The Finest Canine Life Jackets of 2024

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.

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. The option to unclip the neck strap is a welcome feature for dogs who fear having a jacket slip 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 only exception to this is the MTI UnderDog Life Jacket, which includes four clips and is the most complex to take on and off.

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 those 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 and the Kurgo Surf N Turf are excellent examples of life jackets that help dogs maintain a natural swimming position without restricting much movement. These designs leave 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 it 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. We see this lack of balance occur with the MTI Under Dog LIfe Jacket with some dogs, but not all as the buoyancy is under the dog instead of a better distribution of foam above and below. 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. 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. While one handle is nice, having two is even better. The Kurgo Surf N Turf has a dual handle system in two orientations for more versatility.

The handle serves multiple purposes, including helping to lift 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 a dog life jacket’s buoyancy level, look for buoyancy panels strategically placed around the chest, back, and sides to provide balanced flotation and maintain the dog’s natural swimming position. The Kurgo Surf N Turf has the best buoyancy of all the life jackets we tested, but the Ezy Dog Premium Flotation Device and the Astral BirdDog Life Jacket also excel in this area.

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.

Price & Value

Choosing the right dog life jacket involves balancing your budget with the safety and comfort of your pet. Budget options are suitable for casual use, and mid-tier and premium jackets offer enhanced safety and durability for more frequent water adventures. Most dog owners find that mid-tier options provide the best balance of quality and value.

Budget

For budget-conscious shoppers, options like the VIVAGLORY Sport Dog Life Jacket ($20-36) and the Outward Hound Granby Splash ($17-28) are solid choices. The VIVAGLORY is our top budget choice because it has soft neoprene for comfort and is easy to adjust, but it does run a bit small.

The Outward Hound is another commendable budget option and has the benefit of a dual handle design and vibrant colors to enhance visibility. However, it lacks a D-ring for leash attachment and may not hold up under heavy use.

Budget jackets will keep your dog afloat, but you may sacrifice durability and long-term performance. They’re best suited for occasional outings or lower-activity dogs.

Mid-Tier

Some mid-tier dog life jacket options include the Kurgo Surf N Turf Dog Life Jacket ($45 – $65) and the MTI UnderDog Pet Life Jacket ($30 – $60). The Kurgo jacket is our top overall pick, as it offers excellent value for the price with superior buoyancy, multiple handles, and a highly durable design.

The MTI UnderDog, while innovative with its buoyancy placement, has mixed reviews due to potential stability issues and complicated buckling. It may suit strong swimmers but isn’t ideal for all dogs.

Mid-tier options typically provide better features and durability than budget jackets but may still lack the premium materials or advanced designs in higher-priced options.

Premium

The Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket ($90) and the Astral BirdDog ($75) are premium-priced dog life jackets. The Float Coat will likely last your pet’s lifespan. It is durable, highly adjustable, and provides a secure fit for various dog breeds and sizes.

The Astral BirdDog offers exceptional durability with its high-denier fabric, making it ideal for rough play. It is more affordable than the Ruffwear jacket but provides highly comparable performance in buoyancy, and its arguably the most durable jacket we tested.

Investing in a premium life jacket can save you money in the long run for dogs that are serious about their water activities and get out in the water often. They provide superior buoyancy, thoughtful designs, better durability, and enhanced comfort, making them worth the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions