It’s undeniable that our pets will age over time, and even the most rambunctious puppies will one day grow to be old dogs. When this happens, they may need assistance with everyday activities like walking, climbing the stairs, and getting in and out of the car.
The good news is, there are dog lift harnesses that allow you to gently help your seasoned dog without putting extra strain on their joints. Lift harnesses wrap around your dog’s body to take the weight of their bones and joints, letting them feel like pups again.
Picking the right lift harness for your dog is imperative, so we decided to test them out and show you which ones are the best for your aged dog. If you know your four-legged friend needs a dog lift, but you’re not sure which one to get, we’ve got you covered!
Our testing narrowed the best dog lift harnesses to our 7 favorites with 3 runners up. Read on to discover why these made our roundup of the best dog lift harnesses.
Read our related article on How to Make a Dog Wheelchair Out of a Baby Stroller. Encourage your disabled dog to be more independent with this DIY guide!
Our Top Picks
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall: Peak Pooch Dog Walking Lifting Carry Harness | This dog lift harness comes in 9 colors and 5 sizes which is perfect for getting the look and fit that you need. It’s breathable, sturdy, and comfortable for your dog, making it our top pick. | Check Price |
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Best Gender-Specific: GingerLead Dog Support and Rehabilitation Harness | If you’re looking for a lift harness that’s made specifically for your dog’s gender while still providing comfort and support, look no further. This harness can come in unisex, female-only, or male-only. | Check Price |
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Best Budget Buy: Voopet Dog Sling | This is a great opinion when you’re looking for an inexpensive option to help your dog with mobility. It’s affordable, versatile, and comfortable for your dog. | Check Price |
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Best for Rehabilitation: Labra Veterinarian Approved Dog Canine Sling Lift | If your dog has recently had surgery for an ACL repair or has arthritis, this is a great option. It’s not a permanent fix, but it’s perfect for rehabilitation and helping your dog get back on his own four paws. | Check Price |
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Best for Stairs and Cars: Coodeo Dog Lift Harness | This dog lift is great for dogs that are constantly on the go but need assistance with steps or getting in and out of cars. It has attachments in the front and back, making it easy to control when your dogs use stairs or get into or out of the car. | Check Price |
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Best for Large Dogs: Max and Neo Dog Lift Support and Rehab Harness | If you love helping out others in need, you’ll love this harness. When you buy from this company, they donate a harness to a dog rescue that helps out dogs in need. This harness comes in four sizes and is great for large dogs. | Check Price |
How We Narrowed Down the Best Dog Lift Harnesses
We understand that purchasing a lift harness for your dog is extremely important. You’re likely purchasing one because your four-legged friend is in pain or recovering from surgery or an accident.
We took special care when testing these lift harnesses to ensure that every product on this list is safe and comfortable for your dog to use. We looked at products from reputable companies like Downtown Pet Supply to see if their lift harnesses lived up to their reputation.
For this type of product, comfort and design were huge factors. We looked at GingerLead and Ruffwear to see if their products held up when put to the test. The way each lift harness fit was also a factor. While we want the products to work well, it’s also important that they fit correctly to keep your dog safe.
Finally, we looked at the price. Chances are, you’re looking for a lift harness because your dog is experiencing some medical complications. We know medicine and vet bills are expensive enough, so we wanted to find products that work without breaking the bank.
On the market for a regular harness to keep your pup safe and comfortable on walks? Check out our guide to the Best Dog Harnesses before you go!
Best Dog Lift Harnesses
1. Best Overall: Peak Pooch Dog Walking Lifting Carry Harness
Product Ratings
| Materials | 4/5 |
| Design | 5/5 |
| Fit | 5/5 |
| Cost | 5/5 |
Sizes: X-Small, Medium, Large, X-Large | Closure Type: Plastic Clips | Brand: Peak Pooch | Material: Nylon | Escape Proof: Yes
What We Liked
- Breathable design and comfortable material
- Good range of sizes
- Three-in-one use for daily wear
- Available in multiple colors and sizes
What We Didn’t Like
- The seams wear after repeated use
- Dog has to be standing to get on correctly
- Material stretches, so if your dog pulls back, they could slip out
This is a great all-around product by a reputable company if you need a lift harness that can double as a walking harness.
Materials and Design
This harness is made with nylon making it a strong and flexible lift harness for your dog. We found that it does start to rip in some places over time, but it held up to repeated, vigorous use.
The design is great and keeps your dog comfortable and safe. It has two adjustable buckle straps that clip into place easily and allow you to adjust as needed.
We did not love that you have to put it on your dog when they’re standing up because it can be difficult for dogs who have little strength left in their legs.
