Living in Florida, I have always enjoyed spending time on the water. Between our springs, rivers, and beaches, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming and boating, but it’s important to do so safely. If you have a dog that also enjoys these activities, you must consider their safety as well. Just as we can benefit from using Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), our pups can often use some extra buoyancy as well. And what better company to provide PFDs for our canine friends than one that has been keeping people safe on the water for nearly 50 years.

Colorado-based Stohlquist Waterware was founded in 1977 by Jim Stohlquist, an experienced water-lover and entrepreneur who set out to help people enjoy their time on the water safely. For almost five decades, this innovative brand has been providing quality PFDs for a variety of water-based activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. But they didn’t leave out our furry family – Stohlquist also offers the “Pup Float,” a highly adjustable life jacket available in a wide range of sizes to fit virtually any dog. If your dog accompanies you on outings in or near water, you should consider one of these durable buoyancy aids to keep your pup safe and happy throughout your adventures.

About Stohlquist

When Jim Stohlquist founded his company to supply outdoor enthusiasts with water-safety gear, he was able to use his lifetime of experience as a Colorado whitewater kayaker. Stohlquist Waterware proved itself for decades by providing quality, durable, innovative PFDs inspired by popular activities in Stohlquist’s home base of Buena Vista, CO. This trusted brand was recently acquired by California-based Sport Dimension Inc., a time-tested giant in the watersports industry that owns such well-known brands as Body Glove and Nautica. Today, Stohlquist brand products, which include PFDs for both people and their dogs, can be found for purchase on the brand’s website, Amazon, and various retail locations.

No matter what waterway you choose to explore, if you’re someone that likes to bring your dog along, you should definitely invest in a quality life jacket for your pup. Even dogs that prefer to stay on top of a watercraft can be at risk of falling overboard, and it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. The Stohlquist Pup Float, which has now been available for approximately the last five years, is an effective buoyancy aid made of lightweight foam and durable nylon to keep your pup’s head above water, whether their foray into the water is intentional or not.

Pup Float Overview

Here is my overview of the Stohlquist Pup Float. This is a durable and effective canine life jacket that is reasonably priced and comes with a great warranty.

Design

The Pup Float was designed to provide flotation not only around the dog’s chest, but under their neck as well, which aims to keep your dog’s head above water and the airway clear. The materials used include lightweight foam for buoyancy and a durable nylon exterior that is both quick-drying and easy to clean. Careful stitching with heavy-duty thread keeps the Pup Float intact, making this doggie life jacket sure to stand the test of time. But Stohlquist added some extra handy features – an easy-to-grab handle on the back, a sturdy plastic D-ring for leash attachment, and reflective accents on both the sides and the handle. And two adjustable straps keep your pup fastened in – one under the neck and one under the chest.

Variety

Currently, the Stohlquist website shows the Pup Float in only two colors – blue and mango – but a third option of hot pink is available in the Stohlquist Amazon store. It also comes in SEVEN sizes, which should accommodate dogs ranging from less than 10 lbs to over 90 lbs. These seven sizes are listed with suggested chest circumferences and weights, but if you have any doubt which size would work best for your dog, you can reach out to their customer service for advice. Also, each Pup Float is equipped with two adjustable straps, so if you follow the sizing chart listed on their website, you should be able to select the right fit for your dog.

Warranty

Stohlquist offers a 1-year warranty on all PFDs, including the Pup Float, which covers flaws in craftsmanship or materials. The website does note, however, that if their products are used improperly or cared for in a manner other than the manufacturer recommendations, the warranty claim will not be honored. One example of a situation not covered by the warranty is if the user routinely leaves the PFD out in direct sun to dry and the fabric color fades as a result. So, if you are considering making a warranty claim, you should check the list of exclusions on their website first, and you must have proof of original purchase. For approved claims, Stohlquist will either repair or replace the item, but the customer is responsible for return shipping charges.

In Summary

Key Features

Quality

The Stohlquist Pup Float is a sturdy product made with high-quality nylon that is ideal for long-term use. All materials are joined with heavy-duty stitching – not glue or flimsy thread – making this a rugged canine life jacket that should hold up no matter what the river or ocean throws your dog’s way.

Variety

Although availability will depend on what source you are purchasing from, there are currently seven sizes ranging from 3XS to XL. There are also three color choices – blue, mango yellow, and hot pink. All color and size options feature the same design of two buckle points, a chest panel, D-ring, and an easy-to-grab handle.

Price

The price will vary depending what size and color you are purchasing and whether you are buying from a retail store, Amazon, or the brand’s website, but at this time it appears you can purchase a Pup Float for between $30 and $50, not including possible shipping fees. If you purchase on the brand site or Amazon, you may be able to take advantage of free shipping.

Is the Stohlquist Pup Float a Good Value?

