Best Dog Life Jackets of 2026
buoyancy and support for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and boating with your dog
June 11th, 2026, updated with more testing photos and scenarios and to add sections on life jacket fit and safety
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Even strong swimmers can get into trouble in open water, and dogs are no exception. Currents, rough surf, fatigue, and cold water can all put a dog at risk faster than most pet owners expect, and a dog life jacket provides the buoyancy and support to keep their head above water when conditions turn. For canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, or anywhere the water moves, a good dog life jacket is a critical piece of gear.
Our lead tester is a dog dad living in Southern California near the beach who has spent countless hours on and in the water with his nearly 70-pound dog Miles, and knows the conditions that can quickly make it dangerous for both of them. We tested the top dog life jackets in real-world ocean conditions, evaluating how each jacket performed during active play, rough surf, and sustained swimming to find out which ones actually keep dogs safe rather than just afloat.
What separates a genuinely good dog life jacket from one that just floats your dog comes down to how well the buoyancy panels keep the head above water during active swimming, how secure the fit is without restricting the dog's paddle stroke, how the handle performs when you actually need to lift the dog out of the water quickly, and how well the jacket stays put during hours of active play rather than just a brief swim.
Top Pick: The Ruffwear Float Coat earns our Best Overall award. It stood out for a telescoping neck sleeve that tightens or loosens to fit different neck sizes, wrap-around foam panels that kept Miles' head above water through two hours of non-stop fetch in the Pacific Ocean without affecting his maneuverability, a low-profile flush-mounted handle, and a form-fitting construction that gave him full freedom to paddle while maintaining safe head positioning.
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Comparison table
| DOG LIFE JACKET | TREELINE AWARD | SIZES | COLOR | MATERIAL | MSRP* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffwear Float Coat | Best overall Read review |
XS: 17-22 inches, S: 22-27 inches, M: 27-32 inches, L: 32-36 inches, XL: 36-42 inches | Blue Dusk, Red Sumac, Wave Orange | 800-denier polyester, foam, polypropylene | $100 |
| Non-stop Dogwear Protector Life Jacket | Best for bigger dogs Read review |
[size 2] 3.3 - 15.4lbs, [size 3] 6.6 - 15.4lbs, [size 4] 15.4 - 37.5lbs, [size 5] 26.5 - 48.5lbs, [size 6] 48.5 - 72.8lbs, [size 7] 68.3 - 103.6lbs | Black/Orange, Teal | Polyester with HexiVent mesh, Duraflex bluesign-approved buckles, reflective trim | $159 |
| Kurgo Surf and Turf | Best affordable Read review |
XS-XL | red or green | 400-denier Ripstop material with a Neoprene liner | $38 - $55 |
| Astral Bird Dog | Best adjustable Read review |
XS-XL | Hound Gray, Ol’ Blue | 500-denier Cordura nylon canvas with 200-denier High Tenacity Nylon liner fabric | $80 |
| Outward Hound Granby Splash Life Jacket | XS-XL | Blue, orange, green, pink, yellow | 50% Polyester, 30% PU, 10% PP, 10% POM | $16-40 |
*MSRP differs depending on size of jacket (for most brands). See our Deals Page for discounts we find when gear is below listed price.
The winners
Best overall dog life jacket: Ruffwear Float Coat
Material: 800-denier polyester, foam, polypropylene
Available sizes (based on chest size): XS: 17-22 inches, S: 22-27 inches, M: 27-32 inches, L: 32-36 inches, XL: 36-42 inches
Color options: Blue Dusk, Red Sumac, Wave Orange
Price: $100
What we liked: Streamlined and secure design, rugged low-profile handle, attractive colors
What we didn’t like: Stiff, long straps and fabric that peeks where the bottom clips
Ruffwear is known for being the gold-standard in outdoor dog gear for a reason. The Ruffwear Float Coat fit Miles perfectly, from its clipless telescoping neck sleeve (that can be loosened or tightened) to its soft and secure wrap-around foam panels. The life jacket’s silhouette appears flawlessly efficient due to the low-profile handle design that sits flush with the foam and the sheltered buckles.
Compare prices of the Ruffwear Float Coat
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We've been testing the Ruffwear Float Coat for swimming and playing at Huntington Dog Beach and other Southern California beaches.
For our initial testing, Miles wore the Ruffwear Float Coat for two hours of non-stop fetch play in the Pacific Ocean. We tested for fit and comfort, maneuverability when swimming and playing with his ball, and whether it keeps his head above water while he is paddling.
