The 6 Best Dog Life Jackets For 2024

The following is a list of our favorite dog life jackets for swimming, boating, kayaking and paddle-boarding. Dogs may need a life jacket for various reasons, such as their breed, size, age, and health conditions. We tested and reviewed the following dog life vests on comfort, buoyancy and quality.

Here are our top picks for the best dog life jacket of 2024.

Best Dog Life Jacket - Baydog Monterey Bay

#1 - Monterey Bay Dog Life Jacket

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Best dog life jackets for 2024 - Baydog Monterey Bay Life Jacket

The Monterey Bay Dog Life Jacket is designed to provide maximum support and safety for your best buddy during water activities. This dog life jacket is equipped with enhanced chest flotation which ensures that your dog's head stays above the waterline, even in varying sea conditions, increasing their chances of survival. The safety vest is also designed to provide full torso support while allowing your dog to have a complete range of swimming motion.

The Monterey Bay Life Jacket comes with a rescue handle, which has reinforced stitching to make it easy for you to pull your dog aboard. The bright colors of the jacket make it highly visible and easy to spot, ensuring that your dog is always within sight. Additionally, the reflective trim provides 360 degrees of nighttime visibility, making it easy to see your dog in low-light conditions.

Our rating for buoyancy – 9.4/10

Our rating for comfort – 9/10

Our rating for durability – 9/10

Learn more about the Monterey Bay Dog Life Jacket

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Best Dog Life Jacket - Ruffwear Float Coat

#2 - Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket

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Best dog life jackets for 2024 - Ruffwear Float Coat

For dogs that love to join their humans rafting, kayaking, boating, surfing, and paddle boarding, the Float Coat is the ultimate in canine flotation. Designed for dogs of all shapes and sizes, it's a premium, fully-featured life jacket that includes thoughtful details like a strong handle optimally positioned to lift dogs out of the water, a leash clip-in point under the handle, and reflective trim to boost visibility in low-light conditions. A sleek, tailored silhouette and soft, flexible, PVC-free Gaia® Foam come together to provide both excellent flotation and a plush, comfortable fit that moves with dogs as they swim and run. 

Our rating for buoyancy – 9/10

Our rating for comfort – 9/10

Our rating for durability – 9/10

Learn more about the Float Coat

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Best Dog Life Jacket - Baydog Monterey Bay Offshore

#3 - Monterey Bay Offshore Dog Life Jacket

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Best dog life jackets for 2024 - Baydog Monterey Bay Offshore Life Jacket

The Monterey Bay Offshore Life Jacket supports your dog's entire body from below and lifts their head above the water line due to it's unique padded chest design. The main difference between the standard Monterey Bay life jacket and this offshore version is that the offshore model has two large extra flotation pontoons on the back. The purpose of these pontoons is to ensure that when a dog falls off a boat, even if they are upside down or sideways, they will always seek the surface, and the pontoons will roll them upright.

Additionally, the offshore model has an added larger flotation pad underneath in the chest area - this is unique to the offshore model. This pad ensures that even if a dog falls off a boat and swims in circles until they get exhausted, the lifejacket will keep their head above water while their butt sinks a little bit. Therefore, your dog will float safely until they can be rescued. 

Our rating for buoyancy – 9.6/10

Our rating for comfort – 9/10

Our rating for durability – 9/10

Learn more about the Monterey Bay Offshore Life Jacket

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Best Dog Life Jacket - EzyDog DFD X2 Boost

#4 - EzyDog DFD X2 Boost Life Jacket

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Best dog life jackets for 2024 - EzyDog DFD X2 Boost

The EzyDog DFD X2 Boost is the second generation of the DFD dog life jacket. This new design offers the same amount of flotation, with a more streamlined ergonomic fit. The new DFD X2 Boost uses only the highest grades of materials. Whether you're teaching your dog to swim or simply using it as a safety precaution, the DFD X2 Boost will help your dog stay safe around water.

The DFD X2 Boost features a unique fixed collar adjustment system, which only has to be adjusted once. The fixed collar on the DFD X2 Boost maintains the same positioning at all times, yet still offers ample adjustment. All webbing is contained within neck strap, meaning there's no loose webbing to irritate your dog. The Ultra-Buoyant foam is strategically positioned around the vest, including the section under the dog's belly. This keeps your dog upright and in a natural swimming position at all times. Unlike other vests, the DFD does not hinder your dog's natural movement and can be fastened/removed easily and quickly. A grab handle is situated at the top of the life jacket for quick control over your dog. Reflective piping is used throughout for extra visibility at night. The revolutionary neck adjustment contains buoyant foam, to help keep your dog's head above water.

Our rating for buoyancy – 9.2/10

Our rating for comfort – 9/10

Our rating for durability – 9/10

Learn more about the EzyDog DFD X2 Boost

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Best Dog Life Jacket - EzyDog DFD

#5 - EzyDog DFD Life Vest

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Best dog life jackets for 2024 - EzyDog DFD Life Jacket

The Doggy Flotation Device combines top performing flotation with comfort for all day wear both in and out of the water. Recognized as one of the top dog PFD's on the market, our dog life jackets are rigorously tested to ensure that they give your dog the most ergonomic and comfortable fit possible. The DFD includes up to 50% more ultra-buoyant material, strategically placed to keep your dog safely afloat while maintaining a natural, easy swimming position at all times.

Our rating for buoyancy – 8.9/10

Our rating for comfort – 9/10

Our rating for durability – 8.9/10

Learn more about the Doggy Flotation Device

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Best Dog Life Jacket - EzyDog DFD Micro

#6 - Micro DFD Small Dog Life Vest

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Best dog life jackets for 2024 - EzyDog Micro DFD Life Jacket

It can be hard to find good dog life preservers for smaller pups - that's why EzyDog took all the technology and innovation from their Doggy Floatation Vest and refitted it for dogs 15 lbs and smaller. The Micro DFD life jacket offers great comfort, security, and style. The ultra-buoyant foam is strategically placed in the vest to help your dog maintain an easy, natural swimming position. The neoprene straps are adjustable for a snug, comfortable fit, and the bright colors of the dog PFD keep your pal visible wherever he plays. The small clip on the dog life preserver is great to use with a dog leash when walking your buddy around on land.

Our rating for buoyancy – 8.9/10

Our rating for comfort – 9/10

Our rating for durability – 8.9/10

Learn more about the The Micro DFD life jacket

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Best Dog Life Jackets for 2024

Why use a dog life jacket?

There are several reasons why a dog might need to wear a life jacket while in the water. Firstly, not all dogs are strong swimmers, and some may struggle to keep their heads above water, especially in rough sea conditions. Additionally, dogs with short legs, such as bulldogs or dachshunds, may find it challenging to stay afloat in deep water. Older dogs or dogs with mobility issues may also benefit from a life jacket to help them stay buoyant and comfortable while swimming.

When shopping for a dog's life vest, it is essential to consider the size and weight of your dog. The vest should fit snugly but not be too tight, as this can restrict movement and cause discomfort. Look for a vest with adjustable straps and buckles to ensure a secure fit. The jacket should also be made from durable, water-resistant materials that can withstand exposure to saltwater and sunlight over extended use.

Whether it's a swimming pool, lake, river, or ocean, even dogs who are strong swimmers can become tired or disoriented in the water, making a life jacket an essential safety measure. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so it's recommended to have a life jacket on hand whenever your dog is near water and especially while boating.

The safest dog life jacket should have enhanced chest flotation and torso support to ensure that your dog's head stays above the waterline. A rescue handle is also a crucial feature, making it easier to lift your dog out of the water if necessary. Bright colors and reflective trim will also make it easier to spot your dog in the water, even in low-light conditions.

Some customers find it is easier to teach their dog to swim with a dog life jacket; it's important to start slowly and gradually introduce them to the water. For timid dogs, begin in a shallow pool or calm body of water and allow your dog to get comfortable wearing the jacket on land before taking them into the water. Use treats and positive reinforcement to encourage your dog to swim and make sure to supervise them at all times. With patience and practice, your dog will learn to enjoy swimming with their life jacket and have a great time in the water while staying safe.

Kayaking with your dog using a dog life jacket

Kayaking with your dog can be a fun and enjoyable activity, but it's important to ensure their safety while on the water. Dogs can be excellent swimmers, but even the most skilled swimmers can tire quickly, especially in open water or rough conditions. A life jacket can provide additional support and buoyancy, making it easier for your dog to swim for extended periods and stay safe in the water.

When kayaking with your dog, it's also important to consider how to get them back in the kayak. A grab handle on the back of the life jacket makes it easier to lift your dog out of the water and back into the kayak. This is especially important in open water, where the current can carry your dog away from the kayak, making it difficult to retrieve them. Many dog life jackets come with a strong d-ring to attach to a leash. With a long leash you can let your dog swim next to your kayak to get great exercise.

Boating with your dog using a dog life jacket

If you're planning to take your best buddy on your next boating adventure, we highly recommend investing in a dog life jacket. Here's why:

First and foremost, a life jacket can save your dog's life in the event of an accident. Even dogs who are strong swimmers can tire easily or become disoriented in open waters, and a life jacket provides added buoyancy to help keep them afloat until help arrives. This is especially important if you're boating in waters with strong currents.

A life jacket can also make your dog more visible to other boaters, which is important for safety. Brightly colored jackets with reflective trim can help other boaters spot your dog in the water, even from a distance and many life jackets have reflective trim for visibility in low light situations. You can even attach a waterproof safety light like the Beacon for extra safety during low light or night boating.

Shopping for the best dog life jacket

When shopping for the best dog life jacket, there are a few key features to look out for. First and foremost, make sure the jacket fits your dog well. An ill-fitting life jacket can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, as it can cause chafing or ride up and hinder the dog's movement. Look for dog life jackets with adjustable straps and a variety of sizes to ensure the best fit for your pup. All the dog life vests listed above are highly adjustable and have been tested for comfort.

The buoyancy of the life jacket is another factor to consider. The life jacket should have enough flotation to keep your dog afloat without hindering their movement. You want your dog to still be able to enjoy active play in their life jacket. A good rule of thumb is to look for a dog life jacket with at least 10% of the dog's body weight in buoyancy. All options listed above exceed this threshold.

Other features to look for include reflective material for visibility, handles to help lift the dog out of the water, and durable, waterproof materials that will hold up well over time. Some brands offer additional features, such as a harness built-in leash attachment points, to make the life jacket even more versatile and useful.

Overall, the best dog life jacket for your dog will depend on your specific needs and preferences. We have attempted to curate the best options on the market for you in the list above. Read reviews, and consider your dog's size, swimming ability, and the types of activities you plan to do together on the water. Click the links for each dog life jacket to watch videos and find detailed information. Have fun out there!

View all our dog life jackets