8 Dog Life Jackets That Are Both Affordable & Highly Rated

If you love to spend time on the water & want to bring your pooch along with you, you may want to look into a dog life jacket. I’ve always grown up with dogs who were great swimmers, but I know there are many dogs who are not as strong of swimmers, so a dog life jacket may be a great idea. Our puppy Tiki loves to swim in shallow areas, but she gets tired easily & we would love to bring her out kayaking with us, so we are looking into a life jacket for her as well. So, I checked out some different options to share with you if you want to bring your dog kayaking, paddle boarding or out on your boat. We share some recommendations below, but find more options here.

There is also a fun deal on your first Bark Box Super Chewer Box for your dog, for just $5.29 right now (it comes with toys, healthy treats, and summer fun) if you want to treat your pet to that too.

Should Dogs Wear a Life Jacket?

Not all dogs are strong swimmers, and so a dog life jackets is needed. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, it is a smart idea to put any dog who spends alot of time around the water a dog life vest, as even the best swimmers can get tired. Since

How To Choose A Dog Life Vest?

When choosing a life jacket for your dog, you will want to consider the size of your dog, as fit is the first important thing that you need to get right. You will want it snug, but not so snug that your dog cannot easily move. Be sure to pay close attention to the manufactures sizing information when choosing the right fit for your pup.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying a life jacket for a dog:

A Handle – it is easier to grab & pull a dog up out of the water (especially if you are on a boat, paddle board, etc) if there is a good sized handle. You can also help teach them to swim using a handle
Bright Colors or a Reflective strip – It can help to spot a dog in the water especially if you are moving quickly in the water on a boat, if you pick a life jacket that is bright or has a reflective strip on it. This will help other boaters too.
D Ring – you should be able to attach a leash to the d-ring on the life jacket to easily keep the dog contained once you’re on land

Chewy Dog Life Jacket Options (Starting at Under $20)!

Note that you can get $20 off your first order of $49+ with Chewy with promo code WELCOME too.

Frisco Dog Life Jackets – This is a popular life jacket on Chewy.com with 5 stars out of over 700 reviews. You can also find this version for $19.99 here.

Here are some of the features:

Sleek design allows your pet to move comfortably in the water. Four reflective accents and bright color offer increased visibility so you can always spot your pet in and out of the water.
Designed with 20mm thick foam panels for buoyancy. Front panel has a flotation flap that helps support your dog’s head and keep it above water.
Three adjustable straps with side-release buckles help you get the perfect fit for comfort and safety.
Grab handle on top lets you quickly and easily pull your pet out of the water in the case of an emergency. A D-ring on the back allows you to attach a leash when necessary.
To find the right jacket for your pup, measure their chest, neck and weight. Then, compare their measurements to the size chart and the Maximum Buoyant Weight listed.

Frisco Shark Dog Life Jacket – The Shark Dog Life Jackets are also popular, getting 5 stars from many reviewers too. Plus it is only $19.99!

Fun shark design features an optional fin attached with button snaps and hook-and-loop fasteners. Reflective accents offer increased visibility so you can always spot your pet in and out of the water.
Designed with 20mm foam panels for buoyancy. Front panel has a flotation flap that helps support your dog’s head and keep it above water.
Three adjustable straps—two belly straps and one neck strap—with side-release buckles help you get the perfect fit for comfort and safety.
Grab handle on top lets you quickly and easily pull your pet out of the water in the case of an emergency. A D-ring on the back allows you to attach a leash when necessary.
To find the right jacket for your pup, measure their chest, neck and weight. Then, compare their measurements to the size chart and the Maximum Buoyant Weight listed.

Frisco Neoprene Dog Life Jacket – this is also highly rated on Chewy.com

Sleek design allows your pet to move comfortably in the water. Four reflective accents and bright color offer increased visibility so you can always spot your pet in and out of the water.
Front panel has a flotation flap that helps support your dog’s head and keep it above water. Side panels contain additional neoprene for extra buoyancy and warmth.
Three adjustable straps with side-release buckles help you get the perfect fit for comfort and safety.
Grab handle on top lets you quickly and easily pull your pet out of the water in the case of an emergency. For dry land, a D-ring on the back allows you to attach a leash when necessary.

Paws Aboard Yellow Life Jacket – with 4 1/2 stars from over 6800 reviewers – this is currently on sale too.

Life vest to keep your active dog safe while out on the boat or in the water.
Advanced, breathable mesh underbelly for proper draining and drying to prevent heat exhaustion.
Bright color and reflective strip for maximum visibility while swimming.
Top handle for quick and easy grabbing on the go.
Heavy-duty fuzzy fastener provides a secure and comfortable fit with adjustable nylon straps and quick-release buckles.

KONG Sport AquaFloat Dog Flotation Vest – they have two color options – bright green/yellow or pink and are on Amazon or Chewy.

Note that the price should drop to just $30 on Chewy if you are a new shopper there and use promo code WELCOME for this one – so that is the best price we could find by far.

D-ring leash attachment allows you to use the vest as a harness while out of the water; available in two colors and six sizes to fit most dogs.
High-quality, rugged nylon vest keeps your fun-loving hound safe and secure around water.
Multiple layers of foam provide maximum buoyancy to help maintain a natural swimming position.
A fuzzy fastener belly closure and quick-release buckles on the neck, chest and belly ensure a snug, comfortable fit.
Safety features include an extra-strong rescue handle and highly visible reflective binding; the mesh underbelly drains and dried quickly.

Outward Hound Standley Sport Dog Life Jacket – this one does not have as many reviews but the reviews it does have are 4 1/2 stars. It is also on sale on Chewy.com

High-quality life jacket is made with extra rugged ripstop nylon that’s reinforced to stand up to frequent, adventurous use.
Mesh bellyband allows for quick water drainage; unique sternum design and lightweight construction provide ideal performance and a wide range of motion.
Highly durable, quick-release snaps with adjustable straps on the belly and neck ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
Includes double handles for emergency lifting and a leash clasp for use as a harness.
Designed with the skilled swimmer in mind but suitable for dogs of all experience levels.

Dog Life Jackets from Amazon:

Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket is only $19.99

Or $18.99 for this one here.

Life Jacket has dual handles that allow you to grab your dog easily in case of an emergency
Adjustable side release buckles will give your dog the perfect fit for comfortability and security
Front float support keeps your pup’s head above water
Reflective accents and bright colors creative high visibility for safety
Vest allows your dog to keep mobile in the water and have a splashing good time

small dog life jacket

Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jacket (Reflective & Adjustable Preserver Vest) – this has 4.7 stars out of over 12,000 ratings. It is also very affordable

FOR DOG’S SAFETY: dog PFD by Vivaglory is constructed with extra padding to enable strong buoyance in the water without restricting your dog’s movement. Fastening system around belly and neck will keep the flotation vest securely on your dog
CONVENIENCE & FIT: durable grab handle of the dog life preserver makes it easy to pull your dog out of any emergency. D-ring is for attaching dog leash. Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles ensure perfect fit for your dog
HIGH VISIBILITY: comes with ten bright colors and reflective trims, this dog water vest enhances your dog’s visibility in and out of the water, allow you to identify your dog quickly

Have you ever used a dog life jacket for your furry friend? Do you have any favorites?

Find more options here

8 Dog Life Jackets That Are Both Affordable & Highly Rated