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Hurtta; Ruffwear/Business Insider
Many dogs dislike the rain, and for some, even the lightest showers are enough to keep them from leaving the house. However, we've found that dressing a pup in one of the best raincoats for dogs can make getting them outside for daily exercise and potty breaks on wet days easier.
To find out what features to look for in a dog raincoat, reporter Shoshi Parks, a professional dog trainer with a decade of experience, went straight to professional dog walkers who spend their days in all types of weather. Then, she went on to test 11 rain jackets for dogs. She looked for comfortable coats that could withstand heavy rain and were easy to clean. The Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat is the best overall option for most dogs. It provides excellent belly coverage, and while it's uninsulated, you can layer it with a sweater in cold weather. But if you want even more protection from snow and sleet, you can find suitable options in our guide to the best dog winter coats.
Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Best overall: Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat - See at Amazon
Best budget: Blueberry Pet Two-Legged Reflective Dog Raincoat - See at Amazon
Best for wet outdoor adventures: Hurtta Monsoon Coat - See at Amazon
Best for small breeds: Canada Pooch Torrential Tracker Raincoat - See at Amazon
Best for freezing rain: Teckelklub The Trench Coat - See at Teckelklub
Our top pick for the best raincoats for dogs, the vest-style Ruffwear Sun Shower Jacket keeps dogs dry during summer showers and winter storms. Two professional dog walkers we consulted — Fern De Santos, former owner of A Dog's Life HTX, and Matthew Condrin, owner of Urban Canines — love Ruffwear's canine apparel, and our testing confirmed its quality.
The Sun Shower has several elements De Santos looks for in a dog rain jacket. First off, the lightweight jacket is unlined and uninsulated, so your dog can wear it in warm weather, or you can layer it with a sweater when it gets chilly. The vest-style raincoat slips over the head and buckles on either side of the belly, providing good protection from puddle splashes and mud.
It also has a wide collar and reflective piping to keep your dog visible in low light. If you want to give your dog added visibility, we recommend one of the best dog collars made with reflective materials. We like that there is a hole at the back where you can attach a leash to your dog's harness worn underneath the coat.
In our cleaning test, the Sun Shower did better than most coats to prevent mud from clinging to the exterior fabric. It also came completely clean after a spin through the washing machine.
The Blueberry Pet Reflective Dog Raincoat is proof that the best raincoats for dogs don't have to cost a fortune. The lightweight polyester jacket repelled mud better than all but one of the other raincoats we tested. It protects a dog's undercarriage, including the front legs and chest, a feature most walkers consider important.
The raincoat fastens from neck to ribs with a velcro closure and has adjustable drawstrings at four different points. It also features reflective piping and accents, a hole at the back for attaching a leash to a harness, and elastic straps that can be used to keep the end of the jacket in place while walking. While the jacket's hood may seem functional, it's something our experts avoid. "They annoy the dogs by sometimes covering their eyes and interfere with leashing — plus they rarely stay up," Condrin says.
We found the coat wiped completely clean just using a dry cloth. After handwashing, it dried quickly and looked brand new. You can pack it into its drawstring stuff sack and stash it away until rainy days.
Hurtta's expertly designed jackets don't compromise a dog's movement or weigh down athletic pups. With far more coverage than our top pick, the Ruffwear Sun Shower, the Monsoon Coat keeps a dog's entire torso dry even after multiple hours of hiking in the rain and without restricting movement.
The Monsoon has the most coverage of all the raincoats we tested, with the exception of the brand's Rain Blocker (which proved more difficult to put on and take off). The collar has a flexible rain trap that prevents water from seeping in, and you can adjust the fit at the collar, shoulders, and hips with drawstrings. The wraparound buckle design also allows you to adjust the jacket around the belly, and elastic leg loops at the back end hold the coat in place. While getting the jacket properly fitted can be a bit of a hassle, De Santos says it's worth it for the great coverage.
This jacket has reflective accents from head to tail and a covered loop where you can attach a leash to a harness worn underneath. It repelled mud and cleaned up well with machine washing.
Finding a raincoat that fits a small dog without overwhelming them with too much fabric can be a challenge. But the science of canine apparel is an art at Canada Pooch, where the Torrential Tracker Raincoat is made in sizes as short as 8 inches long.
