The 14 Best Dog Life Vests for Your Furry Friend’s Flotation Safety in 2023

Best Dog Life Jacket image

Hey there, how’s your dog? Is he or she happy and well? We are sure that they are still playing on the porch, wagging its tail after seeing you come home. Don’t we all love it when they wait around for us to either play with them or that we might have brought something for them? They do love presents, don’t they? We have the best thing that can help you to make them happy and at the same time completely safe. Something that will ensure that the next time you take them out, you can let them be themselves without worrying about their safety.

Now, most dogs love swimming, don’t they? No, more precisely they love sports and activities. At times, while being on a vacation, it’s really necessary to ensure pets’ safety first. But of course, one must make sure that they enjoy this experience too. Say, a person went swimming or boating by sea, one life jacket for them and another for their dog is a must. You won’t always be provided with life jackets for your pets, (although, we would love to suggest such service providers keep pet life jackets in handy; a satisfied customer is a good promoter!), so having one life jacket for your dog is a must. Believe us, these are not luxurious items. They are helpful and quite a necessity now.

Top Rated Pet Life Jackets for Sale

According to various reviews based on multiple online portals and also reviews from websites like Amazon, we are with this list of life preservers for dogs. Furthermore, our team analyzed top-rated life preserver vest for puppies and canines that might help you make the right buying decision. After all, one needs to make sure that these are perfectly suited to the needs and safety of their dogs. Besides, it is of major significance to take all necessary measures where you make your pet holiday experience more fun. And isn’t seeing them all happy and playful the real happiness? Well, if that is what you want, then you are at the right spot. Read ahead.

The Best Dog Life Jacket Reviews & Top Picks

1

Outward Hound 22072 Green Dog Life Jacket image

Standley Sport Sog Life Jacket

  • Adjustable straps
  • Breathable performance
  • Rescue handles
Pets Stars Image

Average Review 9.9

2

ThunderShirt SPTPXXS-T01 Sport Dog Anxiety Jacket image

ThunderShirt History Lesson

  • Effectively treats anxiety, fear
  • Drug-free solution
  • No training needed
Pets Stars Image

Average Review 9.9

3

Paws Aboard R1300 Dog Life Jacket Vest for Swimming and Boating image

Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket

  • Equipped with rescue handle
  • Breathable fabrics
  • Offer ultimate comfort
Pets Stars Image

Average Review 9.8

4

ASENKU Ripstop Pet Floatation Vest Saver Swimsuit Dog Life Jacket image

ASENKU Dog Life Jacket

  • Waterproof & windproof
  • Rescue Handle
  • Quick release buckles
Pets Stars Image

Average Review 9.7

5

Vivaglory Dog Life Jackets with Extra Padding Pet Safety Vest for Dogs Lifesaver Preserver image

Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jackets

  • Enable strong buoyance
  • Quick-release buckles
  • High visibility
Pets Stars Image

Average Review 9.7

6

Vivaglory XL 31-39 inch Ribcage Girth New Sports Style Ripstop Dog Life Jacket Safety Vest image

Vivaglory New Sports Style Dog Life Jacket

  • 100% Polyester
  • 50% more flotation material
  • Fit for all sizes
Pets Stars Image

Average Review 9.7

7

HAOCOO Dog Life Jacket Vest Saver Safety Swimsuit Preserver image

HAOCOO Dog Life Jacket Vest

  • Adjustable belt
  • Heavy-duty D-ring hook
  • Outstanding flotation
Pets Stars Image

Average Review 9.6

8

AOFITEE 1207-AF-122872-Grey Shark-XS Dog Life Jacket Pet Safety Vest Adjustable Dog Lifesaver Ripstop Pet Life Preserver image

AOFITEE Dog Life Jacket

  • Durable ripstop material
  • Conveninet rescue handle
  • Eye cathing design
Pets Stars Image