The price of the Stohlquist Pup Float is slightly more than most canine flotation devices on the market, but approximately half the price of the most expensive brands available. The slightly higher price point of the Pup Float is likely a result of the high-quality materials used in its construction, as well as the detailed craftsmanship that it exhibits. Its 1-year warranty is also generous for this type of dog gear. For what you get with the Stohlquist Pup Float, its pricing is very reasonable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the Stohlquist Pup Float come with a warranty?

Pup Floats come with a 1-year warranty on materials and workmanship. The warranty does not, however, apply to items that have been improperly cared for, so be sure to check the exclusions on their website before submitting a claim. Some examples of things not covered by this warranty are damage caused by a clothes dryer or leaving the item in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

Is the Pup Float durable?

Yes, when taken care of properly. The Stohlquist Pup Float is made from quick-drying, durable nylon, and features secure, detailed stitching. However, if left soaked in chlorinated water, dried in the sun or a clothes dryer, or if cleaned in a washer with harsh detergents, the materials used in the construction of this life jacket will break down faster than if cared for according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Will it really keep my dog afloat?

That depends largely on the dog. For most dogs, the Pup Float will prove an effective buoyancy aid. But if you have a dog with an atypical body shape, such as an English Bulldog, Pekingese, or Dachshund, this flotation device may be insufficient to keep them upright and their head above water.

Can I return this product for a refund if I don’t like it?

Stohlquist only accepts returns on items that have not been used and are still in their original packaging with their original tags. Unfortunately, this means you cannot test the product and later return it to the manufacturer. However, if you purchased your Pup Float from Amazon or an independent retailer, you may have other options.

Since the Pup Float has a D-ring, can my dog wear it like a harness during walks?

Although the Pup Float can double as a harness in some situations, it’s not designed for true walking safety. If your dog is anxious, panics in strange situations, or has a history of trying to slip out of traditional harnesses, you should not rely on this life jacket for a leashed walk, even on a trail on the way to the water. The D-ring is better suited to act as a tether attachment to you while in the water or on a watercraft.

Our Experience With Stohlquist’s Pup Float

When I adopted a neglected and unsocialized Shih Tzu-mix from the county shelter this past spring, I never envisioned she would become an adventure dog. And while I can’t truly say that Candy has an adventurous spirit, I can say that she has become so glued to me that she will tolerate any escapade I may pursue! That’s why I recently decided she needed a doggie life jacket, not only so she could join me in the swimming pool safely, but also so I could take her on my kayaking and paddleboarding journeys.

The first time I put the Stohlquist Pup Float on Candy, it was a little tricky figuring out where her head and front legs were supposed to go in relation to the front panel. Once I got it on, however, it was easy to adjust to her body – I received the size XS, which worked well for her at 14 lbs and with a chest circumference of 16”. It seemed a snug fit while still being comfortable to Candy, and she had no problem running around while wearing it. I also really liked that it has a nice long handle on the back which was easy for me to grab to pull her out of the water or to guide her swimming direction. And a sturdy plastic D-ring just behind the neck was perfect for tethering her to me while we were out on the water.

Overall, the Pup Float did assist Candy to swim a bit easier than she does with no flotation, but I still noticed a few times that her blocky head was listing to one side or the other like an unbalanced ship. I can’t say whether this is due to the Pup Float’s design, or if this is just an unbeatable problem resulting from her big head, long slender body, and short legs. Compared to other dogs, Candy is a bit “top-heavy,” so I suspect other dogs with similar builds might experience this issue when using the Pup Float.

One design feature I feel Stohlquist can improve upon is the torso flotation attachment. The section down the back has no attachment at the very rear – the single torso strap only goes around the widest part of the chest – so when you pull up on the handle, the back flotation is being pulled well away from the dog’s body. This makes it feel like the dog might slip out the back of the jacket and could be an issue with heavier dogs. Stohlquist could eliminate this issue by adding a second strap at the very rear that wraps around the “tuck-up” of the dog’s belly. Not only would the addition of a second strap make this life jacket more secure and inescapable, but it would also assist to maximize buoyancy.

Overall, Candy and I had a great time on the water using this life jacket, and it definitely helped her enjoy her swims more. I loved how easy to grab the handle was, and the D-ring on back was definitely an appreciated safety feature allowing me to keep her leashed to me at all times.

Final Thoughts

The Stohlquist Pup Float is a good basic canine buoyancy aid that is both durable and easy to clean. It effectively helps dogs of a variety of sizes stay afloat in deep water and can help a dog that is a little unsure of the water to gain the confidence needed to embark on any watery adventure. With an easy-to-grab handle, a 1-year warranty, and a reasonable price point, the Pup Float can be a great piece of safety gear for many dogs and their owners.

• You might also want to check this out: NRS CFD Dog Life Jacket Review: An Expert’s Breakdown