The jacket's slick, waterproof polyester material resembles a classic yellow children's rain gear. It has holes for the front legs and a double velcro closure that runs from chest to ribs, a feature preferred by Leah King, a professional dog walker in San Francisco. "Velcro closures at the neck and chest make it easy to get a custom fit and to take the jacket on and off without sliding anything over their head," she says.
You can use the expandable collar to provide extra coverage for the back of your dog's neck. Inside, there's a soft fabric lining for added warmth. However, the material is less breathable than other raincoats and might be a bit warm for summer storms.
The jacket also has a hole at the back for connecting a leash to a harness and two small pockets at the hind end for stashing poop bags. The lower portion has reflective piping along its trim. Mud easily sticks to this jacket, but you can toss it in the washing machine for quick cleanup.
While the length of the jacket we tested is as advertised, it has a tighter fit than other jackets of the same size. If you have a dog with a broad chest or who's packing some extra pounds, definitely size up.
When the rain comes with a healthy dose of wind and cold, the fleece-lined Teckelklub Trench Coat keeps dogs dry and warm. King is a fan of this coat, which has a simple wraparound design with a broad collar.
The jacket fastens with velcro at the neck and a wide strap under the belly. While that's the only belly coverage the jacket provides, it is a good option for handling sensitive dogs because you don't need to slip it over their head or legs. "Some jackets have a pullover design, and many dogs are not comfortable putting them on," says Jeff Chebul, a professional dog walker and owner of Ranger's Squadron Dogwalking Services.
The outer shell is 100% waterproof nylon, and 3M reflective piping lines the edges. The coat lacks a hole at the back where you can attach a leash to a harness, but its slim fit accommodates a harness worn over the top. Although this raincoat collected a significant amount of mud, it was easy to wipe clean. After machine washing and hanging to dry, the coat looked brand new. It will also stand up to a low-heat cycle in the dryer.
For an extra $15, you can get the coat custom embroidered with a monogram, your dog's name, or your phone number.
The best raincoats for dogs differ widely in their fit and features. We asked Dr. Alison Meindl, associate professor of clinical sciences at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, what to look for when choosing a jacket for your dog's specific needs and body type.
Fit: Meindl says proper fit is the most important thing to consider when choosing a raincoat for your dog. Make sure it's not too tight, and that limb openings are large enough to prevent rubbing or friction on a dog's skin. Your dog should also be able to walk normally without the coat impeding their gait. For this reason, you should carefully measure your dog's length, chest, and neck size with a soft measuring tape and then refer to the manufacturer's size guide. Once the coat is on your dog, the American Kennel Club recommends using a "two-finger slide test": If you cannot slide two fingers under the straps of the coat, it's too tight and should be loosened. If you can slide three fingers under, it's too loose.
Material: Tightly woven fabrics like polyester and nylon are the most common materials for raincoats, with polyester being slightly less absorbent and faster to dry than nylon. Polyester is also more breathable, which Meindl says is important to prevent your dog from overheating. These features make polyester well-suited for activities that benefit most from maximum protection, like long-distance walks in the rain or heavy downpours. Its breathability is also preferable for warm, rainy climates. On the other hand, nylon is stronger and more durable, making a coat better able to resist rips and tears. This could be a better choice for active dogs who enjoy hikes in the woods or adventures through rough terrain.
It's important to note that neither nylon nor polyester is completely waterproof. Both materials require an additional waterproof coating of either polyethylene (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to be impervious to moisture. Raincoats made entirely of PVC are also available if you value water resistance over all else. This rubber-like material is completely waterproof but stiffer and offers less breathability than nylon or polyester.
Meindl also recommends looking for reflective materials to make your dog more visible in low-light conditions.
Climate: The best raincoats for dogs for one type of climate may not be ideal for another. A simple, lightweight shell is the best option for milder temperatures, offering sufficient water resistance without any extra insulation that can lead to overheating. This is particularly important for dogs who already have thick, well-insulated coats. If you live in a cooler climate, look for a raincoat that provides warmth with an additional insulating liner, such as fleece.
