The Best Gear for Walking Your Dog in the Dark
Walking in a winter wonderland with our pups in tow sounds pretty dreamy. Winter walkies aren’t just beneficial for our furry friends. Experts agree taking our four-legged besties out is an effective way to combat symptoms of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) as temperatures drop and it stays darker and gloomier for longer.
With clocks going back at the end of October and the sun setting earlier and earlier (from late-November through mid-March, it tends to disappear between 4-6pm each day), it’s trickier to squeeze in well-lit walks for our dogs around our working schedules.
Walking our dogs in the dark opens in new tab doesn’t have to be gloomy though. It has plenty of benefits for humans and four-legged pals alike (quieter walks, less noise and chaos), but lots of us feel concerned about the potential dangers that stem from a lack of visibility at night. Things like: issues spotting your dog in the dark, worries they’ll disappear off the path, concerns other pedestrians and their dogs won’t see you, fears you and your dog aren’t visible to oncoming traffic…
While there’s no UK law mandating that you use safety lights on your dogs in the dark (or ensuring they wear hi-vis gear or reflective collars), doing so is the best way to keep track of your dog on or off the lead, according to experts.
How much do you spend on your pet per year?
From head torches for pet parents to clip-on lights and LED collars, we’ve rounded up the top 10 products for dog walking in the dark (plus one useful find for our feline friends). These work across all breeds and budgets, to keep you at ease for all of your nighttime walks.
The top 10 Kinship-reviewed products for walking your dog in the dark
Our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Best safety lights
Best budget hi-vis dog coat
Best head torch for pet parents
Best torch for pet parents
Best reflective dog coat
Best reflective lead
Best reflective harness
Best light-up accessory
Best GPS tracker
How to choose the right gear for dog walking in the dark
Before you think about investing in gear for walking in the dark, animal behaviour consultantopens in new tab, Dr Candy d’Sa, says pet parents should make sure their dogs have the basics covered.
“Dogs will naturally be completely fine in the dusk and the dark,” she says, adding that it’s important to build up to it and not just suddenly switch to walks in the dark. Stick to familiar paths and keep in mind dogs can’t see humans as well in the dark, so keep them on the lead while they get used to the limited visibility. Crucially, make sure your dog’s “recall is good”, so they always come to the sound of your voice (and follow your scent).
With potentially different wildlife and smells to get excited about in evenings, it can be a fun new adventure for dogs to walk at night. That’s where the gear comes in.
What do I need for safe dog walking in the dark?
There are plenty of items available for dog walking in the dark, including hi-vis reflective coats, leads with reflective fibres, dog lights, LED collars and more.
Whether or not you plan to let your dog off the lead at night, make sure they’re kitted out with something that makes them easy to spot in the dark – for their safety, for your peace of mind and to alert other pedestrians and drivers to your presence.
“I would personally always put something reflective on the dog for traffic – something that is going to be picked up by car headlights. There are lots of different fluorescent jackets and collar stripes you can get for that reason,” says d’Sa, who also advises pet parents to wear lights or something hi-vis “for their own safety.” She encourages pet parents to put something reflective on their dog to minimise frightening others who may be out on their evening walks, too.
To mitigate anxieties when out in the dark, Rachel Rodgers of Nose to Trailopens in new tab urges pet parents to get their dogs used to any reflective items you want them wearing, before you take them out
“We’ve got so many dogs that don’t want jumpers and coats put on because people don’t train them for it. They do the same with a flashing collar – stick it on the dog, think nothing of it, then wonder why the dog is suddenly scared of going out on a walk in the evening.” The best way to prep your pup is by putting the accessory on at home (not lit up), then getting them used to having it lit up while indoors.
“Give the dogs treats for that, so they find it associated with something good,” Rodgers says.
What types of dog walking lights are available?
Dog walking lights are some of the easiest ways to illuminate your pup at night – think clip-on lights, LED collars and torches for pet parents.
There are also reflective jackets, harnesses, leads and collars, which can be used year-round, but have reflective fibres stitched in so they glow in the dark.
Dog walking lights are an easy place to start since they attach to (almost) anything and are available at all price points, from under £10 to £20, like those from Danish brand Orbiloc. Orbiloc’s lights are known for durability, with each colour serving a slightly different purpose (pink and purple don’t normally appear in traffic so are useful for drawing attention from drivers; yellow and red are soft yet effective for close-range visibility).
