The Best Life Jackets for Dogs, According to Pet Owners, Trainers, and Vet Nurses

Ruffwear makes some of my favorite dog accessories, including extremely durable leashes and Ringo’s escapeproofmartingale collar. So when I tested the brand’s life jacket, I wasn’t surprised that it was equally great. The Float Coat is designed for maximum comfort, and wraps Georgie entirely in a buoyant EVA and PE foam with a rugged polyester shell that includes a DWR (durable water repellent) and PU (polyurethane) coating. The adjustable straps around the neck and stomach provide a secure fit for her growing puppy body (and mean that it will still fit when she’s bigger). It has a sturdy rescue handle along the back that can be used for directing her on land and is strong enough for lifting her out of the water, too.

Ana Prodanovich, co-founder of the pet-care brandWelltayl, says her go-to dog life jacket is the Ruffwear Float Coat, and adds that “it’s the one I trust when my dog Olli is actually in the water.” The closed-cell foam panels support a natural swimming position, allowing the dog to paddle, instead of forcing them to fight the buoyancy. “The straps stay tight even with constant movement, which matters more than people realize,” Prodanovich says. “It’s clearly designed by people who actually take their dogs into the water, not just around it.”

If you’re looking for a more affordable life jacket for your pup, Outward Hound makes one starting at just $17 (price varies by size). It was originally recommended by experts in ourguide to keeping your dog coolfor its high visibility, sturdy back handles (with the medium to extra large sizes featuring double back handles), and a front neck float for keeping their head above water. My only caveat with the Granby Splash is that the underbelly panel is not constructed with any foam, so it may not offer as much buoyancy as the best overall Ruffwear, above, especially if your dog is heavy-boned or barrel-chested like my basset hound.

I tested the Ruffwear Confluence with Ringo, who is 50 pounds, and I loved this super-secure life jacket’s harnesslike design. It’s a great pick for dogs that are already comfortable wearing a harness regularly, plus the EVA and PE layered foams don’t make the vest overly bulky. I help Ringo into this life jacket by slipping it over his head and then connecting the four side buckles. It has a strong reinforced handle for lifting your dog, plus a reflective trim and a light loop for attaching thebrand’s safety light.

Prodanovich recommends the sleek Maxbone life jacket for smaller dogs because the lightweight design doesn’t feel bulky on petite frames. She says it’s a more design-forward option compared to most “utilitarian” life jackets, but it also has all the key safety features: sturdy buckles, adjustable Velcro closure along the belly panel to create a secure fit, and a built-in front neck float for swimming. The reflective detailing also offers extra visibility into the evening hours.

Kimberly Carney, CEO of the Wires and founder of PawWire, told me this dog life jacket offers a good balance of buoyancy, comfort, and affordability, making it a practical option for most people. “A life jacket should be snug enough that it won’t shift or slip off in the water but not so tight that it restricts movement or breathing,” Carney told me. With that in mind, the fit and ease of adjustment is what makes the Bluberry vest stand out, since the multiple straps help create a secure fit on a variety of body shapes. It also features a sturdy rescue handle on the back, making it easier to help a dog into a boat or out of the water if needed. “A slightly more expensive jacket that fits properly and lasts for multiple seasons is usually a better investment than a cheaper option that compromises on safety or durability,” Carney adds.