Care Instructions: Since rainy walks typically expose your dog — and their raincoat — to mud and grimy puddles, look for a coat that's easy to clean. Those that can be thrown in the wash without issue, like shrinkage, are more convenient for frequent use than coats that must be hand-washed.
Design: Dog raincoats are designed with a variety of closure and attachment systems, so consider what type is most convenient for your dog (especially if they're extra wiggly and aren't fond of sitting still for very long) and whether the additional security is worth the hassle. For dogs sensitive to being handled or who dislike things placed over their heads, Meindl recommends opting for a velcro closure over snaps and zippers in the interest of speed.
Shoshi Parks/Business Insider
To choose the best raincoats for dogs, we tested 11 different jackets based on recommendations from professional dog walkers. The jackets were provided as review samples by their manufacturers, except the Blueberry Pet, Canada Pooch, Pepper Pet, Wildebeest, and Teckelclub coats, which Business Insider purchased.
Due to dry weather and coronavirus pandemic restrictions during testing, we could not test these jackets on dogs of multiple shapes and sizes in real rainy weather. Instead, we devised a few tests to simulate rainy conditions.
Fit test: We verified the measurements of each coat by assessing its length from shoulder to tail and its girth, which is the width of the jacket at the chest's widest point. We noted any jackets that differed from their advertised size or appeared to fit more tightly than expected.
Soak test: The soak test evaluated how each raincoat would stand up under heavy rain. Using leftover two-by-fours, we constructed a wooden dog with a belly 13 inches from the ground and a length of 20 inches. When Woody was ready, we wrapped a dry towel around its belly and dressed it in each jacket. We sprinkled the dog and raincoat with water from a hose for two minutes, then carefully removed the jacket to look for any spots where the water had seeped through. We also checked the interior lining of the jacket to see if moisture had penetrated without wetting the towel.
Cleaning test: The cleaning test had three parts. First, we wiped a handful of mud on the exterior of each jacket and let it dry overnight. Next, we attempted to wipe off the mud using a clean, dry cloth. Finally, we washed the raincoat according to the manufacturer's instructions, looking for any stains or other changes in the material.
Meindl says not all dogs require a raincoat, and most dogs' haircoats should provide sufficient protection from the rain. However, she says dogs with particularly thin coats, such as greyhounds, whippets, and Chinese crested dogs, may appreciate the protection from a raincoat if they're in the rain for long periods of time. The American Kennel Club recommends raincoats for senior dogs, whose bodies have less fat to keep them warm, and hairless dogs due to their unique skin care needs.
Polyester and nylon are the most common fabrics used in dog raincoats, and both repel water effectively. That said, polyester is slightly less absorbent, resulting in faster drying times. It's also lighter and more breathable than nylon, which Meindl says is an important characteristic to prevent your dog from overheating. Nylon is slightly stronger and more abrasion-resistant, so it's better suited for dogs who enjoy hiking or rough play. Keep in mind that for either material to be truly waterproof, an additional coating such as polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is required. Dog raincoats made entirely of PVC are also available. They offer complete protection against rain, but their minimal breathability isn't the best option for warmer weather or dogs with thicker coats.
Meindl says there's no harm in dressing your dog in a hooded coat if they tolerate the hood. But neither she nor Condrin recommends them specifically. Their floppy shape can fall over your dog's eyes during walks, and the extra protection provided to the top of their head probably isn't worth the annoyance. In reporter Alex Rennie's experience, both his dogs tend to shake their hoods off during walks, and he finds them more restrictive than useful.
Dogs come in so many different shapes and sizes that fitting one for a raincoat can be a lengthy process of trial and error. Since there's no universal sizing for canine apparel, what one brand considers small could easily be considered large by another brand. To get the right fit, grab a measuring tape and follow these instructions.
Length: The primary dimension used to determine the size of a raincoat is the length of a dog's back. Measure your dog from the base of their tail to their shoulder blades while they are standing in a relaxed position. If your measurement falls between sizes, size up. Some brands may recommend a specific size for certain breeds. This may be helpful, but don't rely on suggestions alone, as sizes can vary among a single breed.