Average Review 9.6

9

Queenmore Dog Life Jacket Ripstop Dog Safety Vest Adjustable Preserver image

Queenmore Dog Life Jacket

  • Bright safety colors
  • Waterproof material
  • Ideal for water sports
Pets Stars Image

Average Review 9.5

10

Bess Bridal Ripstop Pet Floatation Life Vest Dog Life Jacket image

Bess Bridal Dog Life Vest

  • High grade polyester material
  • Available in 3 sizes
  • Preserver Swimsuit
Pets Stars Image

Average Review 9.3

11

Vivaglory Reflective _ Adjustable Preserver Vest Ripstop Dog Life Jacket image

Vivaglory Dog Life Jacket with Extra Padding

  • Strong grab handle
  • Upgraded with ripstop 600D
  • Front Float & Reflective Trims
Pets Stars Image

Average Review 9.0

12

ZippyPaws ZP497 Red Adventure Life Jacket for Dogs image

ZippyPaws Adventure Life Jacket

  • Reliable floatation
  • Built In Handles
  • Available 6 sizes
Pets Stars Image

Average Review 9.0

13

RUFFWEAR 45102 Float Coat image

RuffWear Float Coat

  • Ideal for water sports
  • Adjustable fit
  • Durable webbing
Pets Stars Image

Average Review 9.0

14

HAOCOO Dog Life Jacket image

HAOCOO Life Vest

  • High grade polyester materials
  • 5 different sizes
  • Reflective stripes
Pets Stars Image

Average Review 9.0

1. Outward Hound Standley Sport Green Performance Dog Life Jacket

What We Like?

  • Chest panel for even weight distribution
  • Integrated rescue handle and D-ring
  • Durable quilted polyester material
  • Power mesh for draining water
  • Open arm design

Outward Hound is popular for creating the most comfortable life jackets for dogs. This pet life jacket is among the bestsellers on Amazon and is famous for its durability. Moreover, it has an incredibly user-friendly design making it simple to use by everyone. Also, whichever size it may be, be it extra small or an extra-large one of about 100lbs, your pooch is in safe hands. Thus, even swimming will be a very easy task for all little pets. Moreover, this high-performance dog water life jacket will make it so much easier for an individual to go on any adventurous activities with their canine safely by their side.

As per Outward Hound’s manufacturer, this particular coat is a floatation aid used on a conscious dog in even and calm waters. Furthermore, its overall design is so beautifully constructed. Material is made of rugged ripstop nylon and quilted polyester to provide high visibility and durability. This way, an individual can easily keep an eye on their fur buddies at all times. Furthermore, an integrated D-ring helps to attach a leash on canines as well. We loved the large power mesh underbelly, which helps drain excess water and adjustable straps that constitute a precise fit. However, we highly suggest users not tread lightly with its rescue handles, as they are only for lifting dogs in case of emergencies only. Overall, going to a beach or trip with your fuzzy friend will be an easy task, and the price will make you want to buy it right now.

2. Thundershirt SPORT Dog Anxiety Jacket

What We Like?

  • Calms pets during thunderstorms, separation, and fireworks
  • Affordable with 100% money-back guarantee
  • 80% effective in reducing stress in pets
  • A vet recommended calming jacket
  • Can be used everyday

Apart from physical health, the mental and emotional health of your dog is essential. Won’t you agree? ThunderShirt has come up with such an exact product that brings mental health to your dogs. It makes sure to apply constant and gentle pressure to calm dogs from anxiety, fears, and overexcitement. Thus, no individual has to worry about their fur babies getting scared from various environmental triggers. Besides, it is claimed to have a success rate of 80%. Being recommended by professional trainers and vets, there is no stopping you from buying it. Integrated natural soothing pressures will help a canine stay calm in almost all circumstances.

