When you live in an apartment, rain doesn’t cancel the walk. Your dog still needs to go out, usually more than once, and there’s no backyard door to open for a quick minute. Then you get back inside with a soaked, shivering pup who shakes all over the hallway, drips in the elevator, and leaves wet paw prints across your rug. A good dog rain jacket keeps most of that water on the outside, so the walk is more comfortable for your dog and the cleanup is a lot quicker for you.
Here are three rain jackets we think suit wet city walks, from a budget-friendly hooded slicker to a full-body suit for muddy sidewalks, plus a simple guide to finding the right fit.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Approx. Price | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDE Dog Raincoat with Hood & Leash Hole | ~$22–$25 | Back, sides and hood | Quick potty walks on a budget |
| Spark Paws Full-Coverage Dog Raincoat | ~$27–$40 | Full body, including belly and legs | Long walks, muddy sidewalks and fluffy dogs |
| Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat | ~$75 | Back, hips and storm collar | Daily walkers who want a durable, packable shell |
Prices change often and can vary by size and color. Check the current price at each link.
1. HDE Dog Raincoat with Hood & Leash Hole
Check the HDE Dog Raincoat on Amazon
This classic hooded slicker is one of the most-reviewed dog raincoats on Amazon, with a 4.4-star average from more than 19,000 ratings. It’s simple, light and inexpensive, which makes it a great first raincoat if you’re not sure your dog will even tolerate wearing one.
It goes on like a little poncho with an adjustable belly strap, and there’s an opening on the back so you can clip your leash to a harness underneath. Reflective trim helps drivers see you on dark, drizzly evenings, and the hood helps keep rain off your dog’s head and neck. It weighs just a few ounces, so it folds into a coat pocket or hangs on a hook by your apartment door.
Best for: Quick morning and bedtime potty walks, and dogs trying a raincoat for the first time.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Hood plus a leash opening for wearing over a harness
- Reflective trim for dark evenings
- Lightweight and easy to store
Cons
- Water resistant rather than fully waterproof, so it’s best for light to moderate rain
- Doesn’t cover the belly or legs
- Some dogs won’t keep the hood up
2. Spark Paws Full-Coverage Dog Raincoat
Check the Spark Paws Raincoat on Amazon
If your walks mean puddles, slush and splashing cars, a full-body suit saves the most cleanup. The Spark Paws raincoat covers the back, belly and legs, and it’s currently the #1 best seller in Dog Raincoats on Amazon, with a 4.5-star average from about 1,900 ratings.
It has a hood, an adjustable neck wrap, side buckles so you don’t have to wrestle your dog’s legs through tight holes, a breathable mesh lining, reflective strips, and covered harness openings. A toggle at the back legs adjusts the fit for bathroom breaks. It comes in sizes from Small up to 4XL, so it works for little city dogs and big ones too. It’s machine washable on cold, and you hang it to dry.
Best for: Fluffy or long-haired dogs, muddy sidewalks, and anyone tired of toweling off a wet belly.
Pros
- Full-body coverage, including the belly and legs
- Side buckles make it easier to put on
- Breathable mesh lining and reflective strips
- Wide size range, from Small to 4XL
Cons
- Takes a little longer to put on than a simple slicker
- Some reviewers say sizing runs off, so measure your dog first
- Some reviewers say it’s better for steady rain than very heavy downpours
3. Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat
Check the Ruffwear Sun Shower on Amazon
Ruffwear is known for gear that holds up to daily use, and the Sun Shower is its lightweight, waterproof and windproof rain shell. It’s made from seam-sealed ripstop fabric and has a 4.6-star average from more than 900 ratings on Amazon.
The longer vest-style cut covers your dog’s hips and thighs, the oversized storm collar folds up for extra protection, and adjustable leg loops keep it from twisting in the wind. Side-release buckles make it quick to put on and take off, a leash portal on the back works over most harnesses, and reflective trim plus a light loop help you stay visible on dark walks. It also packs down small, which is nice when your closet space is limited.
Best for: Dogs who walk every day in all weather, and owners who want one raincoat that lasts.
Pros
- Waterproof, windproof, seam-sealed shell
- Extended coverage over hips and thighs
- Easy side-release buckles and a harness leash portal
- Packs down small for apartment storage
Cons
- The most expensive pick here
- No belly or leg coverage
- Ruffwear sizing runs by chest girth, so measure carefully
Buying Guide: Choosing a Rain Jacket for City Walks
Measure before you buy. Measure your dog’s chest at the widest part of the rib cage, and their back from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Every brand sizes a little differently, so check each size chart instead of guessing from your dog’s weight.
Waterproof or water resistant? Water-resistant slickers handle drizzle and quick potty breaks. If you walk for a while in steady rain, look for a waterproof shell with sealed seams.
Think about how much coverage you need. A basic jacket keeps the back dry. A full-body suit also covers the belly and legs, which matters a lot for low-to-the-ground dogs and fluffy coats that soak up puddle water.
Look for a harness opening. City dogs usually walk on a harness. A leash hole or portal lets you clip on without taking the jacket off, which is handy in a crowded lobby.
Reflective trim matters in the city. Rainy days get dark early, and drivers have a harder time seeing you at crosswalks. Reflective strips, or a clip-on light, help a lot.
Plan a drip spot by the door. Keep a hook for the jacket and a towel by your apartment door, so the wet coat comes off before your dog reaches the couch.
FAQ
Does my dog really need a raincoat?
Not every dog does, but small dogs, short-haired dogs, seniors, and dogs who hate getting wet are often more comfortable with one. It also means less drying and cleanup when you get back to your apartment.
How do I get my dog used to wearing a raincoat?
Start indoors. Let your dog sniff it, put it on for a minute with treats, and take it off. Slowly make the sessions longer before trying it on a real rainy walk.
Can my dog wear a raincoat over a harness?
Yes. All three picks here have a leash opening or portal on the back so you can clip your leash to a harness underneath.
How do I wash a dog raincoat?
Most can be machine washed on a gentle, cold cycle and hung to dry. Check the label for each one, and skip the dryer, since heat can damage waterproof coatings.
Which One Should You Pick?
- Just need quick potty walks covered? The HDE Dog Raincoat is light, simple and budget-friendly.
- Fluffy dog or muddy sidewalks? Go with the Spark Paws Full-Coverage Raincoat to keep the belly and legs dry too.
- Walk every day, rain or shine? The Ruffwear Sun Shower is a tough, waterproof shell that packs down small.
Hang the jacket by the door next to the leash, and rainy-day walks get a lot less soggy for both of you.
More for apartment dogs: Pair your raincoat with one of our harnesses for elevators and city walks, keep a washable blanket ready for drying off, and find dog-friendly places on our Dog Fun Map. Browse All Guides.
Photo: Yaroslav Shuraev on Pexels.
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