch for vests with adjustable straps or similar adjustability features to better customize the life vest’s fit to your dog’s body.
• Safety Features: A life vest is a safety device, first and foremost, so it must be designed to keep your pup as safe as possible. Buoyancy, the vest’s ability to float, is perhaps the key factor. A good neck float at the front of the vest is vital for keeping your pup’s chin, face, and nose out of the water as they swim. A handle on the back of the life vest is also an absolute must, as it allows you to grab, guide, and (in the case of small to medium-sized dogs) even lift them out of the water as needed. Be sure to pick a dog life vest or jacket with a bright, eye-catching color and print so you can easily spot your dog in the water at any time. One or several reflective strips on the vest provide even greater visibility. Extra padding is more comfortable for your dog and will help keep them warmer in the water. Quick-release buckles that allow you to get the vest on and off quickly are a nice bonus safety factor.
• Vest vs. Jacket: Though people often use the terms life vest and lift jacket interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two. Life vests are lighter and only really cover the torso, while life jackets are heavier and cover more of the body. Thus, you may want to look for a full dog life jacket instead of a vest if you want greater buoyancy for your pup, as it’ll cover more of their body. A dog life jacket is recommended if you plan on taking your dog out on a boat or paddleboard in the ocean or an especially deep lake. You should be okay with a regular dog life vest for casual swims in a pool or pond, or shallower bodies of water.

How do you know what size dog life vest is suitable for your dog?

The best way to determine your pup’s proper dog vest size, regardless of the vest and the company, is to take your dog’s measurements. The most important body part to measure is the chest/ribcage at the widest point. Any dog life vest or jacket worth its salt will have a corresponding size chart that lets you know the best size for your dog based on its chest girth (usually but not always measured in inches). When the life vest or jacket is on your dog and snapped shut, the fit should be snug but with enough room for you to slip two fingers underneath so they don’t choke, aren’t too restricted to move correctly, and the vest won’t cut into their skin.

Our Picks for the Best Dog Life Vests

Pros: This classic dog life jacket pretty much has it all. Sizes range from an extra small to an extra large, with straps on both the belly and chest adjustable to fit your dog’s exact features better. There are seven possible colors, all bright and easy to spot in the water. And most importantly, it has the usual safety features you want from a dog life jacket or vest—a floating neck front, reflective accents, a rescue handle for you to grab, quick-release buckles, and even a neoprene belly band for extra support and buoyancy in the chest and belly region. (This is especially handy for top-heavy breeds like bulldogs.) As a bonus, there are two alternate design options as well. A thicker version provides superior insulation for cooler waters or dogs that get cold easily, and a lighter version offers superior flexibility for more sporting breeds.

Cons: This dog life jacket has no D-ring or other leash loop on the back. This may cause a slight issue if your dog walks in a harness since it can’t wear both simultaneously.

Bottom Line: This quintessential dog life jacket is ideal for pups of various breeds and sizes. It has every safety feature you could want to keep your dog better protected when out on the water.

 

Pros: This dog life vest is the perfect combination of cute and practical. It’s nice and buoyant to keep your canine companion afloat in the water, and the shark fin gives it an adorable, costume-like effect. You may think that a costume dog life vest like this one is limited to smaller dogs, but sizes range from an extra small up to a double extra large—most dogs, regardless of size, will be able to wear this vest. It also has a D-ring on the back for a leash, reflective accents, and an all-important grabbing handle. Two more color options are available if you want a brighter, more eye-catching color than the shark-gray.

Cons: Although cute, it is a pricier vest. There’s also no neck float at the front, which may be a problem for dogs who struggle to keep their heads above the water.

Bottom Line: Many dog owners love dressing up their pups in costumes for special occasions. This adorable shark-like life vest makes your dog look even cuter while ensuring their safety during a day out on the water.

 

Pros: Most notable about this dog life vest is the extra padding. Said extra padding increases the buoyancy of the vest and makes it more comfortable for your dog to wear, and helps keep them a bit warmer in cooler water. It has all the safety features you could want; a front neck float (which is removable), reflective accents, adjustable straps, a handle on the back, and quick-release buckles. This model also features a D-ring for leashes on the back, a variety of bright colors (11 options in total), and sizes (extra-small to extra-large) measured in chest girth. All but the very deepest-chested dog breeds should be able to fit into one of these life vests.

Cons: This life vest’s extra padding makes it bulkier than most models. While the extra warmth it provides ensures your dog isn’t shivering in the water, it may become too hot if your pup sits in direct sunlight on a hot day.

Bottom Line: This dog life vest is a great option for safety and comfort. The extra padding is nice and comfy and provides extra warmth for dogs who can’t self-insulate.

 

Pros: Not only is this cute dog life jacket affordable, but it’s also incredibly comfortable for your furry friend. The five size options allow it to fit a variety of dog breeds. The fit is nice and snug with plenty of buoyancy, and it’s easy to put on and take off your pup as needed. With a handle on the back, you can safely pick your dog up from the water or restrain them on land. The life jacket is also equipped with a D-ring to fasten a leash. Plus, the vibrant colors and variety of adorable prints will make your pup the most fashionable dog at the beach or pool. Don’t hesitate to give your furry friend the safety they deserve at a hard-to-beat price.

Cons: You may have some issues with the Velcro strap on the back, whether it gets caught in your dog’s fur or scrapes against your skin while carrying your pup as they’re wearing this life jacket. It’s also not a great option for larger dogs (those 45 pounds or above), even with the largest size, and there’s no neck float for extra head and neck support.

Bottom Line: You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to keep your pup safe in the water. This low-priced model is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or any other water activity you and your dog enjoy.

 

Pros: This classic dog life vest offers extra adjustability at a reasonable price. The neck adjustment is designed to prevent your dog’s hair from getting caught or stuck in the hook— a handy feature for long-haired breeds. There are also double snaps and fastenings around the belly for greater security. The 11 bright color options paired with reflective accents ensure that your dog will always be easy to spot in the water, while the grabbing handle on the back and D-ring for leashes make it more convenient for you. This dog life vest also features extra padding for greater floatation purposes but without the bulk that usually comes with bonus padding.

Cons: This doesn’t have a neck float at the front and tends to run on the small side even after measuring your dog.

Bottom Line: There’s a lot to love about this brightly colored and adjustable dog life vest. If you want a vest with extra padding for greater buoyancy but without bulkiness, this will be the best dog life vest for you, especially if you own a smaller dog.

Final Thoughts

Even the best, most attentive pet parents can’t account for all mishaps and accidents when boating, kayaking, or swimming with dog(s). A good, properly fitting life vest not only helps keep your pup as safe as possible when out on the water but will also bring you peace of mind.