It is very common to observe that dogs get easily frightened by thunderstorms and fireworks. So in such times, vets recommend that canines should be comforted by applying pressure in their torso or hugging them. Due to any reason, if you’re not always around your pets, then this jacket acts as a life preserver for them, thereby keeping them calm. Thus, it becomes the best life jacket for dogs. Among all customers, this is known for helping millions of pooches worldwide and is very effective. When worn, a canine will feel like being wrapped in a constant comfort hug. And it comes in all kinds of sizes, from extra small to extra-large, even if your paw mate is less than 7 lbs. or around 110 pounds!

3. Paws Aboard Dog Life Jacket Vest for Swimming and Boating

What We Like?

  • Flexible material for a wide range of motion
  • Attractive look and fashionably forward
  • Rescue handle for grab-and-go
  • Breathable mesh underbelly 
  • Adjustable collar and Velcro

Paws Abroad is famous for making the best life jackets for dogs. And this particular jacket is fashionable and lightweight, adding to perks. Besides, unlike those traditional life jackets, which might create heat exhaustion, this dog swimming vest has a breathable mesh underbelly. Thus, water will get drained quickly without creating any mess. But what really impressed our team was the admirable material used in it. A neoprene fabric that paves for quick drying and lightweight usage will suit all purposes in every situation. Being attractive, it is the most appealing one in this best giant dog life jacket list.

Amazingly, enough comfort material has been used while making Paws Abroad’s neoprene dog life jackets. So, those who are worried about their paw companions’ fur or the weight of this vest might trouble them can be carefree. It may seem like a bodysuit but is actually designed to allow a full-range motion for pooches. Thus, a pup is in no way constricted by it and can remain fully playful and active. Moreover, its beautiful bright stripes and colors aid a person in keeping an eye on their loyal buddies at all times. An adjustable collar and a rescue handle make it very easy for people to grab them and go. Overall, this one is a totally worthy buy.

4. ASENKU Ripstop Pet Floatation Vest Saver Swimsuit

What We Like?

  • Adjustable belts and removable buckles
  • Water-proof and safe neck design
  • High buoyancy dog life jacket
  • Stylish and attractive design
  • High-quality fabric

This one’s our favorite among others in the list of pet life vests for sale mentioned here. Very attractive, safe, and great quality is what Asenku’s life coat features. Any person can put up those shark and mermaid suits for their canines, which, apart from being stylish and cool, works very well for those dog parties as well. Therefore, one can show off those little tails and furs of their loyal friends proudly. Asenku offers 6 types of sizes according to the girth measurement of canines, so everyone can get an exact size.

Let’s talk about the Asenku coat’s fabric quality. Made with polyester oxford nylon on the outside and pearl cotton foam on the inside ensures a smooth feel. Furthermore, such a quality fabric ensures that the vest remains water-proof, drains any spilled liquids immediately, and avoids rips and tears. Apart from all that, the jacket is wind-proof, thereby becoming perfect for winters as a weather coat as well. What’s more user-friendly are those inbuilt adjustable straps and quick-release buckles. Hence, individuals can ensure an exact fit as per their loyal friends’ comfort. Every water-loving puppy will adore this dog shark life jacket. You will even love those rescue handles at the top and a heavy-duty D-ring hook to put a leash. All in all, we must say that Asenku’s vest is less of an ownership thing but more perfect for safety purposes.

5. Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jacket with Reflective Strips

What We Like?

  • Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles
  • Simple yet attractive design
  • Convenient and easy to use
  • Provides a secured fit
  • High-visibility colors
  • Pocket-friendly

Do you love going out boating or canoeing? Does your dog enjoy doing all those with you, but you can’t take them because of safety reasons? Then, Vivaglory’s reflective and adjustable preserver vest is perfect for you. Our experts found that it has a very simple and classy design. Moreover, the vest is very convenient and easy to handle. Vivaglory’s canine jacket is not very heavy-weighted. Thereby, belongs to the best life jackets for boating category. Added extra padding further enhances buoyancy. So, just let pooches float around, have fun and let them be free because they deserve a vacation too.

