Top 5 best reflective Hi-Vis dog coats.
Ensuring the safety of both you and your furry companion is paramount, especially during the extended hours of darkness in winter. Amidst the chilly nights and early mornings, it's crucial to invest in the best hi-vis dog coat to guarantee visibility and protection for your canine friend. Embrace the mantra, 'Be SEEN, Be SAFE this Winter.'
When venturing out for walks during the dimly lit days, having visibility is key. While winter jackets adorned with reflective strips may not win any fashion awards, their practicality shines through by ensuring visibility at every light intensity.
This comprehensive review delves into five distinct hi-vis dog jackets, each catering to specific needs. From highly reflective options to those offering extra warmth and waterproof features, the choice depends on your dog's unique requirements.
To aid your decision-making process, we've compiled a list of pros and cons for each hi-vis dog coat. Whether your priority is maximum reflectivity or weather resistance, this winter, make an informed choice to keep both you and your canine companion safe. Remember, 'Be Seen, Be Safe this Winter.'
British brand 'Petlife', manufactures a top-quality Hi-Vis dog jacket with the outer fabric consisting of a hardwearing, showerproof polyester outer lining which keeps the dog dryer for longer. It is complete with hi-vis straps along either side of the jacket to provide extra safety for both the animal and the owner.
The inner fabric incorporates a layer of Flectalon® insulation, which reflects 95% of radiated heat back onto the dog, thus preventing heat loss in temperatures as low as minus 5 degrees.
The Hi-Vis jacket is available in 11 different sizes to cater for most breeds and sizes of dogs. It is manufactured with complete fully adjustable and fast-action buckles, which are easier to use and more hardwearing than the traditional Velcro fasteners. There is one that straps around the middle of the body, and one at the front end.
Flectalon® is an insulation material that was developed by NASA and is now manufactured in the UK. Flectalon® is an extremely efficient insulation material combining conventional trapped air thermal insulation with multiple mirror finish surfaces
Quality: Manufactured from good quality material including Flectalon®
Waterproof: No, only showerproof outer
Reflective: Yes, a full-length strip on both sides of the jacket.
Warmth: Good thermal properties and preventing heat loss in temperatures as low as minus 5 degrees.
Sizes: Available in 11 sizes to accommodate the majority of dogs.
Colours: Only available in one colour, Hi-Vis Yellow.
Conclusion: This is a great coat, made from high-quality material, with good reflective and thermal properties and priced highly competitive.
Positives | Negatives |
Made from high-quality material | Only available in one colour |
Good reflective and thermal properties | Only Showerproof |
11 Sizes | |
Our second review is another British Brand ‘Animate’ which was recently bought by ‘Pet Choice’ which has several brand names in the UK.
Another fantastic value is a waterproof, padded, and windproof dog coat made in high-tech padded breathable fabric that is soft and dry on the inside yet highly water and cold-resistant. The design will let perspiration pass through while keeping the rain out but also keep your dog's natural body temperature while doing outdoor activities.
No matter how extreme the temperature, the breathable comfort fabric will keep its comfort qualities at temperatures ranging from -20’C up to 45’C wherever you go.
It has a special built-in zipped harness hole that is compatible with most harnesses. This allows your dog to wear their walking or travel harness underneath the coat, ensuring you can still connect your dog’s lead with ease without altering the efficiency of either your dog’s current harness or the coat.
The coat comes with Velcro fastenings across the chest and under the belly making the coat easy to put on and stays in place.
Quality: The coast has been made using good quality material.
Waterproof: Yes,
Reflective: Yes, reflective strap around the middle of the coat.
Warmth: Good thermal properties down to -20’c
Sizes: Available in 10 sizes to accommodate the majority of dogs.
Colours: Available in black/yellow
Conclusion: The convenience of a hole to attach to a harness is good if your dog wears one. Thermal protection is very good down to -20'C.
Positives | Negatives |
Hole to attach a lead to a harness | Only available in one colour |
Good thermal properties down to -20'c | Only a small reflective strip |
Coat wraps under the dog's chest | |
The Danish Design brand is not Danish at all and has its roots firmly in Yorkshire for over 30 years. This jacket is slightly different to the others that we have reviewed as this Hi-Vis dog jacket has a 2-in-1 design.
It has a removable Polar Fleece liner, this coat is superb for both the winter and warmer months. For winter warmth, attach the Polar Fleece liner to the coat with the easifit Velcro strips which have light reflective beading and fastening strap and full chest protection. The jacket is also windproof and breathable.
When it’s warmer, remove the fleece and the coat converts to a light raincoat.
Fully machine washable and available in 11 sizes to suit most dogs.