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We found that his maneuverability was unaffected by the light, form-fitting flotation device.
Wearing the Ruffwear Float Coat, he ran with agility down to the breakers and appeared highly stable as he swam in the sea.
The Float Coat kept his head above the water and gave him unrestricted freedom to doggie paddle back up to the beach.
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We found that the straps on the Ruffwear Float Coat were long, at least Miles, who is nearly 70 lbs. The hook-and-loop adjusters (aka, Velcro), which keeps them folded, came undone frequently. This happened during our first trip with them but continued even after two year's worth of use.
Another issue we noticed was that the underbelly fabric where the buckles close sometimes became untucked, which looked sloppy on an otherwise sleek jacket.
Best dog life jacket for big dogs: Non-stop dogwear Protector Life Jacket
Material: Polyester with HexiVent mesh, Duraflex bluesign-approved buckles, reflective trim
Available sizes: [size 2] 3.3 - 15.4lbs, [size 3] 6.6 - 15.4lbs, [size 4] 15.4 - 37.5lbs, [size 5] 26.5 - 48.5lbs, [size 6] 48.5 - 72.8lbs, [size 7] 68.3 - 103.6lbs
Color options: Black/Orange, Teal
Price: $159
What we liked: Most buoyancy and support, sturdy heavy-duty handle, quick drying
What we didn’t like: Price may not fit most people’s budgets
Although it’s the highest price option, the Protector Life Jacket offered impressive features for keeping a bigger dog like Miles safe and comfortable in the water. Miles is nearly 70 lbs, so it was important to find a dog life jacket that could offer stability as well as maneuverability for a dog his size, like when he’s tossed around in ocean whitewater.
Nonstop Dogwear is one of our favorite brands of dog gear, winning our top awards for best dog coats, best harnesses, best dog rain jackets. This is especially true for fit of dog gear on larger dogs.
That same quality comes across in the Protector Life Jacket, from the refined sizing to the stability and mobility. It’s clear the brand really understands what dogs need and this was especially true in our testing in rougher water.
Non-stop dogwear Protector Life Jacket
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For bigger dogs, the closed-cell foam panels are in an ideal position—higher on the sides to add buoyancy without creating underwater resistance. This is important because buoyancy is measured by volume of foam per pound of dog and overall body coverage. On a heavier and bigger dog, more foam is required to keep up that ratio.
The Protector Life Jacket provides the right amount of support, keeping Miles’ head above water without hindering his swimming.
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The Non Stop Dogwear Protector Life Jacket is also excellent in the way it fits Miles' body: it’s form-fitting and less restrictive than other options.
The adjustable neck and chest straps make it easy to get a perfect fit, ensuring stability both in and out of the water.
The handle on top is sturdy and makes it easy to lift your dog, while the wide belly section distributes weight evenly and is secured with velcro and buckle straps.
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The mesh lining inside the Nonstop Dogwear Protector Life Jacket adds breathability and is more comfortable against fur than some of the other materials we looked at.
The vest dries quickly, staying light even when wet.
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While we haven’t found any significant drawbacks yet, we believe it’s important to keep testing the Protector Life Jacket for long-term durability. We're two years into testing, and we haven’t encountered any major issues other than this is the most expensive dog life jacket we tested. However, with a lot of dog gear, jackets for bigger dogs tend to cost more than jackets for little dogs, so this isn't too surprising.
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If you have a bigger dog or just want a high quality dog life jacket, the Nonstop Dogwear Protector Life Jacket impressed us.
Best affordable dog life jacket: Kurgo Surf N Turf Dog Life Jacket
Material: 400-denier Ripstop material with a Neoprene liner
Available sizes: XS-XL
Color options: red or green
Price: $38 - $55
What we liked: Easy to spot in the water and on land, highly adjustable secure fit
What we didn’t like: Less buoyancy than the Protector, pulling large dogs out of water by the straps may cause discomfort
If you’re looking for a lower-cost option with solid adjustability and high visibility, you won’t need to look further than the Kurgo Surf N Turf Dog Life Jacket. One of the standout features of the Surf N Turf is its vibrant color, which significantly enhances visibility when out on the water. We had no problem spotting Miles from a distance when he was near the breakers, or even sprinting down the beach chasing his ball.
Kurgo Surf N Turf Dog Life Jacket
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We also found the adjustability on the Kurgo Surf N Turf Dog Life Jacket to be top-notch and had no problem fitting it to Miles’ body. The jacket remained secure and comfortable when he was swimming and fetching with no issues. This surprised us because this dog life jacket is so affordable.