Fit and Cost
We love the way this lift harness fits. It’s snug in the right places and breathable, which helps your dog relax while using it. It’s important to follow the sizing guide to ensure that your dog uses the right size to ensure comfort.
One of the best factors of the harness is the price. You can buy any size for under $30, which we love. Even if your old one starts to tear after repeated use, it’s affordable enough to retire the old one and buy a new one that your dog will love.
Your dog will finally have relief when walking or getting in and out of the car, and your wallet will thank you.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON2. Best Gender-Specific: GingerLead Dog Support and Rehabilitation Harness
Product Ratings
| Materials | 5/5 |
| Design | 5/5 |
| Fit | 4/5 |
| Cost | 4/5 |
Sizes: XSmall, Medium, Large, Tall, Female only, Male only | Closure Type: Handle Straps | Brand: GingerLead | Material: Nylon | Escape Proof: No
What We Liked
- Comes with leash attachment
- Good range of sizes
- Can be specific for female or males dogs
- Recommended by vets
- Comfortable material
What We Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t support chest area
- Isn’t good for squirmy dogs
- You have to lean down to hold up small/short dogs
This is a great option if you’re looking for a heavy-duty sling lift harness. It’s perfect after your four-legged friend has surgery or is doing rehabilitation. It comes in many different sizes, allowing you to pick the best one for your dog.
Materials and Design
This lift harness is made with durable nylon to keep up with your active dog. It’s a great option to help when your pup is recovering from surgery, needs rehabilitation, or if your dog has arthritis.
It’s also suitable for older dogs, as it takes the pressure off their joints when used correctly.
The sling design is great for short-term use, but it’s not the best for prolonged use because you’ll have to bend over to get close enough to the handles of the sling, and it puts slight pressure on your dog’s stomach.
It’s designed to help your dog go up or downstairs or into cars and is specifically used as a lift harness.
Fit and Cost
It has sizes to fit almost any pup. It comes in X-small, small female-only, small male-only, medium to large unisex, large female-only, tall female-only, and tall male-only.
It has a sizing chart that allows you to make the best decision for your dog and keeps them comfortable.
For a sling, it’s a little pricey. This lift harness is just over $65, but you’ll be buying a very durable and sturdy product. It’s comfortable for your dog and will last through the rehabilitation process.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON3. Best Budget Buy: Voopet Dog Sling
Product Ratings
| Materials | 4/5 |
| Design | 4/5 |
| Fit | 3/5 |
| Cost | 5/5 |
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large | Closure Type: Handle Straps | Brand: Voopet | Material: Polyester | Escape Proof: No
What We Liked
- Durable Material
- Great Price
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Adjustable straps
What We Didn’t Like
- Not very breathable
- Only straps are handle straps
- Not great for small dogs
This is a great budget buy because not only is it super affordable, it’s durable and works great to help lift your dog.
Materials and Design
It’s not uncommon for large breeds to experience arthritis or joint pain in their old age. This sling is made for larger breeds experiencing joint pain and difficulty doing everyday things such as going up steps, getting in the car, and walking around.
The heavy-duty polyester gently lifts your dog at the waist to help them with these tasks. The inside has a soft material that will feel warm and comfortable on their hips and stomach.
The outside of the harness is a durable polyester and comes in 7 different colors. It’s the perfect option for short-term use, such as helping a dog after an injury or surgery or short-term use for older dogs.
Fit and Cost
This harness is designed for large breed dogs. While it does come in size small, it would still be too big for teacup breeds.
It’s a great fit for our bigger dogs, as it’s meant to fit their wide shoulders and waist.
The best part is the price. You can purchase any size for under $17, which is great for your bank account. It’s also a high-quality product that will help your dog find comfort again in everyday life.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON4. Best For Rehabilitation: Labra Veterinarian Approved Dog Canine Sling Lift
Product Ratings
| Materials | 5/5 |
| Design | 4/5 |
| Fit | 3/5 |
| Cost | 4/5 |
Sizes: Medium, Large, X-Large, XXLarge | Closure Type: Hook and loop | Brand: Labra | Material: Nylon | Escape Proof: No
What We Liked
- Vet Approved
- Durable material
- Soft Padding
- Designed for handicapped dogs
What We Didn’t Like
- Not very breathable
- Doesn’t support their chest
- Not great for small dogs
This is one of the best harnesses on the market for rehabilitation and handicapped dogs. It’s made with durable polyester that puts pressure on all the right places to get your dog back on its feet.
Materials and Design
Made with polyester, this harness is easy to keep clean, it’s durable, and it’s comfortable for your dog. We love that its vet-approved, which means you can use the harness in confidence.
This harness sling is thin, which means it easily fits under your dog’s belly for support and doesn’t get caught up while you’re walking with them.
It’s fleece-lined on the inside, making it great for repeated use, which is likely to happen with disabled or handicapped dogs.
