The Best Coyote Vests for Dogs: Ranked and Rated

Key Points

• The #1 Best Overall coyote vest for dogs is the CoyoteVest SpikeVest Dog Harness Vest.
• Coyote vests can protect your dog or cat from predators.
• Some vests feature bite-resistant neck protection, while others have spikes or bristles, resembling porcupine quills to deter or confuse predators.
• If you are afraid your pup may be scooped up by a raptor, a coyote vest with a quick, Velcro release system may be what your pet needs.
• Consider the price, which may range from $77-$130.
• Always measure your pet to order the correct size.

If you live in Arizona, California, or New Mexico, you’re probably well aware of the danger that coyotes pose to dogs. What you may not know is that coyotes have spread throughout every state in the continental U.S. Coyote attacks are now common even in urban areas like Chicago! That’s why it makes sense to get the best coyote vest to protect your dog and cat from becoming prey.

Coyote vests encase your dog’s torso and neck in a tooth-and-claw-resistant barrier. Some provide an additional defensive barrier, such as spikes. Others employ visual deterrents designed to confuse predators like coyotes and birds of prey such as hawks.  

It’s important to note that coyotes will even attack dogs that are walking with their owners. The reviews below can help you pick the right coyote vest to protect your dog from a predator attack.

#1 Best Overall Coyote Vest: CoyoteVest SpikeVest Dog Harness Vest

Our choice for the best overall coyote vest for dogs is the CoyoteVest SpikeVest Dog Harness Vest. The CoyoteVest SpikeVest is designed to slow or prevent attacks from aggressive animals like coyotes and birds of prey. This will give you time to react before a serious injury can occur.

This vest is constructed from a super-tough, puncture-resistant Cordura fabric that can resist sharp teeth from aggressive canines like coyotes. It can also withstand punctures from the talons of birds of prey such as hawks. Its large, attached neck collar will protect your pet’s vulnerable throat and neck.

The CoyoteVest SpikeVest is available in five sizes and seven colors. It comes with three sets of removable spike strips: one set for your dog’s neck and one for each side on the back of the vest. The spikes are made of extremely hard plastic that won’t hurt you or your pet. But they are sharp enough to hurt an aggressive animal that bites with enough pressure.

Other features include a customizable fit, a D-ring to accommodate a leash easily, and reflective features to make your dog more visible at night. Plus, the entire SpikeVest is made of waterproof material with no metal parts that can rust.

This product received excellent reviews, but a few buyers said that it’s overpriced. One reviewer purchased this vest to protect their Boston Terrier from a vicious neighborhood dog. When the dog attacked, it ripped the spikes off and ran away with them. The reviewer said that the vest “didn’t work,” but we think that it worked perfectly since their dog was unharmed.

Pros and Cons of CoyoteVest SpikeVest Dog Harness Vest

Overall Best

CoyoteVest SpikeVest Dog Harness Vest

• Designed to slow or prevent attacks from aggressive animals
• Constructed from a super-tough, puncture-resistant Cordura fabric
• Comes with a large, attached neck collar
• Available in five sizes and seven colors

Check Amazon

2. Best Basic Coyote Vest: Raptor Shield Puncture Resistant Pet Vest for Small Dogs

Don’t let the name fool you, the Raptor Shield Puncture Resistant Pet Vest for Small Dogs is designed to provide protection from coyotes as well as birds of prey.

The Raptor Shield Puncture Resistant Pet Vest for Small Dogs is made in the U.S.A. from puncture-resistant polycarbonate, the same material as bulletproof glass. This durable, lightweight protection vest comes in four sizes to accommodate dogs from two to 22 pounds.  

It features adjustable neck and chest straps so you can create the perfect fit for your dog.

Several reviewers said that this vest is so stiff that their dogs can’t or won’t walk when they’re wearing it. A few buyers believe that it’s too expensive.

Pros and Cons of Raptor Shield Puncture Resistant Pet Vest for Small Dogs

Best Basic Vest

Raptor Shield Puncture Resistant Pet Vest

• Protects cats — as well as dogs — from coyotes, birds of prey and other predatory creatures
• Puncture-proof and durable construction keeps cats safe
• Available in four sizes for pets less than 22 lbs
• Adjustable neck and chest straps ensure secure and comfortable fit

Check Amazon

3. Best Coyote Vest Visual Deterrent Accessory: CoyoteVest CoyoteWhiskers Protection Nylon Bristles

CoyoteWhiskers look really cool to humans, but these neon-colored nylon bristles will deter coyotes and raptors from attacking. You can attach and remove these flexible, lightweight spikes from your dog’s CoyoteVest SpikeVest (sold separately) using their Velcro tabs.  

These pliable bristles are available in eight colors, including solids and multi-colored “Rainbow.” They come as an easy-to-assemble kit. Just insert the “whiskers” into the cups that hold them in place. The manufacturer’s short instructional video demonstrates how.

