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The Best Dog Raincoats
The Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat is our top pick. See how to choose a dog raincoat by fit and fabric, plus four researched picks and safety tips.
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The best dog raincoat keeps your dog dry without limiting movement. For most dogs, we like the Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat. It has a waterproof shell, reflective trim and a leash portal that works with most harnesses. Below are four picks and how to choose.
Our picks at a glance
- Best overall: Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat
- Best full-body coverage: Ruffwear Sun Shower Coverall Dog Rain Suit
- Best adjustable fit: Kurgo Halifax Rain Shell
- Best with a hood: Canada Pooch Complete Coverage Raincoat
The best dog raincoats
Best overallPhoto: RuffwearDog raincoats
Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat
Best for: Daily walks in steady rain
Ruffwear makes the shell from nylon ripstop with a 3,000 mm waterproof rating, and calls it waterproof and windproof. It has reflective trim, a loop for a clip-on safety light and a leash portal for wearing it over most harnesses. The extended vest shape covers the hips and thighs. Skip it if you want a hood. It has a fold-up storm collar instead.
- Pro: Waterproof, windproof nylon ripstop shell rated 3,000 mm
- Pro: Leash portal lets you wear it over most harnesses
- Pro: Reflective trim and a loop for a clip-on safety light
- Con: No hood, only a fold-up storm collar
- Con: Sizes follow chest girth, so long-bodied dogs need a close look at the back length
Best full-body coveragePhoto: RuffwearDog raincoats
Ruffwear Sun Shower Coverall Dog Rain Suit
Best for: Muddy, wet trails and dogs who get soaked legs and belly
This is the same Sun Shower fabric, made as a full suit with stretchy sleeves for the legs. It closes with a chest zipper and has a hem cinch to fine-tune the fit. Ruffwear lists sizes from XXS to XL by chest girth. It is a good match for muddy trails. Skip it if you want something quick to put on, or a hood.
- Pro: Full-body coverage with sleeves for the legs
- Pro: Chest zipper and hem cinch for on-and-off and fit
- Pro: Reflective trim and a leash portal for harnesses
- Con: No hood
- Con: Leg sleeves mean more fiddling to put on than a vest
Best adjustable fitPhoto: KurgoDog raincoats
Kurgo Halifax Rain Shell
Best for: Dogs between sizes or with unusual builds
Kurgo uses a waterproof TPU coating on polyester ripstop, with a mesh lining. The belly straps and side panels adjust, and the buckles release quickly. It also has a harness opening and reflective piping. Kurgo’s page says back coverage varies, so check the chart. It is hand wash only, and the page doesn’t mention a hood.
- Pro: Waterproof TPU-coated polyester ripstop with a mesh lining
- Pro: Adjustable side panels and quick-release buckles
- Pro: Harness opening and reflective piping
- Con: Hand wash only
- Con: No hood, and back length varies by size
Best with a hoodPhoto: Canada PoochDog raincoats
Canada Pooch Complete Coverage Raincoat
Best for: Light to moderate rain and dogs who need ear coverage
This coat has a packable hood attached at the neck, which can help keep rain off the head. The ripstop shell is water-repellent, and Canada Pooch says it keeps dogs dry in moderate rain. It has reflective material and a zippered back opening for a leash attachment. Skip it for heavy downpours, since it isn’t described as waterproof. The page lists it as final sale.
- Pro: Packable hood attached at the neck
- Pro: Reflective material for evening walks
- Pro: Zippered back opening for a leash attachment
- Con: Water-repellent, not waterproof, so it suits moderate rain
- Con: Listed as final sale, so check the size guide first
How to choose a dog raincoat
Decide if your dog needs one
The AKC says hairless dogs, senior dogs and lean dogs such as many sighthounds get the most from a raincoat. It adds that dogs with thick coats can benefit when the weather is wet. Floppy-eared dogs may like a hood, since the AKC says trapped moisture raises the risk of ear infections.
Check the fabric
The AKC says to avoid fleece or flannel on the outside, because they don’t repel water well. It names polyester and duck canvas as better choices. A nylon lining dries faster, according to the AKC. Also read the label closely. “Waterproof” and “water-repellent” are not the same thing.
Measure your dog
The AKC says to measure the neck, chest and belly, and the length from the neck to the base of the tail. Weight-based sizing may not work, because dogs of the same weight can have different shapes. Long-bodied dogs need extra care, so compare your dog’s back length to the chart.
Think about closures and extras
The AKC says Velcro is easy to use, while plastic buckles give a tighter fit for dogs who pull or move a lot. A leash opening or portal lets you clip a leash to a harness under the coat. Reflective trim helps people see your dog on dark, wet walks. If you already use a harness, see our guide to the best no-pull dog harnesses.
Safety tips
- Do the two-finger test. The AKC says you should slide two fingers under the straps. If you can’t, the coat is too tight. If more than three fit, it is too loose.
- Watch how your dog moves. The AKC says to watch for stiff movement or discomfort, especially the first time your dog wears the coat.
- Keep walks short at first. The AKC says to keep walks short if your dog is unsure, and build up slowly.
- Follow the care label. The AKC says some coats need a delicate cycle or cold water. Kurgo’s Halifax is hand wash only.
- Know the limits of a coat. The AKC says small dogs and dogs with low body fat can struggle to stay warm in rain and cold. If your dog shivers or seems unwell, bring them inside and call your vet.
- Pick a leash that suits your walks. See our guide to the best dog leashes.
Common questions
Does my dog need a raincoat?
Not every dog does. The American Kennel Club says hairless dogs, senior dogs and lean dogs such as many sighthounds gain the most. It also says dogs with thick coats can benefit in rainy weather.
How tight should a dog raincoat be?
The AKC suggests the two-finger test. You should be able to slide two fingers under the straps. If you can't, the coat is too tight. If more than three fit, it is too loose.
What is the difference between waterproof and water-repellent?
Waterproof fabric is built to block rain, and Ruffwear gives a 3,000 mm rating for its shell. Water-repellent fabric, such as Canada Pooch's ripstop, sheds light to moderate rain but may not keep a dog dry in a downpour.
How do I size a dog raincoat?
The AKC says to measure the neck, chest and belly, plus the length from neck to the base of the tail. It says weight-based sizing may not work, because dogs of the same weight can have different shapes.