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The Surf N Turf’s quality felt more in line with a budget-friendly option compared to the other jackets we tried, evidenced in a couple key areas: buoyancy and strap padding.
The Surf N Turf didn’t offer the same level of buoyancy as the other jackets, so Miles had to use his own power to stay afloat. Buoyancy is measured as a ratio of volume of buoyant foam and dog's weight (as well as the dog's size). Since Miles is a bigger dog (70 pounds) we would have preferred if the Surf N Turf had more foam.
Also, the straps have no padding, which seemed to make it uncomfortable for Miles when we lifted him out of the water.
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Because of its highly visible bright colors and versatile fit, the extra small or small Kurgo Surf N Turf dog life jacket is a good choice for small pups.
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Because of the thinness of the handle and lesser buoyancy than the other vests we tried, we wouldn’t recommend the Surf N Turf for heavier dogs or sustained wear and tear. The high visibility makes it a better choice for smaller dogs.
We think if you have a bigger dog, even if you are on a budget, you would be better off choosing the Ruffwear Float Coat or Astral Bird Dog.
Best adjustable dog life jacket: Astral Bird Dog Life Jacket
Material: 500-denier Cordura nylon canvas with 200-denier High Tenacity Nylon liner fabric
Available sizes: XS-XL
Color options: Hound Gray, Ol’ Blue
Price: $75
What we liked: Vintage look, more coverage, easy to adjust, durable
What we didn’t like: Rigid construction may hinder full range of motion while swimming
The first thing we noticed about the Astral Bird Dog Life Jacket was its high-quality construction (that, and its retro ‘80s aesthetic).
Astral has a well-earned reputation for making durable gear, and the Astral dog life jacket is no exception. Unlike most of the other makers of dog life jackets, Astral is a life jacket brand (for humans) not a dog gear brand. In fact, Astral life jackets took top awards in our Best Life Jackets and PFD guide. We were impressed at the comfort and adjustability in their human life jackets and that same attention to detail in fit translates to their dog life jacket, too.
Astral clearly understands the water and what is required for buoyancy and safety in waves and rougher water. In our testing, the Astral dog life jacket has proven its ability to withstand wear and tear from an active, adventurous dog like Miles.
Compare prices of the Astral Bird Dog Life Jacket
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Putting the Bird Dog Life Jacket on and taking it off Miles was easy, thanks to the jacket’s intuitive design. The Bird Dog’s neck and chest straps are adjustable, ensuring a secure fit for dogs of different sizes.
Miles is large (~70 lbs) and we found that the Astral easily adjusted to fit his large frame.
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We found that the Bird Dog stayed in place on Miles without causing discomfort or hindrance to Mile’s movement.
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Although the Astral Bird Dog Life Jacket adjusted well to our dog’s body, it’s somewhat stiff in its construction. We didn’t find that this limited Miles’ movements significantly; however, we could definitely tell that the Bird Dog’s hinged foam panels were more rigid than the competition.
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The Astral Bird Dog has more rigid panels than other dog life jackets. For this reason, we think it is best suited for less-active dogs who will be sitting in a boat or kayak, versus actively swimming in their life jacket.
Why your dog needs a life jacket
Before I adopted Miles, I never thought much about dog life jackets. Then I took him to the beach for the first time and watched him get tumbled by a wave he didn't see coming. He was fine, but it was a good reminder that even a strong, confident swimmer can get into trouble fast in open water.
The core reason is simple: dogs tire out. Even strong swimmers have limits, and in rough water, a tired dog can go from fine to struggling in seconds. A life jacket keeps their head above water when their legs give out, and the handle on the back means you can pull them out quickly if you need to.
Beyond fatigue, there are situations dogs simply can't handle on their own. Currents, boat wakes, unexpected drop-offs, surf that's bigger than it looks from shore. Miles is nearly 70 pounds and a strong swimmer, and I still put him in a jacket anytime we're in or near open water. The risk isn't worth it.
Visibility matters more than most people realize. Bright colors and reflective trim mean you can track your dog from a distance, which is especially important in busy water, choppy conditions, or any time the light is low. I've spotted Miles from well over 100 feet in orange and red jackets that would have been nearly impossible to see in a standard dark coat.
For dogs who are older, have joint issues, or are new to water, a life jacket is even more important. It reduces the effort required to stay afloat, which means longer, more enjoyable time in the water with less strain on their body. And for anxious dogs who aren't sure about swimming, the added buoyancy often gives them enough confidence to actually enjoy it.