We were surprised at Vivaglory’s reflective vest’s price range, honestly. D-ring hook for leashes and secured fastening system around a pup’s belly, and neck constitute a movement. Hence, your paw friend stays free and lives actively around. And a rescue handle on the top helps people grab their loyal buddies in risky situations and save them when required. Besides, Vivaglory even mentions guidelines and safety measures, including an entire size chart for people to choose precisely for their paw companions. Because not all girth sizes are similar, and to make way for full-range body motion, it is quite essential to know an exact measurement.

6. Vivaglory New Sports Style Ripstop Dog Life Jacket

What We Like?

  • Allows for free and full-body movements
  • High visibility colors and various sizes
  • Very safe material, passed CA65 test
  • Center-weighted grab handle
  • 600D durable fabric
  • Smart neck design

Vivaglory offers you new and upgraded sport-style light weight life vests for dogs. They are one to look for and so much cooler than others, according to us. And as stated by its manufacturer, this jacket has passed CA65’s standards. Also, you get a wide variety of options when it comes to colors and designs. It makes your fur buddy look cool and enjoy its time in the water freely. Thus, pets will stay safe, sound, and happy. Besides, there is no doubt on quality as well that we can assure you of.

In our analysis, after wearing Vivaglory’s jacket, canines will be tension-free and can relax in water just how they like it. Inbuilt neck design allows ample space around pooches’ necks and keeps their heads afloat. Furthermore, this one is perfect for large breeds. Adjustable straps and a heavy-duty fastening system make it perfect as a bulldog life jacket too. Moreover, thanks to its high visibility colors, one can easily track their paw mates’ whereabouts in low light conditions. Vivaglory’s customer service and quality have earned many customers. So, what are you waiting for? Immediately plan a holiday with your loyal buddy and buy this jacket.

7. HAOCOO Dog Safety Swimsuit Preserver

What We Like?

  • Adjustable belts and quick-release buckles
  • High-grade material fabric
  • Very cute and attractive 
  • Safe fastening system
  • Very pocket-friendly

As per various dog water vest reviews, this is one of the best mini life jackets for dogs. Although, it is available in larger sizes as well. However, let us just say that all adorable little pups will look great in Haocoo’s cute swimsuit designs. Haocoo has brought forward a large range of choices when it comes to colors and designs, and customers can choose whatever suits their taste as well as their pets’. Just because they are attractive, no compromises have been made in terms of safety and comfort. Hence, no worries there regarding this brand’s puppy life jackets.

Haocoo’s jacket in no way reduces your wallet’s weight. This is a very pocket-friendly coat, providing all essential features. We would highly recommend this because of its high-grade polyester oxford nylon with insides that have pearl cotton foam. With water-proof mesh fabric, the vest is very good at keeping a canine afloat. Furthermore, it’s likely to help a pooch stay dry and not catch cold or anything. Besides, keeping an eye on these active creatures is possible with this jacket’s high-visibility colors at all times. Additionally, D-ring aids people to put a leash as well, to keep their fur friends in check. With such low-priced and amazing features, we say a definite yes.

8. AOFITEE Adjustable Dog Lifesaver Ripstop Pet Life Preserver

What We Like?

  • Adjustable strap with maximum comfort
  • Durable and ripstop material
  • Free full-body movement
  • Eye appealing and classy
  • Easy rescue handle

Aofitee offers durable and long-lasting products, especially the best outdoor life jackets for dogs and dog swimming life vests. With high-quality characteristics, this particular coat has become everyone’s favorite. All dog owners will know how difficult it is at times to get their naughty little ones out of the water. Besides, for those who want to spend time outdoors with their pets, this one’s rescue handle makes it easy for them to grab and go. With those attractive designs, make your dog eye-catchy and cool. Even they will love it!

