Best dog/pet life jacket - pets on board.

Johnb · Apr 25, 2017

Suggest you provide the make and size of your dog.

Rick D · Apr 25, 2017

I can't suggest a brand, but I would be sure you get one with a handle. Make handling the dog easier and you might be able to snag it with a boat hook if needed.

markwbird · Apr 25, 2017

I have a couple of Aussies and we got their doggie life jackets at West marine. They do not really like them but we make them wear them because it makes us feel better. The important thing is that they fit comfortably and that they have a loop on the back to you can retrieve the dog with a boat hook.

smokey73 · Apr 25, 2017

In addition to the handle, I'd recommend you get one that has some flotation that goes under the neck in front of the front legs. I observed a dog in the water without that feature and the life jacket tended to raise his body and rear end and force him to work pretty hard to keep his head from being forced down. Just a thought. After you get it put your dog in the water under controlled conditions to make sure it keeps the head above water.

RoyS · Apr 26, 2017

We have a 65 pound standard poodle. West Marine life jacket does not fit a dog of any breed I have ever seen. Body of the jacket is too long. Might fit a Cheetah. Ruff Wear jacket is great! Easy on and off with snaps. No zippers. Handle on back. Fits great. Dog does not mind having it on. Good design.

RoyS · Apr 26, 2017

Further, concerning Smokey's comment above : The dog he observed with his hind end floating higher than his head was probably wearing the West Marine model. We had one and it was very poorly designed.

smokey73 · Apr 26, 2017

RoyS said:
Further, concerning Smokey's comment above : The dog he observed with his hind end floating higher than his head was probably wearing the West Marine model. We had one and it was very poorly designed.

May very well have been. I couldn't see the name on the jacket. I just know the dog seemed to be struggling to keep its head above the water.

I don't know if I'd trust snaps when lifting by the handle with a 65 pound dog that may be struggling when you're trying to get it out of the water. Of course that depends on how the snaps are made and where they are located. From the picture it looks like the black things are what you are referring to as snaps. When I think of snaps I think of the things on Levi's jeans. Best thing is to test it in a "real life simulation" like pulling the dog up with the handle a few feet from a pool or something.

Kermit · Apr 26, 2017

RoyS said:
We have a 65 pound standard poodle. West Marine life jacket does not fit a dog of any breed I have ever seen. Body of the jacket is too long. Might fit a Cheetah. Ruff Wear jacket is great! Easy on and off with snaps. No zippers. Handle on back. Fits great. Dog does not mind having it on. Good design.
View attachment 135789

Roy may have been the one who pointed out the West Marine limitations in a picture I posted. I haven't bought a Ruff Wear jacket yet but plan to do so. (Charlie is the one on the right. He's a good dawg.)
p.s. @rgranger might recognize the SML hat I'm wearing. I lost it sailing a resort catamaran in Jamaica-mon. It never occurred to me to use my MOB training to try to rescue my hat.

Rick486 · Apr 26, 2017

twalker H260 said:
At the risk of starting an anchor thread variation - I'm looking for recommendations as to what people have liked/disliked about pet life jackets, things to watch for, things to stay away from. What brands held up well, which didn't make a season etc.

Will be starting our first season sailing with a furry mate and want to make it as safe and enjoyable for all as possible.

Outward Hound life jacket for trips in the dink and Ruffwear harness with tether for underway for our Dachsy. Golden retriever wears Ruffwear harness with tether underway and goes commando in the dink. (He can swim about 100x better than I can

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Best dog/pet life jacket - pets on board.

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