Picture this. It’s a nice summer day and you’re out on the boat with your dog, relaxing and enjoying the breeze. Suddenly, the water starts to get choppy. The boat begins to rock violently before it tips over completely, sending you and your pup flying into the water! What happens next? Well, if you planned ahead and equipped your pup with one of the best dog life jackets on our list, disaster averted. You’re both safe and sound as you return to the boat and go on your way.
The best dog safety vests are an important purchase that can be the difference between life and death for your four-legged friend. That said, let’s check out some of the best dog life jackets of this year and keep your pup safe!
Top 10 Best Dog Life Jackets
We’ve compiled a list of the best dog life jackets on the market today. Click around and see if you can find the perfect match for you and your companion!
1. Vivaglory New Sports Dog Life Jacket
Our pick for the best life jacket for dogs overall
The Vivaglory New Sports Dog Life Jacket is a great safety vest for dogs of all types. It also comes in a variety of colors, each with reflective detailing for increased visibility. The sporty design and comfortable materials blend perfectly to create a safety vest that both you and your dog will love. Because of it’s quality, price, and consumer ratings we’ve dubbed it the overall best life jacket for dogs.
Features
- Comes in a wide variety of bright colors
- Sporty design with comfortable padding
- Wide array of sizes and a fit that has passed CA65 standards
2. Ruffwear K9 Float Coat
Our pick for the best dog life jacket for safety
Coming in at a higher price point than any other life vest on our list, the Ruffwear K9 Float Coat will keep your dog safe. Period. Featuring an array of sizes and a secure fit, you’ll never have to worry about your dog being in hot water. A top handle, reflective linings, and slip-on buckles combine to make one of the best dog life jackets on the market.
Features
- Highest quality safety materials and features
- Features a space for Ruffwear’s beacon light for additional safety
- Stylish colors and a snug fit for comfort
3. Paws Aboard Life Jacket
Our pick for the best dog lift vest for visibility
Featuring a fire-engine red design with white reflective accents, the Paws Aboard Neoprene Life Jacket is perhaps the best option for optimal visibility. A cloth handle, adjustable nylon straps, and quick release buckles provide added security and ease of use. It’s a simple matter of slipping it onto your dog with the velcro strips and spacious design.
Features
- Bright red colors with white reflective accents
- A variety of sizes and great ratings ensure a perfect fit for the money
- Doubles as a vest for cats if required
4. Outward Hound Granby Dog Life Jacket
Our pick for the best dog life jacket for boating
The Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket is one of the best selling dog safety vests on the market. It packs a lot of performance thanks to high visibility linings and precision fit sizing features. Plus, the two-strap rescue handles on top of the vest make it easy to pick up in case of any accidents or emergencies.
Features
- Front neck float ensures that your dog’s head stays above water
- Adjustable straps and neoprene bands
- 5 sizes help you get the perfect fit for your pup
5. Vivaglory Adjustable Life Jacket
Our pick for the best puppy life jacket
This is one of the best puppy life jackets available thanks to the numerous safety features and sizing availability. Each vest is constructed with extra padding on the sides and belly to ensure ultra buoyancy. Super convenient handle, collar attachment, and color options make this a great deal for premium comfort.
Features
- Comes in a handful of sizes with numerous color options
- Reflective lining offers enhanced visibility and safety for your puppy
- Includes a 90 day warranty and 24/7 customer support for added convenience
6. EzyDog Doggy Flotation Device
Our pick for the best dog PFD
The EzyDog Flotation Device packs a ton of high-performance features in one small unit. Thanks to a unique design that provides 50% more flotation material and the highest performance materials available, you’re getting safety and comfort in one stylish vest. EzyDog is a top brand and this safety vest is perfect for dogs of all sizes. Due to it’s ratings on other blogs, it’s also the best dog life jacket 2017.
Features
- Includes over 50% more safety material compared to similar vests
- Easy grab handle and reflective linings provide additional safety
- Can accommodate puppies and larger dogs, in a variety of colors and styles
7. Paws Aboard Neoprene Doggy Life Jacket
Our pick for the best life jacket for bulldogs
This is perhaps the best dog life jacket for English Bulldogs thanks to its snug fit and array of sizes. Large size can accommodate well over 50 pounds and keep your dog floating around for hours at a time. Convenient handle and reflective strips add extra protection in emergencies.
Features
- Perfect fit makes it one the best life jacket for French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs
- 6 different size options means your dog is covered
- Bright design and reflective striping adds safety and style
8. Wellver Dog Life Jacket
Our pick for the best budget dog life jacket
Coming in at the best price on our list, the Wellver Dog Life Jacket is one of the best cheap dog life jackets available. But don’t let the price fool you- it does not sacrifice on safety. With perfect customer reviews and features like reflective linings and an easy-grab handle, this safety vest does not disappoint.
Features
- Bright colors and reflective strips provide enhanced visibility
- Combination of buckle and velcro fasteners
- Low price makes this dog safety vest affordable for everyone
9. Pawaboo Dog Life Jacket
Our pick for the best dog life jacket brand
Pawaboo makes a number of top quality pet products, and their Dog Life Jacket is no different. With premium adjustable straps and high-density EPE padding, your dog is safe and secure no matter what the situation. High visibility colors and linings, heavy duty top handle, and d-rings for easy leash attachment make this an attractive option at a great price.
Features
- Adjustable straps and easy-release buckles make using it a cinch
- Larger sizing options make it an affordable choice for bigger dogs
- Neoprene belly bands provide additional security and safety
10. Kurgo Surf ‘n Turf Dog Life Jacket
Our pick for the best dog life jacket for multipurpose use
As one of the most expensive options on our list, the Kurgo Surf ‘n Turf Life Jacket is a premium choice for comfort and safety. Dual handles provide great support while reflective trim offers easy visibility no matter the conditions. Best of all, the Kurgo Jacket doubles as a raincoat, making it perfect for any time and place.
Features
- Doubles as a raincoat for year-round use
- 5 size options help you get the perfect fit your pup
- Lifetime warranty provides exceptional value at a reasonable price
What is a Dog Life Jacket?
A dog life jacket, also known as a personal flotation device, is a wearable vest that is designed to help your pup stay afloat in water.
They’re uniquely crafted using flotation foam that wraps around your dog’s torso, keeping it’s head out of the water for extended periods of time. Most dog life jackets also include a strap at the top, making it easy to grab and hoist your pup out of the water and into safety.
A dog life jacket is very similar to human life jackets, only they’re uniquely designed for your four-legged friend. They come in a variety of colors and with a variety of specifications, but they all share a standard set of features.
Benefits of Dog Life Jackets
There are numerous benefits to dog life jackets, from safety, to style, and more.
They’re great for boating or when you’re out near a large body of water to help keep your dog safe in case of an accident. While many dogs know how to swim, life vests are still an important piece of equipment to have in your arsenal. Swimming is hard work and it takes a quick toll on energy levels.
Many dog life jackets are brightly colored for high visibility. Just like the bright orange vest that comes to mind when you think of life jackets, vibrant colors will help your dog stand out in case of an emergency. Plus, the best dog life vests are made out of a variety of materials that help keep your pup afloat.
In terms of versatility, the best dog life jackets even include D-rings for your leash! This is a great feature that makes the life jacket even effective and easy to use.
When to Use Your Dog’s Life Jacket
Some of the instances when you’ll want to take your dog life jacket along include:
- Boating
- Camping
- Travel
- Swimming
- Days at the beach
Ultimately, whenever there’s the possibility that your dog will be near water, it’s a good idea to carry one along.
Choosing the best dog life jacket for your pup can be a difficult task. From sizing to features, there’s a lot keep in mind.
5 Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Dog Life Jacket
There are a number of important factors that go into choosing the best dog life jacket, and we’ve laid out the 5 most important things for you to consider when making your purchase:
1. Comfort
Comfort is a very important thing to consider when you’re getting a life vest for you dog. While safety comes first, long trips out on the water can mean keeping the vest on for hours. Your dog will thank you for choosing a cushioned vest that’s perfectly snug.
2. Size
Picking the right size is crucial for keeping your dog safe. If it’s too loose or too tight, you risk leaving your dog vulnerable to the water. Most of the life vests available range in sizes from extra small to extra large. Look for the guide on the product listing for details about picking the right one for your dog’s height, weight, and chest girth.
3. Material
While most dog life jackets use similar materials, there are a few important things to consider. Look for vests that include lots of foam on the sides and neck region. This will help keep your dog’s head above water and out of harm’s way. Choose buckles over velcro for added security. Also be sure that the material is cozy and non abrasive.
4. Color
Most dog life jackets come in a variety of colors so you can choose the one that best matches your dog’s personality! That said, always put safety first and choose a brightly colored jacket that’s easily visible in low light. Some of the best dog life jackets also include reflective linings to make any rescue missions that much easier.
5. Features
From safety handles, to leash clips, to cold-resistant fabrics, there are a ton of extra options you can choose when shopping for the best dog life jacket for your pup. Be sure to shop around and always choose safety first.
Using a Dog Life Jacket
Fortunately, equipping and using a dog life jacket is a cinch. Most models slip right over the top of your dog’s head and clasp together with Velcro or buckles. You can be set up and ready to go in under a minute.
This great video by EzyDog over on YouTube shows just how easy it is to attach a life vest to your pup.