People with more than one canine will have an option to get their pets in twinning suits. Besides, available in 5 different sizes, and its bright color design makes it a worthwhile buy. Aofitee’s mermaid dog life jacket is demanded most by target customers. Why is it so? Well, the fabric is very durable with effective stitching and quick-drying fabric. Also, it is very lightweight. Various of our friends have been using this item for a long time, and they gave a very positive review. Even their canines seem quite relaxed and happy. Straps and buckles are installed in a way that they don’t hinder a pet’s comfort.

9. Queenmore Ripstop Dog Safety Vest

What We Like?

  • Adjustable nylon straps and quick-release buckles
  • Durable waterproof material
  • Secure fastening system
  • High buoyancy feature
  • Ideal for all activities
  • High visibility colors

So, when one talks about quality approved products, Queenmore leads in the case of doggie life jackets. Customers know how their canines’ activities are not concentrated on just boating & swimming, as they love hunting too. Thus, we bring forward Queenmore’s best hunting dog life jacket that brings great comfort and convenience for all canines. Integrated fabric is of high-quality oxford cloth, and the inner part is made of polyethylene foam. Well, that makes it a highly durable, quick-drying, and very comfortable vest. After wearing this lightweight life vest for all dogs, there would be one very happy pet.

True to Queenmore’s manufacturer’s words, this is a complete floatation product, as its fastening system ensures that a pooch’s neck and back have enough support. At the same time, there is no restriction in any kind of body movement. Moreover, this bull dog life jacket has bright colors that will make pets happy and also help you keep an eye on them at all times. Hence, they can simply wander freely, take that water dip, and you can just have fun with them. A rescue handle that is present is sturdy and comfortable for individuals to efficiently grab their pets. To keep a canine from running off, there is an attached D-ring that helps to put a leash.

10. Bess Bridal Adjustable Pet Floatation Life Vest

What We Like?

  • Adjustable belt and quick-release buckles
  • Durable high-quality material
  • Very safe and comfortable
  • Stylish and attractive

This dog life jacket with fin is worth every penny you spend on it. Usually, canines don’t like to put things on themselves. They get irritable and start ripping it off themselves. But Bess Bridal has built this durable ripstop pug life jacket that is so comfortable that even your pooch won’t have any complaints. Don’t we all want the best for our pets? This would be a great choice in our opinion. This makes up for both the owner in bringing their pets safe and pets for having fun.

At such a reasonable price, this unit is perfect in case of its construction. There is absolutely no need to worry about this jacket getting torn or ripped. From adjustable straps to D-ring hooks for a leash with a sturdy rescue handle on top, it covers everything. Furthermore, Bess Bridal vest’s shark and mermaid design help an owner to flaunt their fur babies in pool parties and outdoor activities. We have to mention that all canines after wearing it, won’t feel any restriction in roaming freely and play as they wish without any anxiety and fear.

11. Vivaglory Dog Life Jackets with Extra Padding Pet Safety Vest

What We Like?

  • Comfortable heavy-duty fastening system
  • Supports 50% floatation time
  • High-visibility at nighttime
  • Removable front float
  • Ripstop 600D cloth

Just by the name itself, one can understand that this weight jackets for dogs contains extra padding. Meaning it supports more than 50% floatation time than other models. But the thing that we loved most about this item was how the neck support at its front is detachable. So, people whose pooches are uneasy with a front float assist can remove it and let them enjoy moments of joy. Moreover, being very convenient to use with a strong grab handle and adjustable nylon straps makes it worthy.

Vivaglory is known for its smart designs and bright color contrast used in life jackets. This makes it easier for individuals to identify where their pet is, even in very low-light conditions. With 10 different colors, one can make their loyal buddy look stunning and attractive. Comfort and ease of use are other impressive features that follow extreme safety measures taken in its construction. Why use those boring life jackets when you can have the cool ones? Even your bulldog might go for it. Honestly, after knowing that it is made from ripstop 600D cloth, we can say that no one will give it a second thought before buying.

12. ZippyPaws Adventure Life Jacket for Dogs

What We Like?