At the end of the day, a dog life jacket is cheap insurance. The cost is minimal compared to what you'd pay for an emergency vet visit, or what you'd lose if something went wrong on the water with no way to help.
What to look for in a dog life jacket
The Ruffwear Float Coat (size M) on Treeline Review editor Mary Murphy's 10-year old Lab Mix. Photo by Chris Peters.
There are some important features to look for when you are buying a dog life jacket, so that your dog stays safe and comfortable during water activities.
Buoyancy
Flotation is the most important feature of a dog life jacket. The jacket should have enough buoyancy to keep your dog’s head well above water and to make swimming effortless for them. Unlike human personal flotation devices (PFDs), canine flotation devices (CFDs) are not Coast Guard certified, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s size chart, which is typically based on your dog’s weight, chest circumference, or back length.
Secure Fit
It’s important that a good life jacket hugs your dog’s body, doesn’t move too much, but also never restricts movement. In addition, a dog life jacket should have flexible and releasable buckles for safety.
Durability
Try to find a dog life jacket made of materials suitable for constant wear and tear, with reinforced stitching and quality fabrics. Most dog life jackets are made with high-denier nylon, polyester, and/or neoprene, all of which are UV resistant and durable against abrasions. To increase the longevity of your dog life jacket, wash it after every use (especially in saltwater) and store in a cool, dry place.
The orange grab handle and leash attachment point on the Ruffwear Float Coat on a 12 month-old black Lab. Photo by Mary Murphy.
Handle
The extra-strong handle on the back of a dog life jacket makes it easy to lift your dog out of the water quickly and easily in an emergency, or if you need to get your dog over an obstacle to reach dry land. Some dog life jackets can double as helpful harnesses, if you are hiking to a destination with water.
D-ring
A built-in D-ring for leash attachment can be very handy. It allows you to keep your dog on a leash while they wear the jacket, making it easier to control them around water.
Reflective Strips
Reflective strips or bright colors enhance visibility, making it easier to spot your dog in the water, especially in low light conditions. This added safety feature is crucial for busy or dimly lit environments, and when in large bodies of water.
Comfort
Your dog should feel comfortable wearing the life jacket for extended periods. Look for jackets with padded straps and breathable materials to prevent chafing and overheating.
Size Options
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to find a life jacket that offers multiple size options. Ensure you measure your dog correctly and choose a jacket that fits their specific measurements. Sizing is typically based on a combination of your dog’s weight, chest circumference, and back length. If your dog is in between sizes, we recommend seeing if there’s a way to try a jacket on in-store, or ordering a size up if the jacket offers enough adjustability.
Color Options
It’s certainly not necessary for the functionality of the harness, but colors are a nice way to customize your dog’s gear — and fun too! Bright colors may also help with visibility, which can provide added safety.
Breathability
Life jackets can get heavy when they’re waterlogged, so look for vests with vented, breathable materials to keep your dog cool in warm weather. With ventilated materials like HexiVent, water can flow through to help prevent your dog from overheating. An additional benefit is that a material like HexiVent has excellent airflow, which means that the vest will dry quickly after use.
How to choose the right life jacket for your dog
The Kurgo Surf N' Turf was the most adjustable dog life jacket we tested with ample straps to allow big and smaller dogs to fit. Photo by Marek Bowers.
How big is your dog?
If you have a bigger dog over 40 pounds, look for a jacket that has extra buoyancy and stronger materials to support their weight, like the Non-stop Dogwear Protector Life Jacket. For smaller dogs, look for models with multiple adjustment points, like the Kurgo Surf N Turf Dog Life Jacket, which can be secured snugly around their body without being too bulky.
What kind of water activities will you be doing?
For calm lakes and swimming pools, a basic life jacket with sufficient buoyancy and visibility will suffice. However, if you plan to take your dog on rough waters, such as rivers or the ocean or multi-day boating trips, choose a jacket designed for high-performance with added safety features like a sturdy handle for easy rescue and reflective strips for visibility, like the Ruffwear Float Coat.
How experienced is your dog with water?
For novice swimmers or dogs that are new to water activities, opt for a life jacket with extra flotation support around the neck and chest area, such as the Ruffwear Float Coat or Protector Life Jacket. This helps keep their head above water and boosts their confidence. Experienced swimmers might prefer a more streamlined design that allows for better range of motion while still providing essential buoyancy, like the Astral Bird Dog.
