One in five dogs will experience joint issues that cause extreme pain and mobility challenges. These joint issues aren’t necessarily related to age, either. Even younger dogs can suffer from disorders like hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.
These painful conditions can take away from your pet’s quality of life. If your dog has been struggling to get around your home or outside, you might consider buying a lift harness to help him get around.
Below you’ll find our reviews of the 10 best dog lift harnesses on the market this year. Keep reading to learn all you need to know so you can make an informed buying decision to better the life of your dog.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
PetSafe CareLift Support Harness
Machine washable
Adjustable sizing
Sturdy handle
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Best Value
Frisco Rear Lift
Easy to clean with a wet cloth
Adjustable to find the perfect fit
Distributes weight evenly across hips and abdomen
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Premium Choice
PetSafe CareLift Support Harness
Padded in the chest, neck, hips, and abdomen
Easy to put on and take off
Sturdy construction
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Peak Pooch Lifting Carry Harness
Perfect padding placement
Reflective edging
Customizable color and size options
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Labra Plush Dog Sling
Simple to put on and take off
Soft plush material
Reduces stress and strain on arthritic joints
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The 10 Best Dog Lift Harnesses
If you’re looking for the best overall dog lift harness, look no further. PetSafe’s Rear Handicapped Support Harness provides the support your aging pup needs in his lower half. The rear lift design ensures that his weight is spread evenly across his hips and abdomen.
Breed Size: Medium to giant breeds
Closure Type: Quick release
Material: Nylon
Recommended pet weight: 35–130 pounds
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This harness is fully padded to provide a comfortable and supportive experience. Its thoughtful design also ensures easy potty breaks for both male and female dogs. A removable protection shield is included with your purchase to help reduce any discomfort he may feel as you use the harness.
Your harness will come with a lifting leash extender to help you lift your dog easier without straining your back.
This product comes in both medium and large sizes. The medium is best for dogs 35–70 pounds, while the large can accommodate dogs in the 70–130 pound range.
Pros
Machine washable
Adjustable sizing
Sturdy handle
Perfect for dogs with limited rear mobility
Cons
Can be difficult to put on if your dog is laying down
Hard to find the right fit
If you’re on the hunt for the best dog lift harness for the money, you need to check out this rear lift option from Frisco.
Machine washable
Adjustable sizing
Sturdy handle
Perfect for dogs with limited rear mobility
- Machine washable
- Adjustable sizing
- Sturdy handle
- Perfect for dogs with limited rear mobility
Can be difficult to put on if your dog is laying down
Hard to find the right fit
- Can be difficult to put on if your dog is laying down
- Hard to find the right fit
Breed Size: Large to giant breeds
Closure Type: Buckle
Material: Polyester
Recommended pet weight: 35–130 pounds
Is your pup having problems with the back half of his body? Maybe his hips are sore, or he has an injury on his back leg? If so, this lifter with a rear support design provides even weight distribution to ensure he’s comfortable and not putting too much pressure on his joints.
This design is fully adjustable, so finding the right fit for your pooch won’t be an issue. The support handles are also adjustable so you can stay comfortable while assisting your dog.
This harness is available in size “Medium” for dogs 35–70 pounds and Large for dogs in the 70–130 pound range.
Pros
Easy to clean with a wet cloth
Adjustable to find the perfect fit
Distributes weight evenly across hips and abdomen
Includes male protection board
Cons
No size option for smaller dogs
Slight learning curve for getting it on
PetSafe, as you might be able to tell from their brand name, is in the business of keeping pets safe. Their CareLift Support Harness takes the third spot in our list as its high-quality design is comfortable for both you and your pup.
Easy to clean with a wet cloth
Adjustable to find the perfect fit
Distributes weight evenly across hips and abdomen
Includes male protection board
- Easy to clean with a wet cloth
- Adjustable to find the perfect fit
- Distributes weight evenly across hips and abdomen
- Includes male protection board
No size option for smaller dogs
Slight learning curve for getting it on
- No size option for smaller dogs
- Slight learning curve for getting it on
Breed Size: Giant breeds
Closure Type: Quick release
Material: Nylon
Recommended pet weight: 70–130 pounds
The harness provides support for your dog’s entire body. The support handles are designed to help you lift your aging or ailing dog without putting any unnecessary pressure on his joints. The harnesses’ shoulder strap ensures you won’t hurt or strain your back while lifting or carrying your dog around. The key here is an even weight distribution, which PetSafe nails with this design.
