Best Dog Lifejackets of 2026

"I use the X-Large ThunderShirts for my two pit bulls—one is terrified by storms and fireworks, while the other acts protective and anxious around loud noises. These vests are now a core part of our calming routine, and my dogs have come to associate them with comfort. They’re easy to use, fit my large breeds perfectly, and help my dogs rest more soundly during stressful events. While they don’t erase all anxiety, I’ve found them to be a truly useful tool for managing my girls’ nervousness."

"I’ve got an 8-year-old Chipoo and a 2-year-old Chiweenie, both with their own anxiety issues—one hates being alone, the other is scared of loud sounds. After putting the vests on, my dogs are far calmer—even when I check on them with our doggie cam, they’re just relaxing instead of acting out. The sizing worked out great for my small breeds, and the material feels high-quality. I also paired the vests with a calming diffuser for even better results."

"Our Boston Mix is extremely anxious during storms, and the ThunderShirt has made a real difference—he becomes cozy, calm, and less frantic, though he’ll still occasionally hide from loud thunder. It’s also been a game-changer for our energetic Red Heeler, who now settles down and rests, showing us her constant movement was likely nervous energy. The sport version fits well, breathes nicely, and the design makes it easy to adjust for a snug but comfortable fit. It hasn’t made our dogs immune to their triggers, but the improvement is significant."

"I found this amazing vest to be a real help for my dog whenever she's in the water, whether it's at the pool or at the beach."

"The jacket looked adorable on my miniature greyhound, and although she didn't end up in the water during our boating trip, she absolutely enjoyed wearing it and looked lovely. I thought it was excellent value as well!"

"I've been using this life jacket for my dog on kayaking and boating trips, and it’s been fantastic. The fit is great, the bright color makes my dog easy to spot, and the carry handle is super helpful for lifting him out of the water or onto the boat. My pup seems more confident and enjoys himself even more when he's wearing this. I feel good knowing he's safe and comfortable."

"After trying out several options, this life jacket is easily the best for my dog. The handle along the back allows me to lift her with ease, and the fit was true to the measurements. It's lightweight, and my dog had no issues swimming or moving around in it. The Velcro and buckles are easy to adjust, and there’s been no chafing. I’d definitely recommend this for any boating dog parent."

"I’m a loyal fan of these life jackets. They’ve held up through years of use and still look and work great. The top handle is especially useful for getting my dogs in and out of the water, and the range of motion they have while wearing them is excellent. For safety, I always go with the bright yellow or orange—super easy to spot in the water!"

"I was looking for a reliable life vest for my dog, and this one really impressed me. The fit is spot on, and I love that the bright colors make my pup easy to spot on the water. The carry handle is super sturdy, and I feel confident lifting him into the boat. Plus, it's lightweight and doesn't seem to bother him at all. Overall, I'm really happy with this purchase and would definitely recommend it to others."

"I've bought several of these life jackets over the years, and they've all held up wonderfully. The construction is solid, and my dogs are able to move around freely while wearing them. Having a handle on top is a lifesaver for getting them out of the water. I especially recommend the yellow or orange options for visibility. These jackets are a must-have for dog owners who spend time near water."

"When I got this for my sheltie, I was pleased with how well it fit, even though I had to tighten it all the way. The colors are vibrant and look great, and it was so convenient to use the handle to help her in and out of the raft. The vest is lightweight, easy to adjust, and my dog seemed comfortable even after getting wet. Definitely a great buy for safety and ease of use."

"I have a 70lb pit bull who's not a confident swimmer, and this life vest has been a lifesaver. He floats effortlessly, even after falling off the dock, and I can easily pull him back to safety with the sturdy handle. The fit is great, especially for barrel-chested dogs, and the bright neon color offers excellent visibility. It's durable enough for regular use and gives me peace of mind whenever we're near the water."

"For my 3-month-old husky, this vest has been perfect. It's adjustable, fits comfortably, and the strong handle lets me lift her safely in and out of the water. She was able to swim confidently on her first lake trip, and the soft pink color is actually really nice. I appreciate being able to attach a leash directly to the vest, and it's held up amazingly well with frequent use. I'll definitely be getting more for my other dogs!"

"My little yorkiepoo is about 5 lbs and this vest fits her perfectly. It's lightweight, high quality, and so adorable! She seems totally comfortable wearing it all day, and I love how easy it is to use. I'm really happy with this purchase!"

"I’m really impressed with the soft, lightweight material of this life jacket. It keeps my dog afloat without being bulky, and the quality and color are just gorgeous!"

"I was skeptical at first, but this vest gave my small dog added mobility and comfort compared to traditional life jackets. She can swim, climb on and off the boat, and turn her head freely. The bright color makes her easy to spot on the water, and the handle is sturdy when lifting her. The only minor downside is it takes a while to dry."

"I use this vest for dock diving with my pup. It's a great fit, simple to put on, and doesn’t restrict her movement at all."

"I've been using these ThunderShirts for my two pit bulls, and they've become an essential part of our routine during storms and fireworks. The vests help calm my anxious dog and offer comfort to both of them, making stressful events much more manageable. They fit my large dogs well, are easy to put on, and the girls actually seem to sleep better with them. While it's not a miracle cure, I genuinely think they're a useful tool for reducing anxiety."

"As someone with two small, anxious dogs—one with separation anxiety and another scared of loud noises—I've found these vests to be a game changer. After putting the vests on, my dogs are noticeably calmer, and their anxious behaviors have decreased, especially during fireworks and while home alone. I also combined them with a diffuser for extra support. The fit is great and quality is solid, but I recommend sticking to the original version for smaller breeds."

"My energetic Red Heeler and anxious Boston Mix both benefit from the ThunderShirt. The Boston Mix is less frantic during storms, and the Red Heeler, who is usually restless, actually calms down enough to nap. The sport version is breathable and easy to adjust. It's not a cure-all, but it makes a real difference in their comfort and our sanity, especially with nervous or overstimulated dogs."