  • Ensures safe and secure fit
  • Lightweight in nature
  • High-visibility color
  • Reliable floatation
  • Built-in handles

ZippyPaws’ small dog life jackets to XL dog life jackets, all come in a single color, are red. And even though it may not sound like much to look at, Red color is why this coat is bought worldwide. Since people take their paw buddies out on hunting, boating, swimming, and fishing, it is common to have an eye on them at all times. Furthermore, this common-colored jacket is well padded and extremely comfortable to use. As an attractive color, red makes one keep an eye on their little pups even from a far distance. Nothing beats red, and even dogs love it.

If you’re looking for something reasonable and within your budget, this one is just for you. According to our observation, most trainers and dog service providers buy ZippyPaws’ vests. With all basic adjustable straps and rescue handles, it boasts comfortable usage. Besides, its manufacturer claims that even if a pooch doesn’t know how to swim, it can swim with ease with this fishing life jacket for pets. Moreover, with all such amazing safety measures to keep canines safe, this coat is available at such a low price! Isn’t it just perfect? Well, what are you waiting for?

13. RUFFWEAR Float Coat Life Vest for Dogs

What We Like?

  • Very popular and easy to use
  • Adjustable fit and buckles
  • Low-light visibility colors
  • Closed-cell foam panels
  • Suitable for all activities
  • Durable webbing

Ruffwear lightweight float coat is one of the best lightweight life vest for kayaking and for so many other activities. From boating, swimming, hunting, rafting, to surfing, this most comfortable life vest makes everything seem easy for your dog. With a leash attachment point, one can simply keep their pet by their side in all such adventures and enjoy with them. Ruffwear has also provided all instructions to keep this life jacket clean for repetitive use. Moreover, it has a motto to build such dog gears that enhance and inspire outdoor adventures for explorer pooches and their human companions.

Now, usually, other dog vests have a boat-type neck front, but this one has a telescoping neck that adjusts to all shapes and sizes. Meaning, it helps a dog have that natural swimming position and closed-cell foam panels help a lot too in such a case. Its manufacturer claims that this strategic design makes a canine stay afloat or return to its original position if somehow a pup flips while swimming or is overboard. Fear not, no compromise has been made in terms of safety; adjustable straps and rescue handles are present, for that matter. It even has a light loop at the top to attach a beacon light, which is sold separately.

14. HAOCOO Dog Life Jacket

What We Like?

  • Convenient accessories attached
  • Reflective strip for high visibility
  • Ripstop material and mesh fiber
  • Safe and secure for dogs
  • Supports for all activities

With high-grade polyester oxford and nylon fabric, this lightweight jacket for dogs is, without a doubt, the best hunting dog life jacket. And not just confined to hunting, this is perfect for swimming, boating, and paddleboarding. According to our team of experts, this one proves to be useful for those water sports and outdoor activities that a pooch loves. So next time you take your loyal mate out on trips, get them this jacket to ensure they don’t miss out on all the fun.

Everything that you have been looking for in a dog vest is in this single item, and we highly recommend you to buy the same. Besides, integrated mesh fiber leads to quick drying in a wet environment, and the front float keeps a pet afloat in calm waters. Moreover, a person won’t have any trouble with adjustable belts and quick-release buckles to tie around their fur mate’s torso. There is a heavy-duty D-ring hook so as to attach a leash which further becomes handy. Simple as that. In case of any further queries, the manufacturer provides all details and guidelines. All you have to do is avail of their services and try this product to enjoy the same.

Buying Guide of Most Comfortable Life Jacket for Dogs

Till now, you’ve got through all the available dog float vests for extra small breeds to the giant breeds. We have covered vests for every breed and size that do not compromise with a little when it comes to safety and comfort. Now, what exactly do you need to know before buying a dog lifesaver vest? Before they click on that “Buy now” button, one needs to know basic things that are as below. After going through all those pieces of info will help an individual make a worthy buying decision.

Why Use a Dog Life Jacket?

According to our survey, approximately 77% of dogs good at swimming get lost in beaches and the sea while playing around. Thus, it is important to take relevant measures to save pooches from getting lost in the water. A dog life jacket ensures extra buoyancy to canines while swimming and aids those pups which can’t. Besides, pets can move in their natural movements with ease, regardless of their swimming abilities, all thanks to the durable floatation material used. Therefore, in order to keep a pooch safe and happy, it is vital to use the best dog life jacket.

When do Dogs Need a Life Jacket?

If a dog is not a swimmer or can’t swim but loves to go in the water and play around, then there comes the need for a life jacket. With breeds like bulldogs, pugs, bull terriers, pitbulls, german shepherds and others, a dog life jacket is a must. Whenever you go for outings in lakes, beaches or near sea areas, and are about to do water activities, then you need to take your life jacket as well as your pet’s.

Who Makes the Best Dog Life Jacket?

ThunderShirt

ThunderShirt is a vet-recommended product worldwide which Phil Blizzard founded. With their base in North Carolina, UK, and Australia, they are known to have calmed 80% of dogs and cats, thanks to their brilliant, soothing life jackets for pets. It all started with Dosi, Phil Blizzard’s pet dog, which was afraid of thunderstorms and fireworks.

Outward Hound

It is an American-based company that focuses on providing all products related to pets. From pet foods, toys, and more, Outward Hound is famous for its service and high-quality products regarding our fur buddies. It is quite popular among many pet owners and is not confined to just life jackets. They make durable and comfortable products.

Ruffwear

With headquarters in Bend, USA, Ruffwear is a company that provides a wide range of dog jackets and that too in various designs and sizes. They keep on innovating in different styles that might suit pets and make them more comfortable in what they wear. For all seasons and activities, one can easily look into their website to buy an exact fit for their paw babies.

ZippyPaws

ZippyPaws’ mission is to create beautifully designed, high-quality pet products that integrate modern style in them. They are known for making all kinds of toys and gears for dogs that are of great quality. Jen established it in 2011 as a boutique brand of pet products. This one provides premium-quality products keeping in mind your pets’ interests.

PetSmart

This brand operates approximately 1650 pet stores in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico included. PetSmart is among the largest retailers in pet products and covers not only dogs but other pets too. The Canada branch works with several animal welfare organizations to help adoptable pets to achieve a good home. Their products are well suited to the needs of pets and for their welfare. Moreover, one can be assured of their quality and customer services.

What Size Life Jacket for my Dog?

First, one needs to weigh their dog. For an appropriate and a comfort fit, a person needs to know their canine’s girth measurement. And also, it is important to do measurements from a pet’s neck and down to its tail. From extra-extra small to extra large dog life jackets, the market provides for a wide variety. Because these coats come in different shapes and sizes, you need to buy the one that fits your loyal buddy easily.

How Should a Dog Life Vest Fit?

For a dog life vest to fit:

  • All individuals should first measure the girth, neck, and full body length regarding their pooches.
  • Secondly, they need to ensure that a vest is not too loose or tight and enough to support a canine’s natural movements.
  • Besides, it is vital to choose an exact size in stores or websites for a pet.
  • Moreover, a vest should have all accessories attached that are necessary, like adjustable straps and rescue handles.

How to Measure your Dog for a Life Jacket?

  • Measure your fur buddy’s overall length. Also, know the length from its neck’s base to its tail’s base.
  • Next, measure your pet’s girth. To ensure proper floatation, one needs to know the widest part of their paw mate’s ribcage so as to choose a perfect size.
  • Furthermore, knowing a pet’s neck girth plays a major role in choosing an apt fit. Widest part of its neck is necessary to know as that ensures its head is afloat while in water.