This harness is fully adjustable to fit the size of any dog in the giant breed range. It’s also machine washable, so if it gets soiled, you can toss it in your washer and get it ready to use again fast.
The manufacturer provides measurements for chest girth and weight as well as suggested pet weight for each size option.
Pros
Padded in the chest, neck, hips, and abdomen
Easy to put on and take off
Sturdy construction
Easy to clean
Cons
Rear straps can sometimes loosen or come undone
May be too small for big dogs with thick coats
It’s not only large or senior dogs that need assistance. Small dog or puppy owners can also benefit from having a little extra support. This carry harness is great because it has a variety of sizes, from extra small to extra large. This design is unique because you can thread the sizing buckle through the harness’s mesh padding to adjust the length. We do highly recommend measuring your dog before ordering to ensure you have the right fit, though.
Padded in the chest, neck, hips, and abdomen
Easy to put on and take off
Sturdy construction
Easy to clean
- Padded in the chest, neck, hips, and abdomen
- Easy to put on and take off
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to clean
Rear straps can sometimes loosen or come undone
May be too small for big dogs with thick coats
- Rear straps can sometimes loosen or come undone
- May be too small for big dogs with thick coats
Breed Size: Extra small to giant breeds
Closure Type: Buckles
Material: Nylon
Recommended pet weight: Measurement recommended
This harness is made with a breathable mesh material throughout to keep your pet comfortable on long walks or during warm days. It also has reflective trimming throughout so your dog will be safe during evening strolls. The high-quality ripstop nylon construction ensures even the most aggressive dogs can’t destroy their harness.
If you like your dog to travel in style, you’ll love that you’ll get to choose one of the many different color options available. They even have one with a “Service Dog” designation on it.
Pros
Perfect padding placement
Reflective edging
Customizable color and size options
Chest and stomach straps provide full-body support
Cons
Can be difficult to find the right fit for male dogs
May work better for smaller dogs than larger ones
This very easy-to-use sling is the perfect companion for someone looking to provide a little extra support for their dog. This style lifter is designed to take some weight off of your dog’s aching joints without giving them too much assistance.
Perfect padding placement
Reflective edging
Customizable color and size options
Chest and stomach straps provide full-body support
- Perfect padding placement
- Reflective edging
- Customizable color and size options
- Chest and stomach straps provide full-body support
Can be difficult to find the right fit for male dogs
May work better for smaller dogs than larger ones
- Can be difficult to find the right fit for male dogs
- May work better for smaller dogs than larger ones
Breed Size: Small to giant breeds
Closure Type: Not applicable
Material: Fleece
Recommended pet weight: Measurement recommended
The biggest selling point of this harness is its super plush material. The sling itself is made with a cozy fleece fabric so there won’t be any uncomfortable buckles or straps getting in the way of your pet’s comfort.
This sling has adjustable straps so you can find a length that’s comfortable for you. The last thing you want is to strain your own back while trying to help your pet.
The manufacturer suggests measuring your dog’s length and width to find the right fit.
Pros
Simple to put on and take off
Soft plush material
Reduces stress and strain on arthritic joints
Adjustable straps for your comfort
Cons
Hand wash only
May not work well for larger dogs
The WALKABOUT harness is a walking aid that can help both cats and dogs suffering from mobility issues. This item comes highly recommended by veterinarians for pets that have issues like hip dysplasia, spinal trauma, or age-related fatigue.
Simple to put on and take off
Soft plush material
Reduces stress and strain on arthritic joints
Adjustable straps for your comfort
- Simple to put on and take off
- Soft plush material
- Reduces stress and strain on arthritic joints
- Adjustable straps for your comfort
Hand wash only
May not work well for larger dogs
- Hand wash only
- May not work well for larger dogs
Breed Size: Extra small to extra large
Closure Type: Velcro
Material: Neoprene
Recommended pet weight: Measurement recommended
This lifter has a unique design that caters to both male and female pets as there’s plenty of clearance in the back to provide the space male dogs need to urinate comfortably.
The manufacturer outfitted the harness with additional padding in the leg holes. This ensures your dog has the cushioning he needs to stay comfortable and that there won’t be any issues with chafing.
This product comes in a wide range of sizes so finding the perfect fit for your dog shouldn’t be a problem.
Pros
Machine washable
Comfortable fit
Many size options
Vet recommended
Cons
Smallest size may be too big for very small dogs
No abdomen support
If you’re in the market for a full-body support lift harness, Coodeo has you covered. This durable and sturdy lifter is designed to help you assist your dog in walking, with stair climbing, and use it as a normal harness for walks, too.