Does your dog have any special needs or health concerns?
If your dog has mobility issues or arthritis, look for easy-on, easy-off features, such as wide openings and quick-release buckles. Some jackets also come with added padding to provide extra comfort and support, like the Astral Bird Dog jacket.
What is your dog's breed and body shape?
Different breeds have different body shapes which can affect how well a life jacket fits. Breeds with deep chests, such as Greyhounds, might need jackets that accommodate their unique shape, like the Ruffwear Float Coat, which has a telescoping neck closure that adjusts for a range of dog sizes. Conversely, breeds with shorter necks might benefit from jackets with lower necklines like the Surf N Turf. Always check a brand’s sizing chart and recommendations.
How should a dog life jacket fit
Ensuring your dog's life jacket fits correctly is essential for their safety and comfort. The jacket should fit snugly around your dog’s body without being too tight—you should be able to slide two fingers between the jacket and their body. This way, it stays secure without causing discomfort. Your dog should also have a full range of motion; they should be able to walk, swim, and play naturally without any restrictions. Make sure all buckles, straps, and Velcro closures are properly adjusted and secure. At home, before getting in the water, test the fit by gently lifting your dog by the handle (note: we don’t recommend jackets without handles) to see if it stays in place without slipping off.
The jacket should cover most of your dog's back without extending beyond the base of their tail, ensuring balanced buoyancy and free tail movement. The neck opening should support your dog's head above water comfortably without causing strain, and they should be able to move their head freely. Look for life jackets with multiple points of adjustability to fit your dog'sshape perfectly.
How do you measure a dog for a life jacket?
Measure the Girth (Chest): Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the widest part of your dog’s chest, just behind the front legs. Record the measurement.
Measure the Neck: Measure around the base of your dog’s neck, where it is the thickest. Record the measurement.
Measure the Length: Measure from the base of your dog’s neck to the base of their tail. Record the measurement.
Weigh Your Dog: Weigh your dog to help determine the appropriate size based on the manufacturer's guidelines.
FAQ
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Yes—waves, currents, fatigue, or cold shock can overwhelm even strong canine swimmers. A dog life jacket adds flotation, visibility, and a grab-handle for fast rescues.
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Chest girth (widest point behind front legs) – most critical.
Neck girth (base of neck).
Back length (base of neck to tail).
Match those to the maker’s chart + weight range; when in-between, size up if the straps cinch small enough for a snug fit.
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Buckle and tighten so you can slip two fingers under any strap.
Lift by the handle; the jacket shouldn’t slide off or rotate.
Check your dog can run and sit without rubbing behind the legs.
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High on the chest and sides (to keep the head up) and under the belly for balanced buoyancy. Avoid jackets with bulky foam on the back only—a common sinking hazard.
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Usually no. Harness hardware and extra webbing create hot spots and twist the jacket. Choose a PFD with its own leash D-ring and remove the everyday harness.
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A reinforced grab handle is essential for hauling a dog back onto a kayak, SUP, or dock. Skip jackets without one unless you only need passive flotation in calm water.
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Look for multi-panel closed-cell foam and a maker that lists a weight rating (Non-stop size 7 supports 100 + lb / 45 + kg). The vest should float your dog with minimal leg sculling.
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Mesh belly panels, vented fabrics (e.g., HexiVent), and bright colors that reflect sun reduce heat build-up. Take breaks in shade, wet the jacket, or remove it between swims on very hot days. As usual, if your dog is especially prone to heat sensitivity, an older dog, or has health issues, check with your veterinarian first.
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Rinse in fresh water, squeeze excess, air-dry away from direct sun, inspect stitches/buckles, and store flat. A mild soap wash every few outings prevents salt-crust and mildew.
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If foam is compressed, seams fray, buckles crack, or lift-tests make the vest shift—retire it. Buoyancy loss and loose fit both defeat the PFD’s purpose.
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Absolutely—as soon as they are comfortable around water. Choose an XS model with large adjustment range; re-fit every few weeks during growth spurts. Make sure straps are not too tight or won't get in the way. Keep an eye on your puppy, even with a life jacket.
Care and maintenance
Rinse the jacket with fresh water after every use. This is especially important after saltwater, which breaks down materials faster than anything else if you let it dry in. A quick rinse takes thirty seconds and extends the life of the jacket significantly.
Let it air dry completely before storing it. Hang it somewhere with good airflow rather than stuffing it in a bag or a bin. A damp life jacket stored in an enclosed space will develop mildew fast, and once that smell is in the foam it's very hard to get out.
