Do dogs need raincoats?

Generally, the answer is that raincoats can be beneficial to most types of dogs, but are rarely absolute necessities, unless they are also serving a warmth-based function. Raincoats may be crucial purchases for dogs who live in extreme climates, dogs with health problems—specifically, those prone to hypothermia—and dogs with very short hair on their undercarriage. Otherwise, in more temperate climates, dogs are just often happier when dry, as well as less smelly, so it may be worth investing in a raincoat—or just poncho—to protect them when they are getting their requisite exercise on particularly nasty days.

The 6 Best Dog Raincoats of 2023

Commerce Photo Composite — The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis

The question of whether dog owners need to invest in a coat for their pup is tough to answer definitively. For many owners, it is purely an emotional decision to make sure their pup stays as comfortable as they would like them to be. In other instances, there may be more practical reasons, asin the case of shorter-hair dogs—Boston terriers, boxers, French bulldogs—small puppies, or older dogs with medical conditions.

We tested some of the top products of the dog raincoat market for insulation, waterproofing, warmth, comfort, and cost-effectiveness. Our top pick is the Hurtta Rain Blocker ECO, for its excellent full body coverage, breathability, adjustable features, and appropriateness for different temperatures and types of precipitation.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Hurtta Rain Blocker ECO at Amazon

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Best for Small Dogs:

Canada Pooch Torrential Tracker at Canadapooch.com

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Best for Large Dogs:

Temellini / Woolrich Large Dog Trench Raincoat at Woolrich.com

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Best Budget:

Lands' End Dog Rain Jacket at Landsend.com

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Best Warm Weather:

Frisco Clear Vinyl Dog Raincoat at Chewy

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Best Insulated:

Ruffwear Vert Dog Winter Jacket at Amazon

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Hurtta

View On Amazon View On Chewy View On Hurtta.com

What We Like

Waterproof and durable
Made from recycled materials
Breathable
Adjustable features
Leg covering
Easy to attach harness comfortably

What We Don't Like

Sizing is a little confusing to figure out

The Finnish brand Hurtta is a widely respected purveyor of dog clothing and accessories, specializing in thoughtfully designed and durable items. For the needs of most consumers—that is, not dog owners in extreme climates—the Rain Blocker is a practical choice, and now it’s available in a version made from nearly 100 percent recycled materials.

The most striking element of the Rain Blocker’s design is its leg coverage, combining the appeal and functionality of both a slicker and overalls. The unique design makes for exemplary protection not only against downpour, but against splashback from running through puddles and more. Crucially, its comprehensive rain coverage won’t affect your dogs’ mobility, thanks to multiple points of adjustment, including a zippered back that can be adjusted to your dog’s length, plus drawstrings at the neck and waist.

Another customizable aspect of the jacket is its collar, which can be tightened to block all rain out, or loosened for comfort and less oppressive drizzle. The back, waist and leg openings are similarly easy to tighten or relax.

In addition to body protection, there’s also a valuable safety function: the jacket includes 3M reflective accents to promote visibility at night or in extreme conditions. The Rain Blocker is also easy to integrate with a harness, thanks to an opening on the back of the coat—another feature which demonstrates how fully this pragmatic but cute jacket is designed with consummate safety and protection for your dog in mind.

Note: if you’re looking for an even more heavy-duty jacket for more extreme conditions, try Hurtta’s Monsoon Coat design, which is also a customer favorite.

Price at time of publish: $90

_{Sizes: 10M through 28M | Materials: Surface fabric 100% polyester, 100D mechanical stretch, Fluorocarbon-free ECO water repellent treatment | Colors: Stream, Hedge, Raven, Green Camo, more}

Canada Pooch

View On Canadapooch.com

What We Like

Affordable
Belly protection
Highly waterproof double-layer design
Snap-back hood
Pockets
Adjustable closure

What We Don't Like

Not as well-suited to larger dogs

Among customers and dog walkers, the Torrential Tracker from Canada Pooch consistently tops lists of favorites when it comes to basic rain protection. Extremely affordable at less than $50, it is a great choice for small dogs because it offers belly protection. This feature is great for insulation as well as protection against splashback for good boys and girls who are a bit lower to the ground.

The polyester shell is extremely quick to dry, and thanks to an additional polyester-cotton lining, it is nearly impossible for water to get through any areas covered by the jacket. There’s also a snap-back hood to keep their head covered. Testimonials point to the double-layers’ superior effectiveness against heavy rain for a coat at this price point. It has been proven to hold up in the rain for extensive periods of exposure, and with functional pockets, you can store and keep dry any accessories for pup care you might need while out with them in the elements.

Additional perks include an adjustable velcro closure features (so you can determine what fit is comfortable for your dog), a slit for a leash and reflective trims for visibility. Also, the loud color options are sufficiently ridiculous and cute (see their rainbow pattern). For many dog owners, this Canada Pooch favorite will be a no-brainer purchase, though it’s not always as comfortable a fit for larger animals.

Price at time of publish: $45

_{Sizes: 8 through 28 | Materials: Shell: 100% Polyester; Lining: 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton | Colors: Yellow, Pink, Rainbow}

Woolrich

View On Woolrich.com

What We Like

Excellent mobility for big dogs
Fashionable
Insulated but not-too-heavy lining
Waterproof outer layer
Adjustable fit

What We Don't Like

Less comprehensive body coverage than other options

Our favorite coat option that is tailor-made for the needs of larger pups could also serve as our decadent or “splurge” pick. This collaboration between Temellini and Woolrich is essentially a high-end trench coat for your dog, but with a highly comfortable and open-ended design that works well for bigger animals’ leg mobility and comfort. With its featherwhite and red exteriors and its designer flourishes, it’s extremely fashionable and well-made, thus the high price tag.

As well as looking amazing—very much like an imported human trenchcoat that a detective might wear in an old film noir—it is functional and durable. There’s an adjustable neck design for comfort and level of protection, a neck slit for leash usage, and an adjustable belt with snap closures. It is insulated with an attractive and breathable checked lining that pinpoints a great middle-ground, temperature-wise, for most animals, but especially larger dogs who heat themselves more easily.

Price at time of publish: $220

_{Sizes: XS through XXL | Materials: Outer fabric: 60% Cotton, 40% Polyamide; inner fabric: 80% Lyocell, 20% Lana | Colors: Feather White, Maine Scarlet}

Land's End

View On Landsend.com

What We Like

Comfortable cotton-and-polyester inner lining
Reflective exterior
Integrates easier with leashes and harnesses
Machine-washable

What We Don't Like

Not entirely waterproof
Less durable than higher-end products

Land’s End is a brand name instantly recognizable and revered by many human beings who love the great outdoors; why wouldn’t you invest in some weather-resistant gear for your pooch there as well? One of a few doggie raincoat options from Land’s End, the Dog Rain Jacket is the best option we found among popular dog slicker offerings when it comes to hyper-affordability and resilience.

Its polyester and spandex outer shell is effective at blocking out rain, with an inner lining to seal the deal and provide some additional warmth. Though less guaranteed to block out all moisture, the 60% cotton makeup of the inner lining is also soft and highly comfortable for dogs—more so than the insulation options of some other coats on this list. (This makeup of materials also means you can machine-wash this thing, a rare luxury when it comes to dog rain gear.)

The Dog Rain Jacket is, like other items on the list, reflective on its trim and cording, meaning you can take your pup out in this fit at any hour of the night, or in deep fog. For a jacket that will run you under $35, this coat boasts all the essential features, including an adjustable design that easily accommodates leashes and harnesses, thus offering your dog maximum comfort and security.

Price at time of publish: $23

_{Sizes: XS through XL | Materials: Shell: 88% polyester, 12% spandex; Lining: 60% cotton, 40% polyester | Colors: Evening Blue, Radiant Navy, Sunburst}

Chewy

View On Chewy

What We Like

Highly portable
Offers quick and easy protection against downpour
Works well with leashes and harnesses
Unlikely to make your dog feel constricted

What We Don't Like

Only good for relatively mild downpour and warmer temperatures
Not very durable

If you’re not convinced your dog is in need of much rain protection at all, you might as well still invest in a basic poncho to have on hand for really bad downpour. Though it’s cheaper than our budget pick, we are listing it as a warm weather choice, because that is all it’s really suitable for. Made entirely of clear vinyl, it’s a quick fix for water protection that you can easily throw over and fasten onto your dog in case of an emergency.

Its bare-bones functionality means that the price tag is a full $10, so there’s no reason not to have a few on-hand. It’s available for dogs of any size, and its looseness means it’s unlikely to cause them any discomfort. It is easy to use with a leash or harness, and with its see-through look, it makes for a fun outfit. However, in serious squalls or intemperate areas, this poncho will not offer a lot of meaningful protection, so if you’re planning on doing a lot of outdoor activity with your pup, don’t make it the only rain solution you have on hand.

