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Best Dog Life Vests
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Best Dog Life Vests and Dog Life Jackets for Water Play

While some dogs are water lovers and natural swimmers, other pups aren’t, and if you plan to spend any time near the water with your dog, water safety experts recommend that you invest in a dog life jacket. In fact, because dog body types vary, some pups will struggle in the water because of short front and hind legs, a heavy base, short snout, etc. A dog life jacket will improve buoyancy and increase visibility in case of an emergency.

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Overall Best Dog Life Jacket
Amazon
RUFFWEAR – Float Coat Dog Life Jacket for Swimming, Adjustable and Reflective, Wave Orange, Medium
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What Dogs Love:
  • Keeps dogs upright
  • Provides good buoyancy
What Humans Love:
  • Great quality
  • Easy to get on and off
  • Good security
Our Thoughts:

The RUFFWEAR Float Coat is the best of it's kind. It comes in four easy-to-see bright colors with reflective stripes for enhanced visibility. It also features closed-cell foam panels that allow your dog to swim and float naturally while remaining in an upright position. It also features a strong handle to aid you in getting the dog in and out of the water. <...

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The RUFFWEAR Float Coat is the best of it's kind. It comes in four easy-to-see bright colors with reflective stripes for enhanced visibility. It also features closed-cell foam panels that allow your dog to swim and float naturally while remaining in an upright position. It also features a strong handle to aid you in getting the dog in and out of the water.

RUFFWEAR suggests measuring the widest part of your dog's rib cage to choose a size. From more than 1,500 reviewers, this life jacket gets a high average rating of 4.8.
Amazon
RUFFWEAR – Float Coat Dog Life Jacket for Swimming, Adjustable and Reflective, Wave Orange, Medium
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What Dogs Love:

It feels comfortable on and supports a natural upright position while dogs are in the water.

What Humans Love:

This is a reliable dog life jack from a quality brand so dog owners can trust it will keep their pets safe.

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Our Thoughts:

The RUFFWEAR Float Coat is the best of it's kind. It comes in four easy-to-see bright colors with reflective stripes for...

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The RUFFWEAR Float Coat is the best of it's kind. It comes in four easy-to-see bright colors with reflective stripes for enhanced visibility. It also features closed-cell foam panels that allow your dog to swim and float naturally while remaining in an upright position. It also features a strong handle to aid you in getting the dog in and out of the water.

RUFFWEAR suggests measuring the widest part of your dog's rib cage to choose a size. From more than 1,500 reviewers, this life jacket gets a high average rating of 4.8.
Best Budget Dog Life Jacket
Amazon
Vivaglory Dog Life Jacket Size Adjustable Dog Lifesaver Safety Extra Bright Yellow Vest Pet Life Preserver, Extra Bright Yellow, Small
$17.99 from Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Nice buoyancy
  • Comfortable fit
  • Feel secure
What Humans Love:
  • Durable rescue handle
  • Great price
  • Easy to hold
Our Thoughts:

The Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jacket features extra padding to provide greater buoyancy for your dog, but won't restrict movement. Velcro around the neck and belly will keep the personal flotation device secure, so you won't have to worry about this jacket coming off mid-swim. The Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jacket also features a leash loop and a durable re...

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The Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jacket features extra padding to provide greater buoyancy for your dog, but won't restrict movement. Velcro around the neck and belly will keep the personal flotation device secure, so you won't have to worry about this jacket coming off mid-swim. The Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jacket also features a leash loop and a durable rescue handle on the back of the jacket for easy access in case of an emergency.

The 10 bright colors and the reflective strips are also great for added visibility. The jacket gets an average 4.7-out-of-5 rating from more than 1,900 reviewers.
Amazon
Vivaglory Dog Life Jacket Size Adjustable Dog Lifesaver Safety Extra Bright Yellow Vest Pet Life Preserver, Extra Bright Yellow, Small
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What Dogs Love:

Despite being well padded for extra buoyancy, it's lightweight and isn't too bulky.

What Humans Love:

It comes in a range of bright colors that would be easy to spot in an emergency.

$17.99 from Amazon
Our Thoughts:

The Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jacket features extra padding to provide greater buoyancy for your dog, but won't restric...