Machine washable
Comfortable fit
Many size options
Vet recommended
- Machine washable
- Comfortable fit
- Many size options
- Vet recommended
Smallest size may be too big for very small dogs
No abdomen support
- Smallest size may be too big for very small dogs
- No abdomen support
Breed Size: Small to extra large
Closure Type: Buckle
Material: Polyester blend
Recommended pet weight: 10–115 pounds
It features a comfortable handle and easy-to-operate Velcro fasteners to increase your dog’s comfort. The material is breathable and soft to ensure a cozy all-day wear experience if necessary.
This lifter is available in a variety of sizes. The small is designed for dogs in the 10–20 pound range, while the XXL is for larger breeds in the 91–115 pound range. The company provides a thorough size chart so be sure to take accurate measurements to find the perfect fit.
Pros
Well thought out design
Simple to get on and adjust
Highly supportive
Very sturdy Velcro attachments
Cons
Some male dogs may pee on the harness while wearing it
Straps may need more reinforcement for larger dogs
Don’t let its simple design fool you! This lift support harness is a high-quality sling that has clear benefits for both you and your dog. Its extra-long handles ensure you stay safe and protected while assisting your dog in his daily duties. The padded neoprene handles are comfortable for your hands to help reduce fatigue.
Well thought out design
Simple to get on and adjust
Highly supportive
Very sturdy Velcro attachments
- Well thought out design
- Simple to get on and adjust
- Highly supportive
- Very sturdy Velcro attachments
Some male dogs may pee on the harness while wearing it
Straps may need more reinforcement for larger dogs
- Some male dogs may pee on the harness while wearing it
- Straps may need more reinforcement for larger dogs
Breed Size: Medium to XX-large
Closure Type: Velcro
Material: Nylon
Recommended pet weight: 20–90+ pounds
This product closes with strong Velcro folds so you can fit your dog in the harness snuggly. There are no pressure points or Velcro in the sling portion so you never have to worry about your dog getting hurt or uncomfortable.
We also love that the manufacturer donates one harness to a dog rescue for every harness bought.
Pros
Heavy-duty construction
Water-resistant
Charitable company
No pressure points
Cons
May be uncomfortable for male dogs
Straps may be too long for short users
This lift harness from Kurgo is a perfect pick for anyone looking for a great weight distributing lifter. Its ergonomic design features a comfortable padded area to reduce unnecessary contact that could cause your pup pain. It comes with a chest strap that provides a little extra control for you as the lifter.
Heavy-duty construction
Water-resistant
Charitable company
No pressure points
- Heavy-duty construction
- Water-resistant
- Charitable company
- No pressure points
May be uncomfortable for male dogs
Straps may be too long for short users
- May be uncomfortable for male dogs
- Straps may be too long for short users
Breed Size: Large breeds
Closure Type: Trigger Snap
Material: Polyester
Recommended pet weight: 40–80 pounds
It’s very important to take accurate measurements of your pooch before placing an order for this item. While the chest strap is a great addition, it can be a bit cumbersome and may not work for some dogs. The strap measures 21-inches, but the company claims it can fit dogs with a chest girth of up to 36 inches.
Pros
Male dogs can urinate while wearing the harness
Sturdy and comfortable
Handles are the perfect length for support
Great for even weight distribution
Cons
No sizing option for small dogs
Chest strap may not be deep enough for some breeds
If your pooch requires mid-body support, this sling from HandicappedPets should fit the bill. This sling is designed to provide a little bit of support for your dog while simultaneously protecting you from strain. It provides a cozy fleece lining to keep your dog comfortable, and its cotton-polyester and denim outer construction ensures a durable product.
Male dogs can urinate while wearing the harness
Sturdy and comfortable
Handles are the perfect length for support
Great for even weight distribution
- Male dogs can urinate while wearing the harness
- Sturdy and comfortable
- Handles are the perfect length for support
- Great for even weight distribution
No sizing option for small dogs
Chest strap may not be deep enough for some breeds
- No sizing option for small dogs
- Chest strap may not be deep enough for some breeds
Breed Size: Medium to extra large breeds
Closure Type: Hook & loop
Material: Fleece
Recommended pet weight: Measurement recommended
The sling is designed to gently support the mobility of your pet. It allows you to assist him in standing and walking as they heal from injuries or surgery.
