The Best Light-Up Dog Harnesses: Everything You Need to Know

Written by Kellianne Matthews
Updated: November 15, 2022
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If you’re like most dog owners, you know that keeping your dog safe is a top priority. Choosing a light-up dog harness is one of the best ways you can protect your pup when you’re out after dark or in limited-visibility weather conditions. Light-up harnesses can help ensure your dog is seen by drivers before a tragedy occurs, plus they make it easier for both you and your dog to see as you walk.

Many lit harnesses offer other safety features such as reflective strips or flashing lights to draw even more attention to your canine companion and keep him or her safe. The LED lights that illuminate these harnesses are long-lasting and battery-powered for simple operation.

If you’re looking for the best LED dog harness or vest for your dog, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve researched and reviewed some of the top products on the market and narrowed our selections down to these high-performing models. Keep reading to find the best-lit harness for your pup!

  1. noxgear Illuminated and Reflective Harness for Dogs

    •Various LED colors for visibility

    •Different light motions to signal in the dark

    •Rechargeable battery

    •Machine washable

    Check Amazon
  2. Domi Light Up No Pull Dog Harness

    •Padded, no pull design harness

    •2 mode LED lights

    •Fast-charging battery; rechargeable

    •3 sizes


    Check Amazon
  3. Blazin' Safety LED Lighted Dog Harness

    •LED & reflective harness

    •Fits small dogs

    •8 LED modes

    •Rechargeable battery

    Check Amazon
  4. ILLUMISEEN LED Dog Vest

    •Comfortable LED & reflective vest for all sizes

    •Rechargeable LED battery

    •Easily adjustable


    Check Amazon
  5. 5-Pack LED Dog Collar Clip-On Lights

    •5-pack LED clip on light

    •Visibility of 1 mile

    •Set of batteries included with purchase

    •Can be used on other gear

    Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Light-Up Dog Harness Today

#1 Best Overall: noxgear LightHound Harness for Dogs

After researching multiple harnesses, the noxgear LightHound Harness for Dogs is the one we prefer because it offers a lot of impressive features.

The vest features color-changing LED solid lights that allow you to choose between red, yellow, purple, blue, magenta, green, pink, and cyan to keep your dog visible in the dark. There are also six special modes in which multiple lights will flash or fade. These include “Independence Day,” “Rainbow,” “Rescue,” and “Disco Dog,” all adapted by specialists for best visibility in the dark or adverse conditions. Different lighting modes can be selected at the simple press of a button when you are out with your dog.

The layout of the LED lights on this harness allows dogs to be spotted from over half a mile away. Lights and reflective technology are present on all sides of the vest to ensure your dog is visible from every direction.

This lit harness uses a rechargeable battery that is quick to charge and offers up to 12 hours of illumination. The harness also features durable construction using military-grade Cordura fabric, 3M reflective bias, and heavy-duty hardware. You can even wash this harness easily — just throw it in the washing machine!

However, some customers have reported concerns with the thickness of the harness. The straps are thin and there is no extra padding, so it could be uncomfortable for some dogs, and the battery pack may get in the way if your dog is actively playing.

Pros and Cons of the noxgear LightHound Harness for Dogs

ProsCons
This vest has solid, color-changing LED lights with many color choices (red, yellow, purple, blue, magenta, green, pink, and cyan).The straps of the harness of not super thick, and there is no extra padding, which could be uncomfortable for some dogs.
The LED lights have different lighting modes and can be set to be solid, flash, or fade.Some customers have reported concerns with the placement of the battery pack if a dog is actively playing with other dogs.
The LED lights have an efficient layout that helps your dog to be seen from over half a mile away in any direction.
The harness uses a rechargeable battery that can last up to 12 hours of illumination.
It is made from military-grade Cordura fabric, 3M reflective bias, and heavy-duty hardware.
The harness is machine washable.
Best Overall
noxgear Illuminated and Reflective Harness for Dogs

•Various LED colors for visibility

•Different light motions to signal in the dark

•Rechargeable battery

•Machine washable

Check Amazon

2. Best for No-Pull: Domi LED Dog Harness

If your dog pulls too much on the leash, this lit no-pull harness from Domi is a great option to consider. The padded, no-pull design will help you train your dog to walk on a leash and keep them from pulling away.