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The Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jacket features extra padding to provide greater buoyancy for your dog, but won't restrict movement. Velcro around the neck and belly will keep the personal flotation device secure, so you won't have to worry about this jacket coming off mid-swim. The Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jacket also features a leash loop and a durable rescue handle on the back of the jacket for easy access in case of an emergency.

The 10 bright colors and the reflective strips are also great for added visibility. The jacket gets an average 4.7-out-of-5 rating from more than 1,900 reviewers.
Most Durable Dog Life Jacket
Amazon
Kyjen Outward Hound PupSaver Ripstop Life Jacket Orange (Large)
$22.18 from Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Comfortable
  • Feel safe in the water
What Humans Love:
  • Durable
  • Adjustable
  • Great fit
Our Thoughts:

One of the Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket's best features is a front neck float that helps keep your dog's head above water while he is swimming. This jacket also has dual handles to help you get your dog out of the water faster and easier. It's adjustable on the sides, so you can make this jacket tighter or looser depending on fit.

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One of the Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket's best features is a front neck float that helps keep your dog's head above water while he is swimming. This jacket also has dual handles to help you get your dog out of the water faster and easier. It's adjustable on the sides, so you can make this jacket tighter or looser depending on fit.

It comes in two colors and four sizes. Outward Hound and several reviewers recommend sizing up if your pet falls in-between two sizes.
Amazon
Kyjen Outward Hound PupSaver Ripstop Life Jacket Orange (Large)
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What Dogs Love:

The neck float keeps dogs heads above the water, which can be a lifesaver in emergencies.

What Humans Love:

Thanks to the dual handle design, it's easy to lift your dog out of the water.

$22.18 from Amazon
Our Thoughts:

One of the Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket's best features is a front neck float that helps keep your dog's ...

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One of the Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket's best features is a front neck float that helps keep your dog's head above water while he is swimming. This jacket also has dual handles to help you get your dog out of the water faster and easier. It's adjustable on the sides, so you can make this jacket tighter or looser depending on fit.

It comes in two colors and four sizes. Outward Hound and several reviewers recommend sizing up if your pet falls in-between two sizes.
Our Other Favorites
Amazon
Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket, Fashionable Dog Life Vest for Swimming and Boating – Nautical Dog
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What Dogs Love:
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Will dry quickly
What Humans Love:
  • Great price
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to get on and off
Our Thoughts:

The Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket comes in playful prints to add a little flair to this PFD. One of the key features is a mesh underbelly that allows for water drainage, air flow, and easy/quick drying. Reviewers note that taking accurate measurements is key to making sure you get the right size out of six options for your dog, although the collar and mesh und...

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The Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket comes in playful prints to add a little flair to this PFD. One of the key features is a mesh underbelly that allows for water drainage, air flow, and easy/quick drying. Reviewers note that taking accurate measurements is key to making sure you get the right size out of six options for your dog, although the collar and mesh underbelly are adjustable.
There are some reviews that suggest the Paws Aboard life jacket is not as buoyant as other jackets, although it still gets a respectable 4.4-star rating.
Amazon
Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket, Fashionable Dog Life Vest for Swimming and Boating – Nautical Dog
More Info
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What Humans Love:
  • Great price
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to get on and off
What Dogs Love:
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Will dry quickly
Shop on Amazon
Our Thoughts:

The Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket comes in playful prints to add a little flair to this PFD. One of the key features is a ...

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The Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket comes in playful prints to add a little flair to this PFD. One of the key features is a mesh underbelly that allows for water drainage, air flow, and easy/quick drying. Reviewers note that taking accurate measurements is key to making sure you get the right size out of six options for your dog, although the collar and mesh underbelly are adjustable.
There are some reviews that suggest the Paws Aboard life jacket is not as buoyant as other jackets, although it still gets a respectable 4.4-star rating.
Amazon
Vivaglory Dog Life Saver Dog Life Jackets with Extra Padding for Dogs, Small – Pink
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What Dogs Love:
  • Makes them feel safe in the water
  • Comfortable
What Humans Love:
  • Several great features
  • Lightweight
  • Low price
Our Thoughts:

The Vivaglory Dog Life Jacket with extra padding has a patented design that makes it very durable, thanks to the ripstop 600-denier oxford cloth. Built with extra padding, it gives your pup up to 50 percent more buoyancy. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps will have nothing on your dog. The removable front float assists in relieving neck pressure.