CoyoteVest CoyoteWhiskers Protection Nylon Bristles are not harmful to your pet or to other friendly canines.

A few reviewers said that attaching the spikes was time consuming.

Pros and Cons of CoyoteVest CoyoteWhiskers Protection Nylon Bristles

Best With Visual Deterrent

CoyoteVest CoyoteWhiskers Protection Nylon Bristles

• Brightly-colored bristles deter coyotes and birds of prey
• Bristles easily attach to your cat's spike vest
• Available in eight colors
• Bristles don't harm your pet

Check Amazon

4. Best Protective Accessory: CoyoteVest HawkShield Pad for CoyoteVest SpikeVest

The HawkShield pad provides an additional layer of protection from coyotes and raptors. Simply attach it to the top of your dog’s CoyoteVest SpikeVest (sold separately). It’s designed to reduce your pet’s chance of being attacked on the back by a predator or being carried away by a bird of prey.

The HawkShield features three layers of DuPont Kevlar that are resistant to sharp canine teeth and the talons of hawks and other raptors. It has just enough Velcro to hold it securely in place on the SpikeVest. If a bird of prey grabs your pet by the HawkShield, your dog’s weight will cause the HawkShield to release from the vest, giving them a chance to escape to safety.

This protective pad is available in seven fluorescent colors in sizes to match the SpikeVest. You should order the same size as the vest that it will be used on.

No critical reviews were available.

Pros and Cons of the CoyoteVest HawkShield Pad for CoyoteVest SpikeVest

Best Protective Accessory

CoyoteVest HawkShield Pad for CoyoteVest or SpikeVest

• Easily attaches to CoyoteVest SpikeVest for added protection
• Features three layers of Kevlar to help prevent punctures and injuries
• Easy-release separation gives pets the opportunity to escape
• Available in seven colors

Check Amazon

Choosing the Best Coyote Vests for Dogs: What to Look for

When you’re shopping for the best coyote vest for your dog, you need to consider the price, features, and accessories. Coyote vests range from $77 to $130 depending on the brand and the size of the dog for which the vest is intended. Next, consider whether you want a basic coyote vest or one with features such as spikes. Finally, determine whether the brand that you choose offers accessories and a means to attach them to the vest.

The Different Types of Coyote Vest: Pros and Cons Compared

When choosing the best coyote vest for your pup, first you need to be familiar with the different types that are available. There are basic coyote vests and those that have additional features and/or accessories.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of each type:

Basic Coyote Vests

Coyote Vests with Spikes And Additional Deterrent

Our Criteria: How We Chose the Best

The safety of your pet is your top priority as a dog owner. It is terrifying to think of a bird of prey or a wild animal attacking your precious fur baby. For this reason, we have searched for the best dog coyote vests to protect your pet. Our choices are made of layers of thick, stab-resistant material such as DuPont Kevlar to protect their skin from razor sharp teeth and talons. Most of the vests have this durable barrier on the back and around the neck, which is where a coyote may bite. The hard, plastic spikes have proved to be a deterrent as well. Many reviewers have testified that these coyote vests saved their small dogs from owls, raptors, and even coyotes.

The Hawkshield is designed with Velcro for easy attachment and release. If your dog were to be lifted by a bird of prey by the shield, the Velcro would quickly detach from the vest, allowing your dog a quick escape from being airlifted. We feel this safety feature will provide you with peace of mind for you for small dog.

Overall, our top choices look and feel great. Our small dogs seem to feel comfortable in these vests, wearing them multiple times a day. Make sure to measure your pet and find the correct size to ensure it will stay put and not chafe your pet’s legs. The bright colors help with visibility at night, which is especially important since owls and coyotes do their main hunting then. You will be able to see your pup if he goes out in the backyard at sundown. Not to mention, a coyote vest can make quite the fashion statement!

At the end of the day, supervision is the best way to keep your dog safe from a predator. But a protective coyote vest will buy you some time to fend off a threat, and it could even save your dog’s life.

Related Images

Up Next

• Discover The Best Carhartt Dog Products — One of the best brands of high quality gear for you has dog products too. Find durable, tried and true workwear and outdoor gear for your best buddy.
• Tuff Mutt Hands Free Bungee Dog Leash — A hands-free dog leash can make dog walking a much more pleasant experience, especially if you have a hand condition such as arthritis or if you need your hands for other uses like hiking. This one is worn around your hips.
• We Reviewed the Best Collapsible Dog Bowls – These Won — Give your pup a drink on the go. Check out our favorite collapsible dog bowls so your dog will stay hydrated!
• Discover The Best Calming Dog Beds: Ranked and Reviewed — Your bed is a symbol of relaxation, peace, and quiet. Your pup’s bed should be too. Find a dog bed to provide comfort and calm to your fur baby so that you both can get a good night’s sleep.