Finding the right raincoat for your dog is about more than just keeping them dry; it’s about ensuring comfort, freedom of movement, and a positive experience in wet weather. Whether you have a small breed that gets cold easily or a large, active dog who loves outdoor adventures, a well-fitted raincoat is an essential piece of gear. After consulting with veterinarians, professional dog walkers, and conducting extensive testing with a variety of canine companions, we’ve identified the best options to suit every need and budget.
Our top overall pick is the Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat for its exceptional balance of coverage, fit, and ease of use. For those seeking a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on durability, the Mile High Life Dog Raincoat is an excellent choice. If maximum protection is your priority, the Hurtta Mudaventure Dog Coat Eco offers unparalleled coverage, while the Fjord Rain Coat 2.0 is perfectly suited for larger breeds. Finally, for walks in chillier, wet conditions, the Ruffwear Vert Waterproof Insulated Vest provides the warmth and waterproofing your dog needs.
Best Overall: Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat
The Ruffwear Sun Shower impressed us with its fantastic coverage and comfortable fit across all three of our canine testers, which varied in size from a small Chihuahua to a large German Shepherd. This vest-style coat is designed to slip over the head and buckle securely on both sides of the belly, offering solid protection from puddle splashes and mud without restricting movement. It pairs well with a back-clip harness, and its overlapping fabric at the leash hole is a thoughtful detail that effectively keeps rain from sneaking in.
For smaller pups, finding a coat that offers full coverage without being cumbersome can be tricky. Senior home editor Jaclyn Turner noted that the Sun Shower was a winning fit for her 20-pound dog, Reese. It draped nicely over his legs and sides, protected his belly, and fit the entire length of his back. Keep in mind that the Sun Shower runs slightly large, so it’s advisable to size down if your dog is between sizes, especially for petite pups.
This coat is unlined and lightweight, making it best suited for warmer, wet weather. However, its design allows for layering over a light sweater in cooler temperatures. Additional features include a loop for attaching a light and reflective piping, which, while present, we found to be less bright than those on some other models we tested.
Best Budget: Mile High Life Dog Raincoat
The Mile High Life Dog Raincoat packs a lot of value into its budget-friendly price point. Its waterproofing capabilities are highly effective, easily passing our rigorous soak tests. The coat features a mesh lining for added breathability and is made from lightweight polyester, making it an excellent option for warm, rainy days. Despite its low cost, it doesn’t cut corners on quality. It held up well to our durability tests, including yanking on the Velcro straps and aggressively scratching the material with a fork. It also withstood being dragged through thorny bushes by our 40-pound mixed-breed tester, Roo.
This coat comes with several notable extras, including a leash hole at the collar with a protective flap to keep rain out and super-reflective stripes that provide excellent visibility in the dark. Our favorite feature, however, is the leg straps, which are both adjustable and removable. This allows for a customized fit and the flexibility to remove them entirely, which is particularly convenient for bathroom breaks.
The main trade-off with this budget-friendly option is coverage. It does not fully cover the belly and shoulders like some of our higher-end picks. Additionally, it cannot be machine washed; it requires spot-cleaning with a wet cloth, which may demand a little extra effort to remove deep-set mud.
Best for Coverage: Hurtta Mudaventure Dog Coat Eco
The Hurtta Mudventure Dog Coat Eco offers the most comprehensive coverage of all the raincoats we tested. Its high collar protects more of the neck, and the material drapes along the sides and down the back, featuring a cutout for the tail. The front provides additional protection with a poncho-like flap over the chest and shoulders. Highly reflective strips on each end of the coat ensure excellent visibility in low-light conditions, such as during dawn or dusk walks.
Despite its substantial coverage, the Mudaventure Eco is surprisingly lightweight and easy for dogs to move around in, thanks to a design that doesn’t impede movement. It does run large, so it’s best to size down if your dog falls between sizes. The coat is highly adjustable, with two drawstrings at the neck to shorten the collar and one at the back to adjust the length. An adjustable strap also cinches around the waist to keep the coat securely in place, though we found the clasp could be quite tough to open at first, requiring significant force.
The high-quality, durable materials are immediately apparent, and this coat proved its resilience when our rambunctious tester dragged it through thorns and bushes. This superior quality and coverage, however, come at a high price, making the Mudventure Eco the most expensive coat in our guide.
Best for Large Dogs: Fjord Rain Coat 2.0
A German Shepherd wearing the Fjord Rain Coat 2.0, standing on a rocky trail. The coat's sleek design and secure fit are on display.
Offering a similar design and coverage to the Hurtta Mudventure Eco, the Fjord Raincoat 2.0 distinguishes itself with additional sizes specifically for larger dogs, with the biggest option extending 37.8 inches along the back. Deals editor Sarah Saril tested this coat with her 70-pound German Shepherd, Davey, and appreciated how easy it was to put on and secure a snug fit. The coat features four adjustment points: two drawstrings at the ends of the high-collared neck, an adjustable waistband, and a cinch point at the back near the tail.