...

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The Vivaglory Dog Life Jacket with extra padding has a patented design that makes it very durable, thanks to the ripstop 600-denier oxford cloth. Built with extra padding, it gives your pup up to 50 percent more buoyancy. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps will have nothing on your dog. The removable front float assists in relieving neck pressure.

Reviewers rave about this product with several claiming that it helped their dogs enjoy the water even more. However, Vivaglory reminds owners never to leave dogs alone in the water, with or without the vest.
Amazon
Vivaglory Dog Life Saver Dog Life Jackets with Extra Padding for Dogs, Small – Pink
More Info
+
What Humans Love:
  • Several great features
  • Lightweight
  • Low price
What Dogs Love:
  • Makes them feel safe in the water
  • Comfortable
Shop on Amazon
Our Thoughts:

The Vivaglory Dog Life Jacket with extra padding has a patented design that makes it very durable, thanks to the ripstop...

Read More
+
The Vivaglory Dog Life Jacket with extra padding has a patented design that makes it very durable, thanks to the ripstop 600-denier oxford cloth. Built with extra padding, it gives your pup up to 50 percent more buoyancy. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps will have nothing on your dog. The removable front float assists in relieving neck pressure.

Reviewers rave about this product with several claiming that it helped their dogs enjoy the water even more. However, Vivaglory reminds owners never to leave dogs alone in the water, with or without the vest.
Amazon
Kyjen Outward Hound PupSaver Ripstop Life Jacket Orange (Large)
$22.18 from Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Comfortable
  • Feel safe in the water
What Humans Love:
  • Durable
  • Adjustable
  • Great fit
Our Thoughts:

One of the Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket's best features is a front neck float that helps keep your dog's head above water while he is swimming. This jacket also has dual handles to help you get your dog out of the water faster and easier. It's adjustable on the sides, so you can make this jacket tighter or looser depending on fit.

Read More
+
One of the Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket's best features is a front neck float that helps keep your dog's head above water while he is swimming. This jacket also has dual handles to help you get your dog out of the water faster and easier. It's adjustable on the sides, so you can make this jacket tighter or looser depending on fit.

It comes in two colors and four sizes. Outward Hound and several reviewers recommend sizing up if your pet falls in-between two sizes.
Amazon
Kyjen Outward Hound PupSaver Ripstop Life Jacket Orange (Large)
More Info
+
What Dogs Love:

The neck float keeps dogs heads above the water, which can be a lifesaver in emergencies.

What Humans Love:

Thanks to the dual handle design, it's easy to lift your dog out of the water.

$22.18 from Amazon
Our Thoughts:

One of the Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket's best features is a front neck float that helps keep your dog's ...

Read More
+
One of the Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket's best features is a front neck float that helps keep your dog's head above water while he is swimming. This jacket also has dual handles to help you get your dog out of the water faster and easier. It's adjustable on the sides, so you can make this jacket tighter or looser depending on fit.

It comes in two colors and four sizes. Outward Hound and several reviewers recommend sizing up if your pet falls in-between two sizes.
Amazon
HAOCOO Dog Life Jacket Vest Saver Safety Swimsuit Preserver with Reflective Stripes/Adjustable Belt Dogs?Pink Bone,XXS
$13.99 from Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Will keep them upright
  • Comfortable
What Humans Love:
  • Great price
  • Lightweight
  • Drys quickly
Our Thoughts:

The HAOCOO Dog Life Jacket's quick-release buckles make this one of the easiest vests to get on and off your dog. The jacket also features a ripstop oxford nylon fabric and mesh fiber that allows for quick drying and drainage — this feature will keep a small dog from being weighed down when the jacket gets wet.

Reviewers call this vest a "l...

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The HAOCOO Dog Life Jacket's quick-release buckles make this one of the easiest vests to get on and off your dog. The jacket also features a ripstop oxford nylon fabric and mesh fiber that allows for quick drying and drainage — this feature will keep a small dog from being weighed down when the jacket gets wet.