Price at time of publish: $11

_{Sizes: XS to XXXL | Materials: Vinyl | Colors: Clear}

4.8

Amazon

View On Amazon View On REI

What We Like

Eco-friendly materials
Waterproof
Breathable but effective insulation
Exceptionally adjustable design
Reflective

What We Don't Like

Not suitable for warmer weather

For a combination winter and rain jacket, Ruffwear has you covered with this masterfully designed Vert Jacket—just one of the many pieces of Ruffwear apparel tailormade to the needs of outdoorsy folks and their animals. The Vert balances a comfortable, breathable fit with an extremely well-fortified nylon exterior shell and polyester lining. Unlike many competing dog apparel brands, Ruffwear is extremely eco-focused in their manufacturing, as well as maintaining a commitment to performance; therefore, you get a jacket made entirely of recycled materials and with a full accounting of their exact make-up and insulatory strength (see Materials above).

The Vert includes many adjustable features for protection and security, including a easily deployable storm collar and leg loops to make sure the coat fits securely on any size of dog in any conditions. It also includes vest coverage, but only if needed, since not all sizes and breeds of animals require this level of protection. Luckily, nothing in the Vert’s coverage-focused, cold-resistant design impedes free movement, which means your pup will be able to easily run alongside you on your winter jogs or adventures.

Price at time of publish: $100

_{Sizes: XXS to XL | Materials: Shell: Waterproof 70 denier nylon ripstop rated at 10,000 mm with PVC-free PU finish; Lining: 30 denier polyester; Insulation: 120 g post-consumer recycled insulation | Colors: Aurora Teal, Canyonlands Orange}

Materials

Dogs can be at risk for hypothermia with prolonged exposure to wet, cold, or windy weather. The ideal materials to protect them fully from the elements include, for an exterior layer, nylon or another water-resistant material—Gore-Tex or waterproof canvas. To provide warmth and comfort against their coat, a fleece or other insultatory layer against their coat is important; other options include lambswool (real or synthetic).

When selecting a raincoat, though, consider the kind of weather you are trying to protect your pup against with the coat, and judge if the materials offer comprehensive enough protection, or if the insulation amount will be in danger of causing them to overheat. Make sure also that the materials used are sufficiently durable; this comes down, often, to checking customer reviews and studying the fabrics and design conscientiously. As with any other clothing, it’s usually better to push slightly beyond your ideal budget to make sure your product will stand the test of time.

Ventilation

Along with the materials the jacket is made out of, analyzing the overall design is key to understanding whether or not your dog’s body temperature will be regulated appropriately. For long-haired breeds, the fabric shouldn’t be too thick, but also there should be room from air circulate underneath the coat. There should be flaps and adjustable design features tocan serve the needs of dogs of various size, ages, and coats. You can also guarantee an appropriate level of ventilation for your pet by making sure the fit of the coat is not restrictive (see below).

Fit

It’s certainly essential that any doggie rain jacket fit them tightly, to provide ultimate protection against splashing or full submersion in water. However, you want to make sure the fit is adjustable and not too tight. If a raincoat is too tight, it can also affect the movement of the dog, leading to accidents, or leg pain. The jacket should also be designed to work with a harness or leash, so that these attachments don’t destabilize the raincoat or create discomfort during movement. Generally, the more options for adjustment built into the coat’s design, the better, since it’s hard to protect how your pup will handle specific pieces of clothing on their body.

FAQ

Do dogs need raincoats?

Generally, the answer is that raincoats can be beneficial to most types of dogs, but are rarely absolute necessities, unless they are also serving a warmth-based function. Raincoats may be crucial purchases for dogs who live in extreme climates, dogs with health problems—specifically, those prone to hypothermia—and dogs with very short hair on their undercarriage. Otherwise, in more temperate climates, dogs are just often happier when dry, as well as less smelly, so it may be worth investing in a raincoat—or just poncho—to protect them when they are getting their requisite exercise on particularly nasty days.

This article was written and researched by Winston Cook-Wilson, a regular writer for the site who has covered various forms of dog apparel and has an intimate familiarity with the retail landscape around it. Winston sought out products that best catered toward the needs of a variety of pet owners and animals, including owners of oversize or especially small dogs, and owners living in extreme weather conditions.

The 7 Best Dog Jackets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed