10 Best Dog Life Jackets In 2023

Made of neoprene, the Paws Aboard life jacket for dogs is highly-buoyant, flexible, and durable. It provides just the right amount of buoyancy to help your dog stay afloat without struggle. At the same time, the material and design allow your active companion a full range of motion. As an added bonus, the stylish silhouette and bold patterns mean your favorite pet will look cool in the water.   

Material and Comfort

Since neoprene is lightweight, flexible, and durable, the Paws Aboard neoprene life vest offers all-day comfort, freedom of movement, and can hold up to frequent water adventures. To ensure your canine best friend won’t get too warm in the summer heat, the vest has a breathable mesh underbelly that also ensures proper water drainage.

Fit and Features

The fit is superior for all breeds. In addition to the stretchy neoprene material, this dog float vest comes in sizes ranging from XXS to XL, and the adjustable collar and Velcro belly band allow you to tailor the fit perfectly. As for rescue features, the high-visibility hues and patterns and reflective trims make it easy to spot the dog while the rescue handle enable you to perform a quick maneuver to get your dog back aboard.

Filled with pearl cotton foam and equipped with a front float, the HAOCOO dog life jacket provides exceptional flotation you can count on to keep your dog's head above water. Available in XXS to XXL sizes, it suits puppies and small breeds and is also one of the best large life jackets for dogs.

Material and Comfort 

Made of a ripstop oxford polyester nylon outer and a mesh lining, the Haocoo dog life preserver is low-bulk, soft, breathable, and dries quickly. This means a comfortable experience for your furry companion. Additionally, the design doesn’t restrict your dog’s movements while swimming.

Fit and Features

Besides the diverse size options, this doggie life jacket has adjustable belts so you can dial in a custom fit for your pet. As for the accessories on top, the grab strap makes rescue easy, while the D-ring allows you to clip in a leash. To cap it off, the bright colors and reflective stripes ensure you will be able to locate the dog quickly even in low light conditions.

Featuring dense foam panels and a front float, the ZippyPaws Adventure life jacket delivers reliable flotation whether your dog is in the lake, river, or ocean. As an added safety measure, the bright hues and glowing strips ensure that your dog will be visible to boats, swimmers, and other water-bound traffic.

Material and Comfort

Even though the Adventure PFD for dogs is filled with dense foam panels, it still manages to maintain minimal bulk and is one of the best rated dog life jackets when it comes to comfort. The low-bulk design doesn’t get in the way of movement, and the high-quality material it’s made of doesn’t cause irritation.

Fit and Features 

Whether you’re looking for an extra small dog life jacket or a large dog life jacket, the ZippyPaws Adventure offers you six size options to choose from ranging from XXS to XL. Furthermore, the adjustable straps allow you to customize the vest around your dog’s body. Finally, the built-in handle on the back makes it easy to retrieve your dog from the water. 

The combination of a sporty design and neoprene construction makes the Vivaglory sports style neoprene life vest the best life jacket for active dogs that require full freedom of movement. Safety is top-level as well, as the vest is filled with extra flotation layers making it one of the most buoyant dog PFDs. Above this, this is a top rated dog life vest when it comes to quality as well.

Material and Comfort  

Thanks to the neoprene material and sports design, the Vivaglory sports style dog PFD ranks as one of the most comfortable life jackets dogs don’t mind wearing. It stretches to provide a comfortably snug fit, and does not impede a dog’s natural movements whether running on land or swimming in the water.  

Fit and Features 

With three adjustable straps and a heavy duty fastening system, rest assured this life vest for a dog will be secure yet comfortable on your dog. The rescue strap on this vest is also awesome. It’s large thus easy to grab and strong enough to handle even a heavy dog. Finally, this life jacket for dog has a D-ring for attaching a leash when needed.

Designed to keep a dog upright and maintain a natural swimming position, the Ruffwear Float Coat dog life jacket is the best dog swim vest for dogs that are excellent swimmers. Dog owners rave about its design and the foam panels are strategically placed so they don’t restrict movement at all. Albeit one of the more expensive dog life jackets, it’s built to last a dog’s lifetime and is worth every dollar.

Material and Comfort

The Float Coat is a top rated dog life vest for comfort. With the low-bulk design, it doesn’t obstruct freedom of movement even for fantastic swimmers. The padded part of the jacket gently wraps over the ribs while water drain easily through the bottom. Furthermore, the nylon fabric feels soft and dries quickly and there’s no Velcro for fur to get caught in.  

Fit and Features

Designed to fit dogs of all shapes and sizes, Ruffwear offers 6 size options (XXS to XL) and uses a telescoping neck closure for fit adjustment. Just as great as the fit is the set of security features it boasts. Besides the bright colors and reflective trim, the Float Coat has an integrated loop for attaching a beacon light. The handle for yanking your dog out of the water is strong and conveniently placed, and the vest has a leash clip as well.

Loaded with up to 50% more buoyant material than standard dog life preservers, the EzyDog dog life vest is quite thick and exceptionally buoyant. Because of this, it’s the best floating vest for dogs that require a high level of flotation. Beyond this, the vest is incredibly well made and should last a long time.    

Material and Comfort

Even though the EzyDog has more flotation foam that standard pet flotation devices, the ergonomic design with well-placed foam panels keeps your dog comfortable and maintains a natural swimming position. Additionally, this vest will form to your dog’s body and won’t restrict their natural movement whether on land or in the water. The nylon material is tough yet soft. 

Fit and Features   

When it comes to lifting dogs out of the water, the EzyDog life jacket for large dog has wide straps and a sturdy grab handle that can handle even the heaviest bulldogs. As for fit, the adjustable neoprene straps allow you to customize the vest for your dog. To wrap it up, the flotation device features reflective trim for added safety in poor light situations and a D-ring for clipping a leash to the vest. 

The Astral Buoyancy Bird dog’s life jacket is the best buoyancy aid to put on your dog when tackling fast-moving waters. It delivers reliable flotation even where the current is strong, and doesn’t inhibit a dog’s paddling motions. 

Material and Comfort

One of the benefits of going with the Astral Bird dog flotation vest is that it lives true to Astral’s renowned quality. Made of a highly abrasion resistant Cordura fabric, it’s a tough match for overgrown trails and thorny riverside brambles. In the water, the ergonomic hinged foam design supports a dog's natural swimming position and allows all four legs to move freely.

Fit and Features 

Designed to fit puppies as light as 5 pounds to large dogs as heavy as 75+ pounds, the Astral is available in XS to XL sizes. Furthermore, the neck and chest straps are adjustable. As for features, the Astral Bird sports a padded grab handle for lifting the dog out of the water, a leash loop for attaching a leash, and reflective details for visibility in low light conditions.