Quality: As with all ‘Danish Design’ products, this has been made using good quality material.
Waterproof: Yes,
Reflective: Yes, reflective strap around the middle of the coat.
Warmth: Good thermal properties.
Sizes: Available in 11 sizes to accommodate the majority of dog sizes.
Colours: Available in yellow.
Conclusion: The only jacket that is designed to be used all year round. Good value for money and made with quality material. We highly recommend this product
Positives | Negatives |
2-in-1 design works in all conditions | Only available in one colour |
11 sizes available | |
Very good thermal protection | |
The WeatherBeeta brand has been synonymous with both Horse and dog jackets for over 40 years. This fantastic WeatherBeeta Reflective Dog Coat is a high visibility coat with reflective stripes and is showerproof and breathable. Using a 300 Denier outer fabric, this great dog coat fits securely via easily adjustable touch tape closures.
This WeatherBeeta Reflective Dog coat is great value for money and an ideal product for owners who need a little help keeping an eye on their dog in the dark.
Quality: Manufactured from good quality material.
Waterproof: Showerproof
Reflective: Yes, reflective trim around the front of the coat and trims.
Warmth: Good thermal properties
Sizes: Available in 6 sizes to accommodate the majority of dogs.
Colours: Available in Yellow.
Conclusion: A long-standing brand that is so confident of its quality it comes with a 3-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Positives | Negatives |
Showerproof | Lacking a reflective strip down the side of the coat |
Good fitting | No hole for lead to connect to a harness |
Warm and padded | |
Ancol is another British brand that has been around since 1971 and makes several dog products. Ancol has branded this under the Muddy Paws stormguard coat and has been inspired by professional outdoor pursuits clothing. Designed to keep your dog comfortable in all weathers. It has a cosy fleece lining to insulate your dog from the cold, an enduring water-proof surface to help keep them dry and a chest protector strap to keep your dog's chest clean and dry if they run through those muddy puddles.
The Ancol Stormguard Coat has a host of features to improve comfort and efficiency. These include an elasticated neck to allow for simple removal and a snug fit once on, elasticated back leg straps with Ancol branded studs, reflective edging tape to help your dog stay visible in the dark and a neck flap with 'Muddy Paws' stitching containing a handy lead slot for simple lead attachment and removal. It wraps underneath covering the majority of the underneath of your dog
Quality: Manufactured from good quality material.
Waterproof: Waterproof surface
Reflective: Yes, reflective trim around the edges of the coat.
Warmth: Good thermal properties
Sizes: Available in 6 sizes to accommodate the majority of dogs.
Colours: Available in six colours, Yellow, Black, Blue, Brown, Pink, Red.
Conclusion: If you want a waterproof jacket in a different colour to the traditional yellow, then this might be the coat for you. This coast also coves a good part of the underside of your dog. Made from quality material, with good visibility and thermal properties.
Positives | Negatives |
Waterproof | Lacking a lark reflective band |
Wraps under the dog | |
Warm and padded | |
5 FAQ about Dog Hi-Vis Coats
1. What is a dog hi-vis coat, and why is it important?
- A dog hi-vis coat is a brightly colored or reflective garment designed for dogs to enhance their visibility, especially in low-light conditions. It's important because it helps make your dog more visible to drivers, reducing the risk of accidents when walking or playing near roads, especially during dawn, dusk, or nighttime.
2. Are hi-vis coats only for larger dogs, or can small dogs wear them too?
- Hi-vis coats are available in various sizes, so they can be worn by dogs of all sizes, from small breeds to large ones. It's important to choose the right size to ensure a comfortable fit for your dog.
3. What are the key features to look for in a high-quality dog hi-vis coat?
- A high-quality dog hi-vis coat should have:
- Bright, reflective colors or materials.
- Adjustable straps for a secure fit.
- Durable, water-resistant fabric.
- Easy on and off design for convenience.
- Proper coverage to protect your dog from the elements.
4. When should I use a dog hi-vis coat for my pet?
- You should use a dog hi-vis coat whenever you're walking your dog in low-light conditions, such as early morning or late evening. Additionally, they can be useful in rainy or foggy weather to enhance visibility. If you and your dog enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or camping, a hi-vis coat can also help keep them visible.
5. Do hi-vis coats offer any protection other than visibility?
- While the primary purpose of a dog hi-vis coat is to enhance visibility, some models also provide added protection against the elements. They can help keep your dog warm and dry in cold or wet weather. Additionally, certain hi-vis coats have features like reflective piping for increased visibility or built-in harnesses for added control during walks.
Remember that the safety and comfort of your dog should always be a top priority when selecting and using a dog hi-vis coat.
Updated 24/10/2023
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