6 Best Dog Life Jackets for Safe Swimming

Not only did Ruffwear's Float Coat come recommended to us from pet owners who use a dog life jacket, we found it praised on Reddit and, as of press time, a solid 90 percent of its Amazon reviews were five-star. Users mention its high-quality fabric and buckles and that it's easy to get on and off. However, it also has the highest price on our list.

We like that the Float Coat has enough flotation for a dog who doesn't swim well but is also streamlined enough for a large dog that loves to swim, with plenty of room for movement around the front legs. There's a D ring tucked under the handle so you can attach a leash. It comes in six sizes, for small dogs (as narrow as a 13-inch girth) and large dogs (as wide as a 42-inch girth). Ruffwear is a respected brand when it comes to doggie outdoor accessories; it makes our favorite no-pull dog harness for long walks or hikes and our favorite dog coat for snow.

Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL Range of girth: XXS starts at 13", XL ends at 42"

Outward Hound makes the Granby for "maximum visibility and flotation" so it's good for dogs you might worry about, like the ones who aren't strong swimmers. Added flotation under the chin helps your dog keep its head up. The Granby looks similar to a person's life jacket in that it's a little bulky. This affordable choice is not as sleek as our best overall, but in addition to the robust foam there are two rescue handles on the back, which might help you better lift your dog out of the water if or when you need to.

Our biggest issue with the Granby is that it does not have a D ring that you can use to attach your leash to the life vest. For some users, that means their dog wears its harness under the life jacket. Five sizing choices encompass a slightly larger range than our best overall pick. The XS starts at 11 inches and the XL goes to 44 inches. The brand recommends sizing up if your dog is at the top of a size's range.

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL Range of girth: XS starts at 11", XL ends at 44"

The Standley, also by Outward Hound, is for a more sporty dog. It's sleek and allows more unrestricted movement for dogs who are good swimmers and adept at boating, playing fetch in the waves or jumping off piers into deep water. A breathable mesh top and mesh belly panel help keep an active dog from overheating. The long rescue handle sits close to your dog's back for an aerodynamic look. The D ring sits right at the neck, to use when you need to leash your dog (especially good at a busy beach or dock).

The size range is the same on the Standley as it is on the Granby, our value pick. Outward Hound says that the Granby is its recommendation for beginners and this Standley is its choice for doggie-paddling pros. The brand makes a third dog life jacket, the Dawson, for mid-level swimmers.

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL Range of girth: XS starts at 11", XL ends at 44"

You can fit your XXL dog — up to a 45-inch girth, which includes most big shepherds and retrievers — in the largest size of the Surf n' Turf dog life jacket. Reviewers with thick-necked breeds, like bulldogs, also like this choice because the neck is so adjustable. For instance, the small size of the jacket can fit a dog with a neck anywhere from 12 to 23 inches around.

Reviewers praise Kurgo's jacket for giving their dog water confidence without restricting movement. We like that the two rescue handles are oriented differently: one is vertical, the other horizontal, giving you more ways to grab, guide or lift your dog. The D ring is in the rear, near the tail, for attaching the leash. (That placement is best for dogs who don't pull.) While most dog life jackets should just be rinsed clean, Kurgo says its Surf n' Turf is machine washable. Kurgo also makes our favorite dog walking harness for large dogs.

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL Range of girth: XS starts at 14", XL ends at 45"

Users praise the buoyancy of the EzyDog life jacket, and it comes in five extra-small and small sizes to help fit a small or slender dog, including those as little as 7 pounds. It's very streamlined and not bulked up by foam, so it doesn't overwhelm a small pup. Even so, there is flotation help provided at the belly, which helps keep your small dog upright and swimming level to the water.

The collar adjusts at the top of the neck, where the rescue handle is, and not at your dog's chest or chin, so it can be more comfortable for some dogs — large ones too, as the EzyDog also has sizes for big dogs. Reviewers note that this jacket is on the pricey side, but often follow that up by saying it's worth it for the quality.

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Sizes: 4XS, 3XS, 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL Range of girth: XS starts at 12", XL ends at 41"

Have the most stylish pup at the pool party with this doggie life jacket, not just flag-bedecked but sporting a decorative shark fin on the top! There's a rescue handle, too, in case you need to guide your dog out of the water, and there's a D ring near the collar so you can keep your dog leashed if they draw a crowd of admirers.

Dogcheer's vest comes in more than a dozen fun colors and patterns including a dog life jacket in a mermaid theme and one that's the doggie equivalent of a Hawaiian shirt. We just wouldn't recommend the gray which, though it's funny and shark-like, is not as highly visible as the others.

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Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL Range of girth: XS starts at 11.8", XL ends at 39.4"