This harness offers two different modes to make sure your dog is always visible outside: choose from steady glowing LED lights or flashing LED lights. It features a fast-charging battery that will fully charge after just two hours. Once fully charged, the battery can last for up to eight hours with the fast-flashing lights mode or up to three hours with the steady glowing mode.

Domi designed this harness to be comfortable for dogs to wear. It features padded straps and adjustable straps to ensure a secure yet comfortable fit for your dog. When needed, you can remove the battery and hand-wash the harness.

There are three different harness sizes (small, medium, and large) available for dogs with chests between 17 and 42 inches in circumference. You can also choose from four harness colors: blue, green, red, and rose red.

Unfortunately, unlike our first choice, you cannot see this dog harness from head-on, and it is not quite as bright. Some customers have also reported issues with the harness slipping and moving around while their dog was wearing it.

Pros and Cons of the Domi LED Dog Harness

ProsCons
This harness is padded, making it more comfortable for your dog.This harness is not as bright as other options, and cannot be seen from a head-on approach.
There are two different settings for the LED lights (steady glow or flashing).Some customers reported issues with the harness slipping and moving around while their dog was wearing it.
The fast-charging battery fully charges after just two hours.
The battery lasts up to eight hours using the flashing lights mode, or up to three hours with the steady glow mode.
There are three sizes of harnesses to choose from (small, medium, and large).
The harness comes in four colors (blue, green, red, and rose red).
Best No Pull
Domi Light Up No Pull Dog Harness

•Padded, no pull design harness

•2 mode LED lights

•Fast-charging battery; rechargeable

•3 sizes


Check Amazon

3. Best for Small Dogs: Blazin’ Safety LED Dog Harness

Help light up your small-breed dog at night with the Blazin’ Safety LED Dog Harness. This harness is suitable for use with dogs with a chest circumference as small as 13 inches. With the Velcro straps, you can easily adjust the fit of the harness to your dog’s exact size.

The harness is designed with LED lights and reflective fabric that make it possible to spot a dog up to 800 yards away. There are eight different solid color lighting options and six different flashing light modes you can choose from to make sure your dog is visible in the dark. You can easily switch between the various modes by pressing a button on the harness.

The design of this harness also ensures that dogs can be seen from all directions. It features four different light strips with independent lights on all sides of the harness.

This harness has a rechargeable battery that can last for up to 15 hours. The battery can be recharged using a USB port on a computer, power bank, or wall box.

While the lights are quite bright, some customers reported issues with the lights going out after a few months of use. In addition, the buckles are not as strong as other harnesses, so it may not be the best pick for a dog that pulls hard on the leash or rolls around a lot.

Pros and Cons of the Blazin’ Safety LED Dog Harness

ProsCons
This harness can fit small dogs with a chest circumference as low as 13 inches.Some customers reported issues with the lights going out after a few months of use.
It can be adjusted using Velcro straps.The buckles on this harness are not as strong as some of the other options, so it is not the best choice for strong dogs that pull on the leash or roll around a lot.
There are eight solid light options and six flashing light modes to choose from.
The design of the harness allows your dog to be seen from all directions.
The rechargeable battery can last up to 15 hours and can be recharged using a USB port on a computer, power bank, or wall box.
Best for Small Breeds
Blazin' Safety LED Lighted Dog Harness

•LED & reflective harness

•Fits small dogs

•8 LED modes

•Rechargeable battery

Check Amazon

4. Best for Large Dogs: Illumiseen LED Dog Vest

Big dogs need to stay safe after dark too, and with the Illumiseen LED Dog Vest, you can make sure your large dog is easy to see. This vest is available in five different sizes. The largest size (extra-large) fits dogs with a chest circumference of up to 41.3 inches.

The vest features two rows of LED lights and reflective strips to increase the visibility of your dog in the dark or when visibility is low due to weather. The rechargeable battery takes just one hour to reach a full charge and only requires a micro-USB cable and USB port.

Illumiseen designed this vest to be comfortable for dogs to wear by using soft and breathable materials. You can easily adjust the fit of the vest with the belt. You can also remove it quickly if necessary by using the quick-release clips.

The LED lights are bright and help make your dog very visible at night. However, some customers struggled with the lights being a bit too bright and hurting their eyes. In addition, some customers reported the battery falling out and getting lost.