Beyond its generous sizing and adjustability, the Fjord 2.0 has a lot to offer. The buttery-smooth material and its two-tone color options give it a polished, high-end look. Large reflective stripes and the logo provide high visibility during night walks or forest hikes. Drainage holes at the chest panel prevent water from collecting around the dog’s belly, and leg straps help keep everything in place. The harness hole is wide and features a fabric flap to prevent rain from dripping inside.
Like the Mudventure, the Fjord 2.0 is on the pricier side. However, it comes with a two-year warranty, and the manufacturer offers affordable spare buckles for purchase, which is a nice touch for long-term durability.
Best Insulated: Ruffwear Vert Waterproof Insulated Vest
Soft and warm, the Ruffwear Vert Waterproof Insulated Vest is designed to keep dogs toasty without the bulk of heavy insulation or a restrictive design. Like the Sun Shower, this vest-style coat has a chest plate that buckles on each side of the belly, keeping the dog’s underside dry. We found the fit to be snug yet flexible, even for our medium-sized tester, Roo, whose broad chest often makes sizing difficult.
The Vert’s waterproofing is excellent, easily passing our soak tests and providing great protection on drizzly days. To confirm its ability to retain heat, we conducted an additional test. We filled a water bottle with water at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, similar to a dog’s body temperature, wrapped the coat around it, and left it outside in 45-degree weather for 30 minutes. The water temperature dropped only to 96 degrees. For comparison, a similar bottle left outside without a coat cooled to 89 degrees—an 11-degree drop, demonstrating the Vert’s significant insulating properties.
While the leash hole is well-designed for use with a harness, the coat didn’t fully cover the front of Roo’s harness, causing the edges around the chest to become slightly damp. It comes in four stylish two-tone colorways with reflective stripes, though these stripes are not as vibrant as those on some other models.
What to Look for in a Dog Raincoat
Raincoats vary widely in fit and features. Here’s what our veterinarian experts recommend you consider when choosing a jacket for your dog’s specific needs.
- Fit: A proper fit is crucial. The coat should not be too tight or too loose. Leg openings should be large enough to prevent rubbing or friction. Always measure your dog’s back length, chest, and neck, and compare them to the manufacturer’s size guide. The American Kennel Club recommends a “two-finger slide test”—you should be able to slide two fingers under the coat’s straps.
- Adjustability: Look for coats with adjustable chest, belly, and neck straps. This is especially important for dogs with broader chests or those with thick winter coats. Adjustable or removable leg straps can also prevent interference during potty breaks.
- Material: Tightly woven fabrics like polyester and nylon are common. Polyester is more breathable and dries faster, making it good for warm, rainy climates. Nylon is stronger and more durable, ideal for active dogs. For true waterproofing, these materials need an additional coating like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Reflective materials are also important for low-light visibility.
- Design and Care: Choose a closure system (Velcro, buckles, snaps) that works best for your dog’s temperament. For wiggly dogs, Velcro is often fastest. Also, consider how easy the coat is to clean. Machine-washable coats are much more convenient for frequent use than those requiring hand-washing.
How We Tested the Best Dog Raincoats
Our testing process combines real-world use with controlled experiments to evaluate fit, comfort, durability, and waterproofing. We assessed each coat by taking dogs on multiple walks in various weather conditions, including the rainy Pacific Northwest. We also conducted a series of standardized tests:
- Fit Test: We compared actual measurements to advertised sizes, evaluated ease of putting on and adjusting the coat, and observed for any restrictions in movement or discomfort during walks.
- Durability Test: We inspected for construction defects, tugged on all closures, operated zippers and Velcro extensively, and used a fork to test the fabric’s resistance to abrasion and punctures.
- Soak Test: We wrapped each coat around a dry towel, placed it in a shower for two minutes, and let it sit for 30 minutes. We then checked the inner lining and the towel for any moisture penetration.
- Cleaning Test: We applied mud to each coat, let it dry, attempted to wipe it off, and then cleaned the coat according to the manufacturer’s instructions to assess the ease of cleaning.
Dog Raincoats FAQs
Should dogs wear raincoats?
Not all dogs need a raincoat. Breeds with very short or thin coats, like Greyhounds, as well as senior dogs with less body fat, may benefit from the extra protection. Ultimately, any dog that dislikes getting wet can appreciate a raincoat.
When should your dog wear a raincoat?
A raincoat is useful for dogs that need to stay dry due to recovering from surgery or a skin condition. It’s also a good idea when temperatures drop or for extended periods outdoors in the rain.
What is the best waterproof fabric for dog coats?
Polyester and nylon are both good. Polyester is slightly more breathable and dries faster, while nylon is more durable. For true waterproofing, both require an additional coating like PU or PVC. PVC is fully waterproof but less breathable.
How do I measure my dog for a raincoat?
The primary measurement is the back length, from the base of the tail to the shoulder blades. Chest girth is also crucial, measured around the widest part of the chest. Finally, measure neck girth right below the collar to ensure a comfortable fit.
A graphic illustration showing how to measure a dog's back length, chest girth, and neck girth for a raincoat.