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Dachshund wearing sunglasses and a dog life jacket on the front of a boat. Credit: Getty Images

The Best Dog Life Jackets of 2024

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Dachshund wearing sunglasses and a dog life jacket on the front of a boat. Credit: Getty Images

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Product image of Outward Hound Granby

Outward Hound Granby

The Granby has plenty of floatation material and includes a front neck float to keep your dog's head up without being super bulky. Read More

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Might be tough to fit larger dogs
Product image of Kurgo Surf n’ Turf Dog Life Jacket

Kurgo Surf n’ Turf Dog Life Jacket

With its athletic cut and floatation layer in the material, this dog life jacket makes it easy to swim and move around freely. Read More

Pros

  • Easy to adjust
  • Machine washable
  • Enhanced safety feature

Cons

  • Won’t fit all dogs
Product image of Frisco Ripstop Dog Life Jacket

Frisco Ripstop Dog Life Jacket

This dog life jacket is made to keep your dog floating above water while still making it easy for them to move around. Read More

Pros

  • Fits all dogs
  • Durable
  • Includes reliable top handles

Cons

  • Sizing may be off
Product image of KONG Sport AquaFloat Dog Flotation Vest

KONG Sport AquaFloat Dog Flotation Vest

This dog life jacket comes with multi-layer foam that allows for maximum buoyancy, which helps your dog swim freely. Read More

Pros

  • Doubles as a harness
  • Reflective for safety
  • Easy to swim in

Cons

  • Size and colors may be off
Product image of Ruffwear K9 Float Coat

Ruffwear K9 Float Coat

The Ruffwear K9 Float Coat comes in three colors, along with sizes XXS to XL, and has an adjustable neck closure. Read More

Pros

  • Moves with your dog

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No head float

As warm weather approaches, so do more adventures with your dog. And if that includes trips to the beach or your nearby swimming hole, you may want to get your furry friend a dog life jacket to assist them in the water. While some dogs are strong swimmers from the get-go, others might not have the easiest time swimming independently and could use extra help. Here’s where a dog life jacket comes in handy.

When looking for a dog life jacket for your dog, you’ll want to make sure to stick with a dog life jacket that is durable, brightly colored with reflective strips so your dog is visible in the water, a top handle you can grab if your pet needs assistance, and with enough flotation material to keep them safe.

To find the best dog life jackets for any sized pooch, we researched thousands of product reviews and compiled a list of dog life jackets to make your outdoor adventures safer. Based on our research, we found these to be the best dog life jackets available online right now.

Product image of Outward Hound Granby
Outward Hound Granby

Outward Hound is a favorite brand in our household because they consistently offer good quality pet products that don’t break the bank, and the Granby dog life jacket is no exception. Said to fit dogs from five to fifty pounds, sizing for the Granby runs XS to XL, and you can easily find the right fit by using Outward Hound’s size chart.

Keep in mind that you’ll want a snug fit for optimal safety. The jacket is available in seven different color styles and is fitted with rescue grab handles and reflective piping, so you can relax and have peace of mind that your dog is easy to spot and grab if need be.

People who love the Granby dog life jacket love the fact that it has plenty of floatation material and includes a front neck float to keep your dog's head up without being super bulky, even on small dogs. Ripstop material makes this a great quality dog life jacket, and adjustable straps and side release buckles make sure your dog gets a secure fit with a neoprene belly band supporting their chest and belly, ensuring a comfortable fit.

Pros

  • Affordable

  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Might be tough to fit larger dogs

Product image of Kurgo Surf n’ Turf Dog Life Jacket
Kurgo Surf n’ Turf Dog Life Jacket

If you have an athletic dog, the Kurgo Surf n’ Turf Dog Life Jacket will work well for your pup. This is the best dog life jacket for dogs who like to move around a lot, especially if you have them out on a boat. With its athletic cut and floatation layer in the material, this dog life jacket makes it easy to swim and move around freely.

Regarding safety, this dog life jacket will put your mind at ease. This dog life jacket also includes two rescue handles that allow you to pull your pup out of the water easily. If you’re letting your dog swim at night, the bright, clear, and reflective trim on this dog life jacket makes it visible in the dark. This dog life jacket also comes in two color options: blue-green or red.

What’s more, the rugged ripstop material gives this dog life jacket some durability. This dog life jacket also has a leash attachment so you can easily bring your pup from the car to the water. Reviewers also find this comfortable dog life jacket pretty easy to adjust.

Pros

  • Easy to adjust

  • Machine washable

  • Enhanced safety feature

Cons

  • Won’t fit all dogs

Product image of Frisco Ripstop Dog Life Jacket
Frisco Ripstop Dog Life Jacket

From the smallest puppies to the largest dogs, the Frisco Ripstop Dog Life Jacket is designed for dogs of various sizes. It is made to keep your dog floating above water while still making it easy for them to move around. This dog life jacket also includes a floatation flap and foam side panels that keep their heads above water.

With two points of closure, this dog life jacket offers a nice and secure fit. You can also easily pull your dog out of the water with the emergency top handles. There’s also a ring attached for your dog’s leash.

This dog life jacket runs from extra small to extra large, so you can really tailor the fit to your pup. It also comes in two colors: orange and yellow-peach.

Pros

  • Fits all dogs

  • Durable

  • Includes reliable top handles

Cons

  • Sizing may be off

Product image of KONG Sport AquaFloat Dog Flotation Vest
KONG Sport AquaFloat Dog Flotation Vest

If you want to spoil your dog with a lake or beach day, do so with the KONG Sport AquaFloat Dog Flotation Vest. Your pup will also stay comfortable and secure in this dog life jacket due to the secure belly closure and fast-release buckles on the belly, chest, and neck. What’s more, the belly area is also breathable, meaning this dog life jacket will dry quickly.