Pros and Cons of the Illumiseen LED Dog Vest

ProsCons
There are five size options to fit even large dogs with a chest circumference up to 41.3 inches.The lights are very bright, and may be too bright for some people.
LED lights and reflective strips increase your dog’s visibility at night.A few customers reported problems with the battery falling out and getting lost.
The rechargeable battery only takes one hour to reach full charge, and only requires a micro-USB cable and USB port.
The vest is made of soft and breathing materials, making it comfortable for your dog to wear.
The vest is easily adjusted using the belt and can be removed quickly with the quick-release clips.
Best for Large Dogs
ILLUMISEEN LED Dog Vest

•Comfortable LED & reflective vest for all sizes

•Rechargeable LED battery

•Easily adjustable


Check Amazon

5. Best Clip-On Light: FLYARFLY 5-Pack LED Clip-On Lights

If your dog already has a harness that you like, consider trying these clip-on lights from FYARFLY. Rather than replacing the whole harness or having two separate harnesses for day and night use, simply clip one of the five lights that come in this set to their existing harness.

The clip-on lights in this set come in five different colors: red, green, blue, orange, and pink. Each light makes it possible to see your dog from up to half a mile away. There are three different bulbs on each light for enhanced visibility. You can also choose from three different modes: steady, blinking lights, or multi-lights.

The LED lights on these clip-ons are powered using two CR2016 batteries which can offer up to 80 hours of use (with the flashing mode). One set of batteries is included with each purchase, but if needed, you can purchase replacement batteries for the lights. Although the batteries should last quite a while, some customers have reported a much shorter battery life, so you may need to have some backup batteries on hand.

In addition to using these clip-on lights for your dog’s harness, they can also be used to light up different people or objects, such as children, a stroller, keychains, camping gear, bicycles, and more. However, it is important to note that the clips on these lights are not super solid and can break easily with some force.

Best Clip-On Light
5-Pack LED Dog Collar Clip-On Lights

•5-pack LED clip on light

•Visibility of 1 mile

•Set of batteries included with purchase

•Can be used on other gear

Check Amazon

Pros and Cons of the FLYARFLY 5-Pack LED Clip-On Lights

ProsCons
This is a great option if you already have a harness your dog likes.Some customers reported a short battery life, so you may need to keep an extra set of batteries on hand.
The lights come in five different colors (red, green, blue, orange, and pink).The clips themselves are not super strong and can break with force.
The lights are bright and make it possible to see your dog from up to half a mile away.
There are three different lighting modes (steady, blinking lights, and multi-lights).
Since the clip-on lights are removable, you can use them to light up different people or other objects as well.
The lights are powered using powdered using two replaceable CR2016 batteries.

What to Look for in a Lit Dog Harness

As you’re shopping for the best-lit dog harness, keep the following features in mind:

  • Lighting
  • Battery
  • Fit and comfort
  • Added safety features

Since every lit harness is a bit different, using this buying guide can help you select the model that will work best with your dog and ensure they stay safe. Let’s take a look at these features in more detail.

Lighting

Clearly, if you’re choosing a lit dog harness, you want to choose one that will be sufficiently bright. Read the manufacturer’s description to see the distance from which the lights should be visible.

Also, pay attention to where the LED lights are placed on the vest. For optimal visibility from any direction, choose a harness that features lights on each side, as well as the front and top.

Battery

Battery life is also important to consider when choosing a lit dog harness. You want to choose a harness with a battery that will last long enough that you won’t need to constantly be recharging it.

Some LED harnesses use rechargeable batteries, while others use standard, disposable batteries. Either option should work fine, just consider your preferences and whether you plan to use the harness somewhere you won’t have electrical access for recharging a battery (such as when camping with your dog).

Fit and Comfort

A properly fitting harness is always important for keeping your dog safe; you don’t want your dog to be able to escape from a harness that is too large or become injured by one that is too tight. Manufacturers offer sizing guides that use the circumference of your dog’s chest to help you find the right fit. You can also look at how adjustable each harness is; many feature straps that can be tightened or loosened to ensure a proper fit.

Next, keep your dog’s comfort in mind when shopping. Look for padded harnesses and products made using comfortable and breathable materials.

Added Safety Features

Finally, look to see if there are any added safety features that can offer enhanced protection for your dog. These features may include glow-in-the-dark or reflective strips and flashing lights.

Durable and high-quality materials, particularly the D-ring attachment for a leash, can also increase the safety of a harness. They will help ensure that the harness will stay intact and that the leash will remain connected.

Does My Dog Need a Lit Harness?