Fit and Cost
This particular design is made to fit larger breeds, and it’s great for large dogs and fits them in all the right places. If you have a small dog, teacup breed, or young puppy, this will likely not be the best harness for you.
For large dogs, the fit is very comfortable, and it puts pressure on the chest, which takes the pressure off their joints. Our large dog seemed to find this one nice and comfortable.
It’s a flat rate of $25 for each size which is great because you won’t have to pay extra for your extra-large dog.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY5. Best For Lifting Up Stairs and Into Cars: Coodeo Dog Lift Harness
Product Ratings
| Materials | 5/5 |
| Design | 4/5 |
| Fit | 4/5 |
| Cost | 4/5 |
Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XXLarge | Closure Type: Buckle | Brand: Coodeo | Material: Polyester blend | Escape Proof: Yes
What We Liked
- Recommended by vets
- Designed for dogs with joint problems
- Breathable material
- Washable
What We Didn’t Like
- Not the best for long-haired dogs
- Starts to tear after repeated use
- Not good for dogs who suffer from incontinence
This is a professional-grade lift harness that offers full-body coverage. It’s a perfect lift harness for stability and helping your dog recover from joint injuries, arthritis, or other orthopedic issues.
Materials and Design
This lift harness has a unique design that lets you choose where you put pressure on your dog. The polyester blend makes for a durable harness that will last through the ages.
The design allows you to choose to lift on either the front legs or the back legs, depending on where your dog needs support. The carrying straps will hook into four buckles and allow you to lift and take the pressure off.
This is the best option if you have a dog that needs help getting up steps or in and out of cars because you can control where the support is given to the dog.
We did notice that over time, the velcro straps holding the buckles will start to rip, so you’ll have to be watchful when lifting your dog.
Fit and Cost
Since this is a full-body harness, using the sizing guide is extremely important. There are 6 size options, but it may be too big if you have a teacup breed or small puppy, even with the smallest option.
Conversely, the XX-Large size may not be quite big enough for some oversized dogs or large breeds.
It will be important to ensure that you have the right size to prevent any further injury or discomfort to your dog.
This harness varies from just over $30 to $40 depending on the size you choose, which we think is pretty reasonable.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON6. Best For Large Dogs: Max and Neo Dog Lift Support and Rehab Harness
Product Ratings
| Materials | 4/5 |
| Design | 4/5 |
| Fit | 3/5 |
| Cost | 4/5 |
Sizes: Medium, Large, XLarge, XXLarge | Closure Type: Velcro | Brand: Max and Neo | Material: Nylon | Escape Proof: No
What We Liked
- Great for large dogs
- Padded handles
- Rugged Design
- Good support helps alleviate pain
What We Didn’t Like
- Tends to slide around
- Not good for long-term use
- Not the most comfortable on your dog
If you need a harness that can handle your large dog easily, this is the one for you. It’s extremely durable and goes up to a XX-large, making it great for big breeds.
Materials and Design
One of the best things about this harness is that for every sale, the company donates a harness to shelters with dogs in need. It’s a great way to help your dog and give back to others.
This harness is made with nylon, making it easy to clean and care for while still strong enough to hold even the biggest pups.
The handles are made with a strong neoprene that’s comfortable in your hands and strong on your dog’s harness. They help you guide and lift your dog in a gentle and comforting way.
It’s designed to slip around your dog and allow you to provide support where you need it most.
Our testing showed that this harness might slide around and not provide support in the proper area if it’s too big, so be sure to buy according to the size chart.
Fit and Cost
The sizing chart is important if you’re considering this lift harness. Ensuring you get the right size is important because it will slide around if it doesn’t fit properly.
If you have a small dog or teacup breed, you’ll likely want to try a different lift harness, such as the next one on our list.
This particular lift harness is priced very reasonably, costing around $25, which we found appropriate considering the high-quality materials.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON7. Best For Small Dogs: Ruffwear Dog Support Harness
Product Ratings
| Materials | 4/5 |
| Design | 4/5 |
| Fit | 4/5 |
| Cost | 3/5 |
Sizes: XX-Small, X-Small, Small, Medium, Large to X-large | Closure Type: Buckle | Brand: Ruffwear | Material: Nylon, Polyester | Escape Proof: Yes
What We Liked
- Great for smaller dogs
- Multiple adjustment points
- Reinforced handle and durable straps
What We Didn’t Like
- Confusing buckle system
- Not comfortable on dog if you have the wrong size
- Does not come with a dedicated carrying strap
This is a great option if you’re looking for a lift harness to fit your small breed dog. It comes in many sizes, including xx-small, x-small, and small.
