As well as making sure your dog has the best food and toys to fill their tummies and keep them entertained, it's important to ensure they have the best light-up dog collars and lead for their walking set-up. Any dog owner will tell you that with having a dog, comes purchasing a bucket load of equipment to keep them happy, healthy and safe - we do it because we love them!
This will all depend on your lifestyle and when you have time to take your pooch out. If you walk your dog when it's dark, like in the mornings before work, or late in the evening, you might want to invest in a light-up collar, instead of an ordinary dog collar to ensure your dog can be seen.
Light-up collars not only show you where your pooch is, which is great if you tend to let them off their lead, but it also serves as a warning to other dog walkers and members of the public that a dog is with you. This can come in very handy when it comes to cyclists, cars and other dangers out on the roads and paths.
The best light-up dog collars at a glance:
• Best overall light-up dog collar: Blazin Bison Safety LED Dog Collar - View now on Amazon UK
• Best cut-to-size light-up dog collar: PetSol Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable LED Dog Safety Collar - View now on Amazon UK
• Best LED dog collar: LEUCHTIE Plus LED Light Collar For Dogs - View now on Amazon UK
• Most convenient light-up dog collar add-on: LED Dog Night Lights for Dog Collars - View now on Amazon UK
We've checked out some of the best light-up dog collars, and lights for dog collars, to bring you a selection of affordable pet tech accessories to help you find your perfect match.
Best light-up dog collars to buy right now
Best value light-up dog collar
Looking like a glow stick and cut-to-size, this budget light-up dog collar is still a clever option for nighttime walks. Featuring an eight-hour battery life, it can be recharged thanks to a micro USB port. It's also available in four colours.
Pros
- Durable and tough
- Changes from steady glow to slow or rapid flashing with one click
Cons
- Battery life could be improved
| Sizes: | One size fits most |
| Battery: | USB rechargeable / Eight hours of battery life from one charge |
| Water-resistant: | Yes |
Best overall light-up dog collar
It's fair to say the MASBRILL LED Dog Collar earns its spot at the top of our list with its durability and visibility. Crafted from high-quality nylon and equipped with ultra-bright LED lights, this collar ensures that your dog stands out from the crowd, even in the darkest of evenings. The collar comes in various sizes, including x-small, small, medium and large, making it suitable for dogs of all breeds. With a long-lasting battery life, your pup will be visible for hours on end.
Pros
- Great visibility - up to 500m so your pooch can easily be seen by traffic
- Battery charge lasts for over eight hours, meaning you can get wear after wear out of it
- Three modes, on, strobe and blink for whatever style you fancy
Cons
- Some reviewers found there weren't enough lights on the collar to be able to see the light once on
| Sizes: | X-small, Small, Medium, Large |
| Closure type: | Buckle |
| Battery: | Up to ten hours |
| Water-resistant: | Yes |
- Customer review: "I have a very active 32Kg Labrador who goes walking with similar sized dogs so when they play fight the collar gets a lot of chewing. I have been through cheaper and more expensive light collars but they last a couple of weeks a month at the most, so far this one has managed 3 nearly 4 months but is showing signs of this hard abuse.
"I like the strength and workmanship of the collar it is excellent and for a 'normal' dog would last a lifetime. I like the strength of the light it is visible for well over 1 km. And there is 3 modes for light which is excellent. I like the battery it will last for over 10 hours before it needs charging (but by then it's flat and needs a full charge) Charging is easy using the USB lead onto your computer the charge indicator light shows red when charging and green when charged.
"Also occasionally when my dog is having a real good neck scratch he can turn the light on or off by hitting the on/off button. But again the maker has altered this button so it need to be held in for 2 seconds to operate."
"All in all an excellent product and the lifetime guarantee will give you real peace of mind it even covers when the unit has been abused like the one I have so really it's a win - win I would recommend this collar to anybody."
Best cut-to-size light-up dog collar
This cut-to-size collar claims to be the brightest on the market and contains F5 SuperBright LED lights. The TPU collar is easy to clean, water-repellent and built to last. There are three different modes to choose from and it's available in five different colours.
Pros
- Rust-proof components
- Good in for all weather conditions
Cons
- Just one size so may not fit every dog
| Sizes: | One size fits most |
| Closure type: | Easy to undo, but best to slip over your dog's head for the longevity of the product |
| Battery: | USB rechargeable / Around three hours of battery life per charge |
| Water-resistant: | Yes |
- Customer review: "These Petsol Collars are fantastic, perfect for winter walks in the dark. They have different modes ranging from stationery to flashing. They seem waterproof so far. They hold the charge well. The only issue I have had is that sometimes they come apart. Mainly due to the fact one of my dogs likes to roll her back on grass! Another issue was that same dog (I have two) managed to turn hers off a few times. Otherwise, these are fab. They slip on very easily, are very bright and last!"