Chest girth: Dog raincoats are also commonly measured by chest girth. This is an important figure to get right because many jackets are not adjustable around the chest. That's doubly true if you have a broad or barrel-chested pup. To get this figure, measure the circumference of your dog's chest while they're standing in a relaxed position, wrapping the tape right behind the legs at the chest's widest point. If your dog's chest girth falls between sizes, choose the larger option, especially if your dog does a lot of running and jumping. A highly active dog may benefit from a jacket that is an inch or two wider than their actual measurement because it will allow their front legs more freedom of movement.
Neck girth: To make sure your jacket won't be too tight around the neck, measure around the thickest part right below the collar. This is particularly important if the coat's neck lacks an adjustable opening. When in doubt, size up.
Drop: Occasionally, brands offer a drop measurement to help you get the right fit. The drop is how low a jacket hangs on a dog's body and legs. Too long, and it may restrict movement; too short, your pup may get wet by the end of a walk. Your dog's raincoat should extend at most halfway down the leg. To figure out how a jacket will lay on your dog, compare half its width to the distance between the top of your dog's tail to the ankle of their hind leg just above the paw.
If your dog hates leaving the house when the rain starts to fall, in addition to fitting them with one of the best raincoats for dogs, these tips for wet-weather walking will ensure that you meet their most important daily needs.
Get the right gear: Make rainy day walks more enjoyable by getting your pup one of the best raincoats for dogs. A properly fitted coat that covers both the chest and belly will prevent your dog from splashing water against the most sensitive parts of their body. If your dog has sensitive paws, you may also want to consider getting a set of the best dog boots.
Plan ahead: Unless the forecast calls for extreme weather, most rainy days have at least a couple of periods in which showers slow to a sprinkle. Use a weather tracking app or website to help you predict when a storm will lighten up.
Encourage, don't force: Even if you have the proper rain gear for your pup, your dog may still avoid the rain at all costs. These dogs will likely require an extra incentive. Before getting ready to go, stuff your pockets full of treats and offer them before you step out the door. If putting on rain gear predicts that treats will follow, your dog will be more likely to allow you to get them dressed. Use your treats to entice your dog out the door instead of forcing them to go out into the rain, which will only make them more frightened and stressed out.
Play the "Find It" game: Keep the treats flowing once outside. Try encouraging your dog to walk with the Find It game. Throw a treat a few feet in front of your dog and say, "find it," in a happy tone. Let them gobble up the treat, then throw your next one, repeating the phrase. Play the game as much as necessary during the walk to get your pup's mind off the water falling from the sky.
Don't expect a regular walk: Even with plenty of treats and encouragement, dogs who really hate the rain aren't likely to want to stay outdoors for long. If they go potty and then refuse to go any farther, that's OK. Bring them back inside and make up the missed exercise with play or indoor training. Read more on backup plans below.
Stick to quiet streets: On rainy days, when cars zoom through puddles, the busier the street, the louder it will be. And the more noise, the more frightened your dog is likely to feel — not to mention all that potential for being splashed by passing vehicles. When it's raining, stick to quieter streets where there is less noise and where it is less likely you and your dog will get soaked.
Avoid walking at night: It can be a huge challenge for drivers to see dogs on dark, wet nights. When it's raining, stay safe by taking your daily walks before the sun sets. If you must go out in the rain at night, stick to well-lit areas and avoid busy streets.
Have a backup plan: If your dog refuses to walk in the rain, you'll need a backup plan to meet their daily exercise and potty needs. Both training and play inside the home are good alternatives and can include multiple 5- to 10-minute training sessions, games of hide-and-seek, indoor fetch with a soft toy, and mental stimulation via the best dog toys. For the latter, you may have to get creative. Try a fresh grass indoor potty or select a sheltered location immediately outside your home where your dog can quickly do their business, then come back inside.
Be gentle with post-walk drying: Whether you've managed to get your dog out on a long walk or a short one, their paws, head, and belly will likely need some toweling off. Unfortunately, these are also some of the most sensitive parts of a dog's body. Unless you have a dog that loves to be wrapped in a towel, be gentle and slow when wiping them down. It may help to ask them to lie down so you can easily access their paws without knocking them off balance. Reward them for each body part you towel off. Each foot earns one treat, each ear earns another, and the belly gets two. Don't be surprised if your dog gets the zoomies after you've dried them off. It's a natural release of pent-up energy that commonly occurs after a stressful experience.
