There’s nothing which makes outdoor adventuring more fun than having our furry friends tag along. From hiking up mountains to surfing the waves, our faithful companions tend to be with us every step of the way.
However, it’s incredibly important that all avid adventurers take the proper precautions before allowing pups of all ages, sizes and breeds to join high-octane excursions. Perhaps the most important accessory when it comes to beach and lake-side activities, portable water bowls and treats aside, is a canine life jacket.
What to consider before purchasing a life jacket for your pup
- Bright colours and reflective details: first and foremost, a life jacket should make spotting your pup in open water easier than ever. Like a high-vis vest, canine life jackets should be luminescent and complete with reflective strips which are visible no matter the weather conditions.
- Top handle and leash attachment: a top handle is a particularly important feature for water sports enthusiasts looking to bring their dogs along on outdoor adventures. It offers a fuss-free way of bringing your canine back to the safety of your kayak, canoe, paddleboard or boat. A leash attachment is also an essential feature for ensuring your pup remains attached to your person or equipment. This is particularly useful for dogs engaging in hydrotherapy which need to be attached to pup-safe treadmills.
- Buoyancy: a life jacket is useless if it doesn’t help to keep your canine afloat. Ensure the life jacket in question is complete with durable, high-quality buoyancy aids such as foam covered in neoprene or nylon.
- Size and fit: your dog’s life jacket should fit perfectly without being too snug or too loose. A precise fit ensures premium comfort and optimal freedom of movement.
How to measure your dog for a life jacket
The main measurement required for canine life jackets is the girth of your pup, which is the measurement around the largest part of your dog's chest. This ensures the vest fits safely and securely. You should also match the measurements of the life jacket to the size of your dog’s neck and the length of its body. Make sure to take these measurements while your dog is standing upright for accuracy.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best dog life jackets to keep your pup safe on the water below.
Ruffwear Float Coat Life Jacket
An industry favourite among dog lovers and water sport enthusiasts, Ruffwear’s Float Coat is a premium, uber-safe canine life jacket designed to keep pups safe in and around water. Available in three different, highly visible colourways, the Float Coat is for dogs of all shapes and sizes with options ranging from XX small (33-43cm) to X large (91-107cm).
It’s equipped with brilliant, safety-boosting details including an extra-strong handle positioned perfectly to lift pups out of the water, a leash clip-in point under the handle, and a reflective trim. The jacket itself is crafted from buoyant and soft PVC-free foam so your pup feels free to paddle.
Buy now £104.30, Amazon
Shark Life Jacket for Dogs
A hilariously fun option for casual canine swimmers, this shark life jacket by Aoaky is available in three different sizes. It’s crafted from durable and lightweight polyester and features Velcro fastenings around the waist and the neck, as well as additional buckles in both areas.
Breathable mesh at the belly of the jacket allows for better drainage in between swims, while the D-ring and carry handle ensure your dog can be kept close at all times.
Buy now £21.99, Amazon
Lobster Life Jacket for Dogs
There’s no chance you’ll lose your pup in open bodies of water with this incredibly bright, lobster-shaped life jacket. A stylish, high-visibility option with a strong carry handle and buckles to boot, you simply can’t go wrong.
Our sole qualm is that it only appears to be available in one size, with a back length of 44cm, and an adjustable chest girth of 69-80cm.
Buy now £11.99, Amazon
Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jacket
Complete with an extra-secure, adjustable fastening system, the Vivaglory Ripstop life jacket is suitable for dogs at all life stages – just be sure to measure their ribcage girth accordingly to ensure that you’re purchasing the correct size.
It’s available in an array of chic colourways, though we think the neon yellow with reflective trims is the best option for visibility. The Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jacket comes complete with extra padding should you be embarking on more extreme aquatic adventures with your furry friend.
Buy now £22.99, Amazon
Emust Life Vest
This high-visibility vest is complete with quick-release buckles and a quick dry fabric and is available in six different sizes. Our favourite element of this life vest is the zip pocket on the side.
Should your pup get lost, you can pop a laminated card with the necessary owner’s information so that they can find their way back to you. You can also fill it with additional treats to keep their energy high during long outdoor adventures.
Buy now £21.59, Amazon
Zooland Dog Life Jacket
Ergonomically shaped for the utmost comfort, the Zooland Dog Life Jacket is constructed from high-density pearl cotton foam for supreme buoyancy. It’s fitted with a neoprene neck brace and handle for supportive safety, as well as reflective details for visibility. Thanks to the multiple attachment points, it’s a particularly great option for pups learning to swim and senior dogs engaging in hydrotherapy.
Buy now £22.99, Amazon
Non-stop - Protector Life Jacket
Designed to optimise buoyancy, stability and freedom of movement, this life jacket by Non-Stop is available in luminescent orange and teal hues. Though on the pricier end of the spectrum, its premium construction is certainly worth the investment for avid aquatic adventurers. Rather than having foam throughout the entire structure, it’s sewn into the sides of the jacket for supreme floatation while allowing your dog to paddle and turn with ease.
It’s also equipped with two different attachment points, a small back pocket, a reflective stripe on the handle and an innovative ergonomic design.
Buy now £109.99, Mountain Dog
Verdict
For tried and true durability, visibility and buoyancy, our top choice is the Ruffwear Float Coat. We also love the fact that the Aoaky Shark Life Jacket has a hilariously ominous fin attached at the top.