This dog life jacket comes with a multi-layer foam that allows for maximum buoyancy, which helps your dog swim freely. It’s also made of durable nylon and comes with a D-ring that also turns it into a harness for walks. The rescue handle and reflective binding on this dog life jacket keeps your pup safe as they play in or near the water.

Snag this dog life jacket in either green or pink. This dog life jacket also comes in several sizes to accommodate pups of all sizes.

Pros

  • Doubles as a harness

  • Reflective for safety

  • Easy to swim in

Cons

  • Size and colors may be off

Product image of Ruffwear K9 Float Coat
Ruffwear K9 Float Coat

Ruffwear is another brand known for its high-quality products, so it’s no surprise that the Ruffwear Float Coat comes up quickly when looking for the best dog life jackets. Three colors, along with sizes XXS to XL, are available to choose from, and this new dog life jacket is designed to be softer and have an overall better fit.

This dog life jacket won’t loosen or stretch in the water, which is a common problem among dog life jackets. The float coat has an adjustable, telescoping neck closure that can fit a range of dog sizes, even if your dog's neck is chunky, and people love the low profile handle to quickly grab their dog in various situations.

While this dog life jacket is on the expensive side, one reviewer put it best that this “unnecessarily expensive life jacket is somehow still worth the money.” Said by reviews to inspire confidence in their pets, pet parents can also relax knowing that this dog life jacket will support all parts of your dog’s body. This jacket’s flexibility makes it an easy-to-wear option for any dog.

Pros

  • Moves with your dog

Cons

  • Expensive

  • No head float

Product image of Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket
Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket

A good idea for small dogs, the Paws Aboard dog life jacket features several styles sure to make your dog the talk of the town. This basic dog life jacket is well made and is one of the best opyions for bulky English bulldogs and tiny terriers alike. Reviews mention that this dog life jacket fits well and allows for a small waist and large chests with the available fit adjustments, making it a perfect dog life jacket for various breeds.

This dog life jacket is available in sizes XXS to XL. And while the fit is great, some people have mentioned that this dog life jacket may wear out quickly with a lot of use.

Pros

  • Variety of adjustments available

  • Good for small dogs

Cons

  • May wear quickly

  • Not a lot of colors

Product image of EzyDog Premium Doggy Flotation Device
EzyDog Premium Doggy Flotation Device

If you have a giant dog that loves to swim, then look no further than the EzyDog life jacket. By checking the girth and length chart, you can fit your dog in sizes from XS to XL and choose from two colors. What we like about this dog life jacket is that it has a ton of flotation material, and the reflective trim is subtle enough not to blind you on the water, but it’s easily seen if your dog runs into any trouble.

Reviews mention that the EzyDog life jacket keeps dogs very straight in the water and that some dogs might have an issue with their mouths being very near to or in the water. But by adjusting the rear strap of this dog life jacket to sit a little loose, you can offset this issue. Another review praises the canvas-like material, adding that the wide chest strap and heavy-duty buckles make them confident they could easily pick their 80-pound bulldog out of the water.

Pros

  • Extra flotation material

  • High quality

Cons

  • May have to adjust for correct float fit

Product image of Hurtta Life Savior
Hurtta Life Savior

The heavy-duty Hurtta dog life jacket is an expensive option, but you may be willing to spend a little extra for added safety and peace of mind. Five sizes support dogs up to 180 pounds, making this a great dog life jacket for bigger dogs. Flexible and extremely buoyant, dogs have a full range of motion, making this dog life jacket worth the investment.

One reviewer loves this dog life jacket for her 80-pound dog, affectionately named Monster, and mentions that she can “deadlift her dry by the handle,” saying “the straps seem more than adequate.” While large pets seem to love this dog life jacket, some reviews would lead us to believe that this dog life jacket might be short for longer pets, so you’ll want to measure your dog carefully to ensure the correct fit all around.

Pros

  • Heavy-duty

  • Good for large dogs

Cons

  • Might be short on some dogs

What You Should Know About the Best Dog Life Jackets

How Do I Choose the Best Dog Life Jacket?

There are a few key important features to consider when buying the best dog life jacket. You’ll want your dog to feel comfortable in their dog life jacket and move easily, meaning finding a dog life jacket with flotation material is key. In addition, extra attachments, such as a D-ring and emergency handles, will keep your pup comfortable as they play in the water. Other features to consider are whether the dog life jacket comes with reflective strips, whether it is durable, and whether it will fit your dog.

Should Dogs Swim With a Dog Life Jacket?

Although dogs can usually swim without a dog life jacket, putting them in one will enhance their safety and make swimming for them a bit easier. The flotation features in dog life jackets keep their head above water, which is helpful in a rescue situation. They also provide more buoyancy, which allows dogs to swim with more momentum.

What Dog Life Jacket Keeps Dogs Heads Above Water?

If you want to buy a dog life jacket that keeps their heads above water, you should look for a dog life jacket with reliable floatation features, especially around the neck. The best dog life jackets should work well with doing so, but it’s important to find reliable ones. We love the Outward Hound Granby dog life jacket for this reason since it has plenty of floatation material, especially around the neck, without being too bulky.

Meet the writers

Ceara Perez-Murphy

Ceara Perez-Murphy

Staff Writer

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Ceara Perez-Murphy is a staff writer at Reviewed. In her free time she likes trying out new recipes in the kitchen, exploring new restaurants and spending time outdoors with her dogs.

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Lily Hartman

Lily Hartman

Staff Writer, Search

Lily Hartman is a staff writer who also enjoys writing magazine articles about health and outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, run, and lift weights.

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