Materials and Design
This lift harness features sturdy nylon straps that will give you confidence when you’re lifting your dog. They can handle the wear and tear of the toughest jobs, and the handle is padded for your comfort.
If you need a lift harness with straps, this one might not work for you. It has a padded handle but does not come with lifting straps which means you’ll have to bend down to pick up your dog.
We would have liked to see a better design to help pick your dog up, but it won’t be an issue if you’re using this for a small dog or one who needs minimal help.
Fit and Cost
We found that the lift harness fit great once you figured out how to get it on. It’s a little confusing at first and requires your dog to be compliant when you put it on them, but it fits very well once it’s on.
There are 5 adjustment points which means you can get the perfect fit for your dog, and they’ll have support and comfort where they need it most.
The adjusting straps are easy to use, and they are designed not to pinch your dog.
This is one of the more expensive harnesses that we tested. They’re just under $60, which we thought was not too bad considering the quality and the custom fit you get, but it’s certainly not a budget buy.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZONComparison Chart
| Products | Peak Pooch | GingerLead | Voopet | Labra | Coodeo | Max and Neo | Ruffwear |
| Materials | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Design | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Fit | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Cost | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
The Winner
Overall, the Peak Pooch Dog Walking Lifting Carry Harness impressed us the most. We loved that it offered so many sizes and color choices, and it was very durable during our testing.
If you have an older dog or a dog that has gone through surgery and is facing rehabilitation, we highly recommend this lift harness. It will give your dog the confidence it needs to feel normal again and provide it with a sense of independence.
READ MORE: Best Escape-Proof Dog Harnesses. We put the top escape-proof harnesses to the test and here’s what we discovered!
How to Choose the Best Dog Lift Harness
Consider Your Pet’s Needs
Before buying a dog lift harness, we suggest that you consider your dog’s needs. If you’re buying one for an older dog that can no longer use its feet like it used to, you’ll probably want to consider one of the full-body harness options instead of a sling.
For older dogs, their front legs may be working fine one day, and the next day they may not. You’ll want the option to provide support where they need it most at any given time.
Full body lift harnesses will allow you to customize their support and give them the best chance of feeling independent and normal again.
If you’re buying a lift harness for a dog going through rehabilitation, a sling option will be best for you. Those are better for short-term usage and will allow you to take all the pressure off the leg(s) that are being rehabilitated.
These are typically cheaper and won’t last quite as long, but you won’t need them for as long if you’re using them for rehab.
If you’re interested in buying a non-medical dog carrier sling to tote your small dog, you can read all about them in our roundup of the Best Dog Carrier Slings you can buy.
Sizing
Choosing the right size lift harness is very important. The sizing has to be right to give your dog the proper support it needs and ensure it’s comfortable.
If you get a lift harness that’s too small, you’ll run the risk of hurting your dog and putting pressure on joints that can’t take the pressure.
If you get one that’s too big, there’s a chance it will slide around and put pressure in unnecessary places, or your dog will be able to slip out of it.
It’s imperative to consider the sizing chart for any brand you choose. Every product on this list comes with a sizing chart that should be used to buy the right size for your dog’s comfort and support.
Honorable Mentions
We loved a few other harnesses, but they didn’t quite make the list for various reasons.
READ MORE: How to Safely Walk Your Dog With a Toddler. Discover which measures you should take to keep your family safe while out on walks.
1. Outward Hound Lift Harness – For Traveling
This is a great option for helping an injured or older dog travel. It’s specifically designed to help dogs climb stairs and steps and allows you to slide the harness from your dog’s front or back to help with every step.
It’s made with extremely durable materials and has sturdy handles that you can trust when you’re lifting your four-legged friend.
We believe the Max and Neo Dog Lift Support and Rehab Harness was a better product for long-term use, but this one is great for using specifically to get in and out of cars.
2. Loobani Portable Dog Sling – Sling Lift For Traveling
This is a great option if you prefer using a sling lift and need one to take on the go. This sling easily rolls up to fit in your bag or fit in the car door pocket.
It boasts a durable exterior and a soft, fleece-lined interior that will be comfortable on your dog’s stomach.
We like this lift sling, but we thought the Voopet Dog Sling was made with better materials and would be better for longer rehabilitation.
3. PetSafe Solvit CareLift Lifting Aid Harness – For Lifting Large Dogs
Large dog breeds often need specialized equipment to ensure their safety and comfort. This is a great lift harness for large breeds that will keep them safe and comfortable.
It fits great once you figure out how to get it on your dog. We didn’t love the design and found it confusing, but we saw how great it worked once we figured it out.
Your dog will have to be standing and willing to cooperate to get this lift harness on, which is why we preferred the Ruffwear Dog Support Harness design.
Ultimately, this harness is worth figuring out if you have a very large dog that needs support in the front and back.