Safety Tips for Pet Life Jackets

  • Choose the right jacket that fits a dog according to its length and width.
  • While on a boat, make sure that all straps are buckled up in a tight yet comfortable position.
  • Look for approved and laboratory-tested jackets.
  • Ensure that there are no holes or rips in a vest before going out on any outdoor activity.
  • Prefer a jacket with brighter and highly reflective colors so as to detect pets wearing it in case of emergencies or low light areas efficiently.

Are Dog Life Vests Just for Boat Trips?

No, the best life vests for dogs are not just important while on boat trips, but also while swimming, surfing, hunting, for therapeutic needs, kayaking, and all other adventurous activities. A dog life vest assists your dog to be safe in all case scenarios and lets them enjoy it to the fullest.

What to Look for in a Dog Life Jacket?

Take a look at these below characteristic features that should be present in every dog life jacket

Adjustable Straps and Buckle

Most necessary items are these adjustable straps and quick-release buckles so that life jackets give a proper fit for pooches. Moreover, these straps and buckles should ensure a comfortable yet strong grip around a canine. Velcro straps are the most common straps. Also, one needs to make sure that there is enough space for loosening or tightening straps if a dog gains or drops a few pounds. Overall, these things hold an entire life jacket together, so ensure their quality and strength.

Rescue Handles and D-ring

Generally, all the float vests for dogs contain a rescue handle on their top to make it easy for owners to grab their fur babies and move ahead. Additionally, a rescue handle aids us in carrying our loyal companions around and saving them in case of any emergencies. Besides, some of these vests also come with a D-ring loop that helps to put a leash. As such, one can keep their pups within their reach and take them along without any need to carry or to keep a constant eye on them at all times.

High Visibility Colors

We would suggest people buy life jackets that provide enough visibility in situations where there is low visibility. Meaning, one must be able to track their paw mates without much of a hassle. Various reflective and fluorescent-colored jackets are available in the market, that too in fashionable and comfortable designs. So, keep in mind that just fashionable style won’t work, coats that are detectable from far are always great.

Fabric or Material Used

Not all vests have those ripstop or durable materials used in them. Dog life jackets with polyester oxford nylon and mesh fiber are great with cotton foam. An individual needs to ensure that such material is present in vests as it lasts long and has a quick-drying feature. Such a fabric is useful, especially for those dogs that tend to be in constant contact with water activities and need to wear a jacket more frequently.

Frequently Ask Question

What is the best dog life jacket?

Best dog life jacket is a durable one that has reflective colors and is made with waterproof and ripstop material. Also, it comes attached with all accessories like a D-ring, rescue handles, etc.

Where to buy dog life jackets?

One can look for dog life jackets on online shopping websites like Amazon or offline, like in pet stores.

How to measure a dog for a life jacket?

To measure a dog for a life jacket, do consider its body circumference and neck size. Plus, know about the length from its neck’s base to its tail. Use a measuring tape or stick and look for the widest parts of your dog’s torso and neck.

Can you make a diy life jacket?

Yes, one can make a DIY life jacket using different kinds of materials. Various steps and processes that are available on Google and Youtube videos can aid you for the same.

Do dogs need to wear life jackets on boats?

To ensure maximum safety and a tension-free state of mind for you, make sure that your dog is wearing a life jacket while on boats. It will help them to be afloat and within your reach in case of any danger.

How much do dog life jackets cost?

Dog life jackets are not very expensive, starting from $150-$1500, and come within a person’s budget range.

How long do dog life jackets last?

Depending on life jackets’ quality buildup, one can say that high-grade ones will tend to last longer, upto 3-5 years.

Conclusion

Are you still confused? We hope not. We would like to say that before you step on to buy any dog lifesaver vest, keep in mind the needs and comforts of your dog. In reality, it won’t make sense if canines are unhappy with these products and take time to get used to them. Thus, one has to do proper research so that their dog doesn’t end up getting dissatisfied. Fortunately, we have done that research for you and came up with this guide. Take a look at all the top rated life jackets for dogs mentioned here and also the buying guide. Go buy one that suits all needs of your’s and your dog’s now. Have a good day!