Chances are, purchasing a lit harness will be beneficial for your pup. If you take your dog out at all after dark or during the early morning hours, the added safety offered by an LED harness can help protect your dog. It will help make them more visible to any vehicles on the road as well as alert other people on the path that you are walking with a dog (this could prevent someone from getting startled or scared). Reflective or glow-in-the-dark strips that are added to many LED harnesses can make it even easier to see your dog in the dark.

An LED harness can also be beneficial if your dog goes out to the bathroom on their own in the backyard after dark. With a lit harness, you’ll be able to see exactly where they are in the yard to keep track of them or find them to bring back inside if needed.

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About the Author

Kellianne Matthews is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on anthrozoology, conservation, human-animal relationships, and animal behavior. Kellianne has been writing and researching animals for over ten years and has decades of hands-on experience working with a variety of different animals. She holds a Master’s Degree from Brigham Young University, which she earned in 2017. A resident of Utah, Kellianne enjoys creating, exploring and learning new things, analyzing movies, caring for animals, and playing with her cats.

The Best Light-Up Dog Harnesses: Everything You Need to Know FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Why should I use a lighted dog harness?

There are many reasons to consider using a lighted dog harness with your dog. Having LED lights on your dog’s harness can increase overall visibility from all directions, reducing the chance of them being hit by a vehicle or separated from you outside. The lights on the harness also allow your dog to see more clearly in the dark as well.

If you let your dog out alone in a fenced-in backyard to go potty at night, you will be able to track their location by looking for the lights on their collar. This can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your dog is safe.

Do lighted dog harnesses really work?

Yes, lighted harnesses really work. The LED lights make it possible for you and others to clearly see your dog in the dark or in other weather conditions where visibility is reduced. Lighted harnesses offer a better alternative to lighted leashes since there is more space to hold more LED lights for increased illumination. Plus, with a lighted harness, you don’t need to worry about accidentally injuring your dog’s neck, as is possible with a collar.

What is the best lighted dog harness?

The best LED dog harness will be bright enough for you to easily see your dog. You want to find one with sufficient LED lighting to allow you to spot your dog from distances of at least half a mile away. LED harnesses should also be durable, made from comfortable and breathable materials, and offer a long-lasting battery life (whether through replaceable or rechargeable batteries). Other safety features, such as reflective strips, flashing lights, or glow-in-the-dark features can also make your dog even easier to see in the dark.

We selected the Noxgear LightHound Harness for Dogs as the best overall lighted dog harness due to the impressive features integrated into its design. This harness offers eight different LED color options, flashing and color-mode lighting options, and strategic LED placement to ensure your dog is visible from all directions up to half a mile away. It also features a rechargeable and long-lasting battery that offers up to 12 hours of illumination.

How does an LED dog harness work?

Lighted dog harnesses use LED lights to illuminate your pet in the dark or in other low-visibility conditions. This can help protect them from accidental injuries, such as being struck by a car. The LED lights on a harness can also increase your pet’s visibility in the dark and make it easier for them to see where they are going.

How do I choose the right size LED harness for my dog?

Finding the right harness size is important; you want to ensure the harness will be snug enough to prevent your dog from slipping out, while also not being too tight to make them uncomfortable. Each harness is different, so you will want to check with the manufacturer’s sizing chart to ensure you choose one that will properly fit your dog. You will need to take measurements of your dog’s girth or the area directly behind their front legs.

Are lighted dog harness water-resistant?

Each LED dog harness will be slightly different. Many are water-resistant, but you will want to check the product information from the manager to ensure water won’t damage the lights or batteries. If possible, choose a water-resistant model, as it will allow you to take your dog out in the rain with greater peace of mind.

Does an LED harness get too hot?

No, the LED lights on a dog harness don’t give off enough heat to make the harness, or the dog wearing it, too hot.

Can you wash a lighted dog harness?

Spot cleaning should help you take care of most spots or grime that need to be removed from your dog’s lighted harness. You will want to consult the manufacturer’s directions for the specific harness model you have to see if it can safely be washed in the washing machine, though. If the harness you purchase is machine-washable, be sure to always remove the battery pack or batteries before putting the harness in your washing machine.

Does a lighted dog harness work in colder temperatures?

Yes, lighted dog harnesses should work perfectly fine in colder climates. The LED lights that light up a harness aren’t affected by temperature, so they should continue to work even if the temperatures slip below freezing.

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