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For a lot of dogs, harnesses are a smart choice. They offer pet parents more security and control than a collar alone—plus they help distribute the pressure from the leash across your dog’s chest. The trouble, though, is that some harnesses that rely on thin straps can chafe or irritate a dog’s skin, or it can be difficult to get an even fit.
Vest harnesses, by contrast, are designed to minimize chafing and redistribute pressure. Dr. Ellen Russell, DVM, MPH, a practicing veterinarian and consultant for The Malamute Mom, explains: “The benefits of using a vest harness include improved control over the dog while walking, reduced pulling pressure on the neck and spine, greater security when taking your dog on adventures, and overall better safety while out in public.”
While dog harness vests generally work for most dogs, Dr. Russell notes they may not be the best choice for pups with existing neck or spine injuries. If you’re unsure, she recommends talking with your vet to see what options are best for your dog.
With Dr. Russell’s help, we’ve rounded up our favorite vest harnesses for all kinds of pups and all kinds of walks.
Best Overall: Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness
This no-pull style Rabbitgoo harness is a popular choice for daily wear. It’s padded for comfort and made of durable weather-resistant material. It’s also easy to slip on over a dog’s head. The metal D-rings on both the chest and top of the harness mean you have several options for leash attachment. Two quick-release buckles make this an easy choice if you want a quick-on, quick-off harness. It also features reflective piping for enhanced nighttime visibility, which Dr. Russell notes is important to prioritize in any harness.
Key Features:
- Available in sizes x-small, small, medium, large, and x-large
- Designed with two fast-release buckles and fully adjustable straps
- No-pull and no-choke design
Best for All-Weather: EcoBark Max Comfort and Control Harness
Designed with mesh and eco-friendly materials, this EcoBark vest harness for dogs comes in a rainbow of colors and a nice range of sizes, fitting dogs up to 65 pounds. It’s made with a double layer of mesh, making it super strong and durable, but it’s still quick and easy to put on and take off, which aligns with Dr. Russell’s advice that harnesses should be lightweight yet durable to hold up over time. This harness is designed for all weather conditions, and the materials are tailored not to rub, so it should prevent chafing under your dog’s arms and belly.
Key Features:
- Available in sizes x-small, small, medium, large, x-large, and xx-large
- 18 colors
- Halter harness design
- Designed to sit higher on a dog’s chest than other dog harness vests so as not to constrict a dog’s trachea
Best for Big Dogs: Babyltrl Dog Harness
Strong enough to handle muscular breeds like Pitbulls, Great Danes, and more, this vest harness features adjustable straps on the neck and chest for a snug, customized fit (especially handy for barrel chests) and a sturdy nylon handle on the back for improved control. It also has two leash attachment points, including one on the front for a no-pull option. The easy-buckle snaps have a locking feature for added security.
Key Features:
- Available in sizes small, medium, large, and x-large
- Reflective straps on vest
- Made with a breathable mesh lining
Best for Small Dogs: Best Pet Supplies Voyager All-Weather Dog Harness
This step-in Voyager harness relies on a Velcro closure instead of buckles, which may work well for hard-to-fit dog breeds like Corgis and Dachshunds. Made from soft, padded mesh, this vest harness won’t irritate your dog’s skin, and it has double metal D-rings for an extra-secure leash attachment. This dog harness is best suited for smaller dogs.
Key Features:
- Available in 7 sizes to fit dogs up to 28 pounds
- Designed with breathable mesh fabric and reflective bands
- Features three layers of security: hook-and-loop fastener, buckle, and double D-ring
Best No-Pull: PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness
“The best dogs to wear a vest harness are those who tend to pull while walking and require extra control in certain situations,” explains Dr. Russell. This no-pull-style vest harness from PoyPet features three buckles for extra safety, a handle on top of the harness for improved control, and a no-choke design. It also has two leash attachment points, one in front and one on top, so you can choose how to walk your dog. We also love that it is made from reflective nylon webbing for improved nighttime visibility and has multiple layers of padding for added comfort.
Key Features:
- Available in sizes x-small, small, medium, large, and x-large
- Extra cushioned padding in chest and belly for comfort
- Due to the three-snap buckle design, you don’t have to put this on over your dog’s head
Best Cushioned: Puppia Soft Dog Harness
If your pup needs a harness with a bit more cushion, this one is an excellent choice due to the internal padded design and soft fleece edges. It’s made with breathable air-mesh fabric that’s comfortable and water-resistant. The top leash attachment features a quick-release belt with a double-coated D-ring resistant to humidity and dirt.
Key Features:
- Available in sizes x-small, small, medium, large, and x-large
- Made of a lightweight yet durable cotton and polyester blend
- Machine-washable (but hand-washing is recommended for longevity)
How We Chose
The vest harnesses featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We prioritized comfort, durability, no-chafe stitching, and safety. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pups, who are never stingy with their feedback.