Anyone walking their dog should also light-up their own person (for safety, and as a courtesy to other dog walkers). Rodgers recommends a USB rechargeable head or chest torch for hands-free walking.
Are reflective leads better than LED collars for dark walks?
It really depends on your dog’s preference, but a lead with reflective fibres can be used year-round, day or night, whereas light-up LED collars aren’t something you’re going to want your dog wearing in the daytime.
LED hoop collars are cheap and cheerful, but they get lost and break easily, so we’d recommend investing in a proper collar with reflective stitching or a light-up mode.
Rodgers encourages pet parents and dog walkers to steer clear of “disco modes” – the flashing lights setting.
“Yes, it looks really cute, but there are several breeds, like Collies for example, who are really prone to epilepsy. We know from work with humans that flashing lights can be a trigger for epileptic seizures, so while we may think it’s helpful for our dog to have a flashing light on, it’s better to leave it on the constant setting. I would absolutely hate for that to trigger an epileptic seizure in another dog.”
You can also find LED accessories that attach onto existing collars or leads with Velcro, allowing you to turn your daytime kit evening-ready in minutes.
What size reflective lead or collar do I need?
Typically, reflective collars and leads come in different sizes and lengths to accommodate various breeds.
Certain breeds are better off with reflective harnesses instead of collars (English Bulldogs and other brachycephalics). Just don’t force your dog to wear anything they find uncomfortable.
“The key thing with the equipment is making sure it doesn't annoy the dog, because some of the cheaper light-up collars are particularly heavy. They’re not ideal for small dogs,” explains Rodgers.
Are LED dog collars safe?
Pet parents don’t need to stress unnecessarily about their dogs wearing LED collars, especially if you choose one that’s USB rechargeable, so there’s no risk of batteries being ingested.
As Rodgers points out, avoid flashing modes, which can put other dogs at risk of seizure, and ensure your collar and any light attachments aren’t too heavy for your pet.
Frequently asked questions: walking your dog in the dark
Is dog walking in the dark safe?
Walking your dog in the dark is safe as long as you’re alert and cautious. Stick to well-lit areas where possible, walk along familiar paths and wear something hi-vis or reflective yourself. And don’t forget to add a light-up accessory for your dog, too.
Keep your dog on a lead for added safety. You might also feel peace of mind walking earlier in the dark rather than later: a 5pm winter walk will feel quite different to a 10pm one, even if visibility is already low earlier in the day.
When does it get too dark to walk your dog safely?
As long as you have the right dog-walking essentials like a torch, hi-vis garments and lights (on the dog and human, too) you will feel safe and stay visible. This kit is as essential to winter walkies as warm gloves and a padded coat are for humans.
Do I need a torch when walking my dog at night?
A torch is a great way to light up your path for you and your pup, as well as giving others the heads-up that you’re there.
Can drivers see dogs in the dark without reflective gear?
It’s not easy for drivers to see dogs in the dark if they’re not wearing reflective gear of some kind, particularly if your dogs has dark fur.
Any dog-walking items with reflective trims are particularly useful for drivers because they increase visibility without putting road users at unnecessary risk. (Flashing lights can be distracting for drivers.)
What’s the best colour for dog visibility at night?
Hi-vis colours to increase dog visibility at night range from fluorescent yellow and orange neon hi-vis fabrics to silver-hued reflective strips. In park settings, choose a colour that contrasts with the foliage; by roads, yellow and blue lights tend to stand out from the pavement.
Also, remember to choose an accessory that stands out from your dog’s fur. For example, opt for a bright green collar to stand out against your black dog’s fur.
How long do LED dog collars last on one charge?
LED collar charges vary from brand to brand, but typically last anywhere from a few dog walks (a few hours) to several days. Some collars are battery-operated; others come with a rechargeable USB.
Flashing modes tend to conserve battery, but remember, these can be annoying for dogs, other pedestrians and drivers (and potentially a seizure risk, too), so stick to always-on modes for light-up devices and remember to charge them alongside your phone and laptop.
Do reflective dog collars actually work?
Reflective dog collars offer a relatively budget-friendly way to increase your dog’s visibility when it’s dark out.
Other options, from jackets to trackers, can be just as effective. It’s worth trying a few to see what works best for you and your pet.
Should I wear reflective gear when walking my dog?
By wearing your own reflective gear or hanging a light from your belt, you’re likely to feel more at ease on walks, which your pup will pick up on – and other dog walkers will thank you for.