Reviewers call this vest a "lifesaver" and comment on how it keeps their dog upright when swimming. It comes in solid colors and fun prints, such as mermaid, crocodile, and shark. It gets a 4.4 average rating.
Amazon
HAOCOO Dog Life Jacket Vest Saver Safety Swimsuit Preserver with Reflective Stripes/Adjustable Belt Dogs?Pink Bone,XXS
More Info
+
What Humans Love:
  • Great price
  • Lightweight
  • Drys quickly
What Dogs Love:
  • Will keep them upright
  • Comfortable
$13.99 from Amazon
Our Thoughts:

The HAOCOO Dog Life Jacket's quick-release buckles make this one of the easiest vests to get on and off your dog. The ja...

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+
The HAOCOO Dog Life Jacket's quick-release buckles make this one of the easiest vests to get on and off your dog. The jacket also features a ripstop oxford nylon fabric and mesh fiber that allows for quick drying and drainage — this feature will keep a small dog from being weighed down when the jacket gets wet.

Reviewers call this vest a "lifesaver" and comment on how it keeps their dog upright when swimming. It comes in solid colors and fun prints, such as mermaid, crocodile, and shark. It gets a 4.4 average rating.
Amazon
EzyDog Premium Doggy Flotation Device (DFD) – Adjustable Dog Life Jacket Preserver with Reflective Trim – Durable Grab Handle for Safety and Protection – 50% More Flotation Material (Medium, Yellow)
$55 from Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Comfortable
  • Helps them feel safe
What Humans Love:
  • Extra buoyant
  • Sturdy material
  • Forms to body when wet
Our Thoughts:

The EzyDog Doggy Flotation Device boasts that it is made with 50 percent more flotation material than most other pet life jackets. This extra buoyant material promises to keep your dog in an upright swimming position. It has a contoured neck and reflective piping for nighttime visibility.

You won't have to dig deep to find reviews that say thi...

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The EzyDog Doggy Flotation Device boasts that it is made with 50 percent more flotation material than most other pet life jackets. This extra buoyant material promises to keep your dog in an upright swimming position. It has a contoured neck and reflective piping for nighttime visibility.

You won't have to dig deep to find reviews that say this is a great quality vest. One reviewer said it saved his German Shepherd Dog’s life -- when she fell off the pier and panicked, the vest enabled her to dog paddle over to the pier steps.
Amazon
EzyDog Premium Doggy Flotation Device (DFD) – Adjustable Dog Life Jacket Preserver with Reflective Trim – Durable Grab Handle for Safety and Protection – 50% More Flotation Material (Medium, Yellow)
More Info
+
What Humans Love:
  • Extra buoyant
  • Sturdy material
  • Forms to body when wet
What Dogs Love:
  • Comfortable
  • Helps them feel safe
$55 from Amazon
Our Thoughts:

The EzyDog Doggy Flotation Device boasts that it is made with 50 percent more flotation material than most other pet lif...

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+
The EzyDog Doggy Flotation Device boasts that it is made with 50 percent more flotation material than most other pet life jackets. This extra buoyant material promises to keep your dog in an upright swimming position. It has a contoured neck and reflective piping for nighttime visibility.

You won't have to dig deep to find reviews that say this is a great quality vest. One reviewer said it saved his German Shepherd Dog’s life -- when she fell off the pier and panicked, the vest enabled her to dog paddle over to the pier steps.
Amazon
Queenmore Ripstop Dog Life Jacket Fish Style Floatation Vest with Adjustable Soft Rubber Handle Grey Shark,XL
$37.99 from Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Comfortable
  • Fits well
  • Helps them swim
What Humans Love:
  • Easy to find perfect fit
  • Great price
  • Sturdy
Our Thoughts:

The Queenmore Dog Life Jacket is made of quality oxford cloth with polyethylene foam and a mesh underbelly. It features all of the bells and whistles in a quality dog life jacket — quick-release buckles, adjustable straps, durable grab handle, and reflective strips for visibility. The vest comes in six sizes, and Queenmore provides a detailed sizing chart ...

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The Queenmore Dog Life Jacket is made of quality oxford cloth with polyethylene foam and a mesh underbelly. It features all of the bells and whistles in a quality dog life jacket — quick-release buckles, adjustable straps, durable grab handle, and reflective strips for visibility. The vest comes in six sizes, and Queenmore provides a detailed sizing chart to help dog owners find the right size for their pup.

The design choices are unique: gray shark, pink shark, and pink fish. There’s a durable D-ring on the back. This vest gets a 4.4-star rating.
Amazon
Queenmore Ripstop Dog Life Jacket Fish Style Floatation Vest with Adjustable Soft Rubber Handle Grey Shark,XL
More Info
+
What Humans Love:
  • Easy to find perfect fit
  • Great price
  • Sturdy
What Dogs Love:
  • Comfortable
  • Fits well
  • Helps them swim
$37.99 from Amazon
Our Thoughts:

The Queenmore Dog Life Jacket is made of quality oxford cloth with polyethylene foam and a mesh underbelly. It features ...

Read More
+
The Queenmore Dog Life Jacket is made of quality oxford cloth with polyethylene foam and a mesh underbelly. It features all of the bells and whistles in a quality dog life jacket — quick-release buckles, adjustable straps, durable grab handle, and reflective strips for visibility. The vest comes in six sizes, and Queenmore provides a detailed sizing chart to help dog owners find the right size for their pup.

The design choices are unique: gray shark, pink shark, and pink fish. There’s a durable D-ring on the back. This vest gets a 4.4-star rating.
Amazon
Dog Life Jacket Standley Sport High Performance Life Jacket for Dogs by Outward Hound, Medium
$94.99 from Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Easy to wear
What Humans Love:
  • Durable
  • Great for multiple use
Our Thoughts:

The Outward Hound Standley Sport Experienced Swimmer Life Jacket is made of extra rugged ripstop nylon, making it super durable and perfect for repeated use. Your pup will appreciate the lightweight construction of this vest and how easy it is to move around while wearing it. Outward Hound and several reviewers note that this vest is best for a skilled swimm...

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The Outward Hound Standley Sport Experienced Swimmer Life Jacket is made of extra rugged ripstop nylon, making it super durable and perfect for repeated use. Your pup will appreciate the lightweight construction of this vest and how easy it is to move around while wearing it. Outward Hound and several reviewers note that this vest is best for a skilled swimmer because it's not as buoyant as other options.

The vest comes in five sizes, all with double handles and leash attachment.
Amazon
Dog Life Jacket Standley Sport High Performance Life Jacket for Dogs by Outward Hound, Medium
More Info
+
What Humans Love:
  • Durable
  • Great for multiple use
What Dogs Love:
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Easy to wear
$94.99 from Amazon
Our Thoughts:

The Outward Hound Standley Sport Experienced Swimmer Life Jacket is made of extra rugged ripstop nylon, making it super ...

Read More
+
The Outward Hound Standley Sport Experienced Swimmer Life Jacket is made of extra rugged ripstop nylon, making it super durable and perfect for repeated use. Your pup will appreciate the lightweight construction of this vest and how easy it is to move around while wearing it. Outward Hound and several reviewers note that this vest is best for a skilled swimmer because it's not as buoyant as other options.

The vest comes in five sizes, all with double handles and leash attachment.

What Is a Dog Life Jacket?

Frequently Asked Questions
Should dogs wear life jackets?
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You should put a life jacket on your dog if she will be near a body of water and is a puppy or an inexperienced swimmer. Some dog owners put life jackets on strong swimmers, too, because they can tire out in large bodies of water. All dogs should wear life jackets on a boat.

Do dog life jackets work?
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Dog life jackets work when fitted properly. Imagine you take your dog out for a ride on your motorboat, sailboat, or kayak. Suddenly, he’s overboard, and you have to get him safely back onboard. A quality life jacket that fits him properly will keep him afloat, make it easier to spot him, and provide a solid handle you can use to haul him to safety.

How should a life jacket fit a dog?
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To provide proper flotation assistance, the vest should be form fitting but not restrict breathing, the same as a flotation vest on a human. The jacket fits close to the base of the dog’s neck, and straps should be adjusted properly with ends secured. It shouldn't be so snug the dog can't paddle. You should also be able to easily grab the handle at the top of the jacket.

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