Best LED dog collar
If you'd prefer a battery-operated collar, this one takes AAA alkaline batteries, which should give you 100 hours of use before needing to be changed. It's 100% waterproof, durable and can withstand all sorts of activity. It comes in 12 colours and will automatically turn off after a minute if the battery pack is facing the wrong way.
Pros
- Robust and durable
- Motion sensored
Cons
- As it slips over the head, getting the correct size is crucial
| Sizes: | 35cm, 37.5cm, 40cm, 42.5cm, 45cm, 47.5cm, 50cm, 52.5cm, 55cm, 57.5cm, 60cm, 65cm, 70cm |
| Battery: | AAA batteries / 100 hours battery life |
| Water-resistant: | 100% waterproof |
Most convenient light-up dog collar add-on
If you want something to add on to your dog's already existing collar, maybe an LED light is for you. Perfect for attaching to a collar, harness or lead, it gives you that layer of safety without the faff of switching collars each time you go out.
Pros
- Switch to activate and alternate between flashing modes
- Semi-waterproof
Cons
- Batteries aren't rechargeable
| Sizes: | Fits collars up to approx 2.5 cm wide |
| Battery: | Battery included |
| Water-resistant: | N/A |
Best multi-use light-up dog collar add-on
These multi-use tags are great for all sorts of things - keys, bag, bike and, of course, your dog's collar. A simple way to ensure you can see them, they come with a CR2032 battery which can run for up to 40 hours. Press once for a steady glow, twice for fast flashing, third for slow flash, and fourth to turn off the light.
Pros
- Can be used on multiple things, not just dog collars
- Three light modes
Cons
- Some found that they could turn off while the dog was running
| Size: | One size fits all |
| Battery: | Button cell battery |
| Water-resistant: | Yes |
What other products are out there?
If you've looked at these collars and still haven't decided, there are also some other products available that might be more suited to you.
Best light-up dog harness
This light-up LED dog harness charges with a USB cable, giving you up to eight hours use (flashing) for a two-hour charge. It's suitable for light rain and wet grass, but shouldn't be submerged in water. It comes in several sizes.
Pros
- Range of sizes
- Comfortable and eco-friendly fabric
Cons
- Battery life could be better so may not be suitable for long walks
Best light-up dog ball
While we're on the topic of light-up equipment, it's worth mentioning that glow-in-the-dark balls exist, which are
perfect for burning some excess energy on your walk. You'll never lose a ball again! This one's made from durable rubber and is easy to clean.
Pros
- No batteries required
- Easy to clean
Cons
- More destructive dogs may find a way to chew through it
FAQs
What are the benefits of using the best light-up dog collars?
Most dogs are already used to wearing a collar and a dog lead, so they won't be fussy when you put a different one on or an extra collar. Many are lightweight and easy to take on and off, so won't add any extra time to your pre-walkies. As well as keeping your dog safe from potential danger, they can also help to light the way for you while walking, as well as help you to see where your dog has done its business.
What should owners wear to walk their dog at night?
As well as keeping your dog safe while out in the dark, it's important that you take steps to ensure you're visible when walking your dog at night. You should make sure you wear something bright or high-vis. Making sure you've got clothing in your dog-walking wardrobe with reflective elements is a great idea. Additionally, you may want to wear a reflective, protective vest and glow-in-the-dark accessories, such as bracelets or leg bands. It is also a good idea to take some kind of torch with you when you're out and about in low visibility.
Why do dogs need a light-up collar?
Dogs mainly need a light-up collar for safety and visibility, particularly during low-light conditions or evening walks. These illuminated collars serve as a crucial accessory to ensure that your furry friend remains easily seen by pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, reducing the risk of accidents or collisions. Whether you're walking your dog after sunset, letting them roam in your backyard at night, or embarking on outdoor activities in dimly lit areas, a light-up collar ensures your dog is not lost among the darkness. Additionally, a light-up collar may provide peace of mind, allowing you to keep a constant eye on your pup, regardless of the lightening conditions. In short, a light-up collar is a practical and stylish way to enhance your dog's safety and make sure they always stand out.
Jade Moscrop is an Editor and contributor to What's The Best, specialising in lifestyle topics. She also writes for Closer, Heat, and Grazia.
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