For actual cleaning, mild soap and water is all you need. Skip anything harsh, bleach, or abrasive cleaners that can break down the foam and fabrics. After a particularly muddy session or if the jacket starts to smell, a gentle hand wash and thorough rinse will sort it out.
Inspect the jacket regularly for worn straps, fraying, or buckles that don't close securely. I do a quick check before every outing. The handle is the most critical part to inspect, since that's what you're relying on if you need to pull your dog out of the water in an emergency. A handle that's starting to separate from the jacket is a reason to replace it, not to wait and see.
Store it flat or hanging in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. UV exposure degrades the materials over time and will shorten the life of the jacket even if it never touches water.
Replace the jacket if you notice the foam compressing and not bouncing back, or if the buoyancy seems reduced. Foam degrades over time, especially with heavy salt exposure. A life jacket that's lost its buoyancy isn't doing its job.
Introducing a nervous dog to water and a life jacket
Not every dog takes to water naturally. If your dog is nervous about water, rushing them into it while also putting an unfamiliar piece of gear on their body is a reliable way to make things worse.
Start with the life jacket before you ever get near water. Put it on your dog at home, let them wear it around the house, and give them treats and praise while it's on. The goal is for the jacket to become a neutral or positive thing before it's associated with anything unfamiliar. If your dog is uncomfortable having it put on, work on that first. Practice the on and off routine until it's easy and stress-free for both of you.
When you do get to the water, let your dog approach on their own terms. Don't carry them in or force them to wade deeper than they're comfortable with. Some dogs need several visits before they're willing to go past ankle depth, and that's fine. Pushing a nervous dog past their threshold doesn't build confidence, it builds avoidance.
Shallow, calm water is the right starting point. A quiet lake shore or a calm bay is a better introduction than a beach with surf. For dogs with a strong toy or food drive, using a favorite ball or treat to encourage them toward the water can help. Following another confident swimming dog often works well too.
Keep early sessions short and positive. End before your dog shows signs of stress, not after. Signs that a dog is becoming overwhelmed include lip licking, yawning, shaking off when not wet, a tucked tail, or trying to leave the water. If you see any of these, wrap up the session on a positive note and try again another day.
Once your dog is comfortable wading, you can work toward swimming. Some dogs will figure it out naturally when the ground disappears beneath them. Others need more encouragement. If your dog starts to panic when they lose their footing, the life jacket's buoyancy will help keep them from going under, which can make the transition to swimming less scary since they don't have to work as hard to stay afloat.
A life jacket is genuinely useful for nervous dogs not just for safety but for confidence. The buoyancy reduces the physical effort required to stay at the surface, which means a dog who might otherwise struggle and panic can have a calmer, more manageable first experience in deeper water.
One thing worth noting for anxious dogs specifically: make sure the life jacket fits well and is buoyant enough for your dog's weight before you get to the water. A jacket that's too tight, that rubs, or that restricts movement will add to your dog's stress rather than reduce it. Fit it at home, confirm it's comfortable, and then focus on the water introduction separately.
How we researched and tested
To research the top dog life jackets, I started by looking for the most popular and highly-rated models online. I cross-referenced these with recommendations from outdoor media including articles and videos, and then conducted due diligence by reading customer reviews.
I live in Southern California and tested the life jackets at the Huntington Dog Beach, in low to moderate surf. Miles was tasked with retrieving a ball thrown into the ocean between depths of 6 inches to 3 ft with 1-2 ft wave heights. I also tested visibility on the beach and dog walks up to a distance of approximately 100 ft.
About the Author / Why you should trust us
Marek Bowers is known as “the ball guy” (he created the Rawlogy Cork Massage ball) and is no stranger to outdoor adventures. A trail runner, backpacker, paddleboarder, cyclist, triathlete, lifter, skier, and snowboarder, Marek has researched gear for most of his adult life. His interest in testing dog gear, however, was born out of a simple, yet unexpected transition in his life: adopting his first dog, Miles. This leap into a dog-dad role was a whole new adventure for him, filled with excitement but also a lot of uncertainty. Marek found himself diving into a sea of options for outdoor dog gear, trying to figure out not only the best products, but also trying to determine the essentials for his canine companion.
As a result, Marek started Fluffillow, a website that features technical, side-by-side comparisons of dog gear, as well as reviews of products and services that all dog owners should know about. Marek is also the founder of the Daily Self—a weekly newsletter on how to build real change in your fitness and mindset with science. You can follow him on Instagram.