Perhaps the best feature of this sling is how simple it is to use and put on. All you need to do is wrap it around your dog’s midsection, attach it over their back and you’re all set to go.
One important thing to note is that this sling is designed for support and not lifting. The manufacturer strongly recommends never suspending your dog in the air while wearing this sling.
Pros
Acts as a helping hand
Easy to adjust handles
Strong Velcro
Soft lining
Cons
Cannot be used to pick dog up
Inconsistent sizing
Buyer’s Guide: Important Factors to Consider When Finding the Best Dog Lift Harness
The internet is a great tool for shoppers, but it can make choosing the right product for your needs so difficult. With a seemingly infinite amount of dog lift harnesses on the market, how can you know which is the best one to suit your needs?
Acts as a helping hand
Easy to adjust handles
Strong Velcro
Soft lining
- Acts as a helping hand
- Easy to adjust handles
- Strong Velcro
- Soft lining
Cannot be used to pick dog up
Inconsistent sizing
- Cannot be used to pick dog up
- Inconsistent sizing
In the following section, we’re going to dive a little deeper so you can make your purchase knowing all there is to know about lift harnesses and slings.
Dog Lift Harness Materials
The material used in the construction of the harness needs to be strong, durable, and flexible. This ultimately provides you with a guarantee that what you’re buying is going to last beyond a few uses. Nylon is a great material choice as it’s high-quality and long-lasting.
You might also consider a material that’s waterproof or easy to wash. One of the main issues we found in our research is that many dog lift harnesses aren’t equipped to handle the unique anatomy of male dogs. You don’t want to buy a harness only for it to get ruined if your pup has an accident on it.
For sling-style harnesses, you must look at the material that’ll be on your dog’s underbelly. Plush fleece fabric is best as it’ll be soft and comfortable and won’t cause any pain points.
Dog Lift Harness Size
You need to buy a harness that fits properly. An ill-fitting harness or sling can be not only uncomfortable but dangerous as well.
As you may have noticed while reading our guide, some manufacturers make sizing recommendations based on weight, while others recommend using measurements to find the right fit.
Once you know which product you’re interested in buying, read the manufacturer’s sizing guide very carefully. Use a soft measuring tape to take the required measurements to ensure you’re getting the right size. Weigh your dog on your scale at home or use your vet’s last recorded weight if you think it’s still accurate.
You must try on the harness or sling in the safety of your home before going outside. If the harness is too big and your dog falls outside on cement, you could cause further damage.
Dog Lift Harness Style
Dog lift harnesses come in two main styles – full-body harnesses and slings. The style that’s best for you depends on your dog’s specific needs.
Full-body harnesses are designed for use in dogs who need a lot of support. They are much more complicated to use and do have a bit of a learning curve to get the fit right with all their straps.
This style provides even weight distribution which is what many dogs recovering from surgery or injuries need to bounce back.
Sling styles are great if your dog only needs a little bit of assistance. They’re simple to put on and use and are lightweight in design.
The downfall of slings is that they often don’t distribute your dog’s weight evenly. Your pup can become uncomfortable if you need to use the slings for extended periods, and if they need more support than the sling can provide, you might be doing more harm than good.
You might find that after using a full-body harness for a while that your pup is ready to graduate to something that provides a little less help from you.
If you have a male dog, you’ll want to take the design of the harness into account. Some manufacturers don’t take the male anatomy into account, which results in messy accidents while wearing the harness.
Dog Lift Harness Ergonomics
There’s no point in buying a lift harness if you’re going to wind up causing further injuries or pain. That’s why considering ergonomics is essential.
The perfect harness has a snug fit to provide the right type of support. It needs to distribute your dog’s weight evenly to ensure there’s no unnecessary weight shifting or additional stress put onto his already weakened joints and bones.
Don’t forget yourself in this equation. An uncomfortable-to-use sling or harness can cause injuries to you, too. The best options have straps with padding for your hands and adjustability measures so you can find the perfect height for your needs.
Conclusion
While all ten products we reviewed are of great quality, some are just better than the rest. We recommend PetSafe’s CareLift Rear Handicapped Support Harness as our best overall harness. Its fair price tag and high-quality construction are what sold us. The Frisco Rear Lift provides the best value for folks looking for just a little extra support for their pooch. The PetSafe CareLift Handicapped Support Dog Harness is our premium pick for anyone looking for a high-end full-body harness. We hope our above reviews have provided you with the guidance you need to make an informed buying decision.
Featured Image Credit: Bobby Bradley, Shutterstock
