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The Best Pet Pool Floats

Lindsay Helms/Shutterstock.com
🕚 Updated June 2023

When the weather heats up, there's no better way to keep your furry friends cool and entertained than with a pet pool float.

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  Best Overall Best For Small Dogs Best Vest Most Design Options Best with a Handle
 
  SwimWays
Paddle Paws Spring Float Dog Raft
Poolcandy
Inflatable Pet Float
Outward Hound
Dawson Swim Dog Life Jacket
Pet Soft
Dog Float Raft
EXPAWLORER
Inflatable Dog Pool Float
 
Our SummaryFrom the beach to the lake, this float can go anywhere with your furry friend.This float keeps your furry friend cool with its unique design.This bright vest will keep your furry friend safe and visible in any type of water.This portable raft comes in a variety of designs that are sure to brighten your dog's days.This enormous pool float is ideal for larger dogs.
Pros✓ Includes carrying bag
✓ Easy to store
✓ Supports dogs weighing 0-65 pounds
✓ Reinforced fabric to prevent leaks
✓ Allows water at the bottom to keep pets cool
✓ Ideal for dogs up to 35 pounds
✓ Reinforced fabric
✓ Durable
✓ Available in sizes XS to XL
✓ Sizing based on girth measurement
✓ Adjustable straps
✓ Thermal insulation
✓ Novice swimmer friendly
✓ Variety of color and design options
✓ Puncture resistant
✓ Folds into a reusable bag
✓ Size of 50" x 29" x 4"
✓ Handle for easy use
✓ Great for large breeds
✓ Bright colors
Cons✗ May not support dogs near weight limit✗ Can develop uncomfortable curve when inflated✗ Supervision is extremely important✗ Seams may rip✗ Tendency to puncture
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The Best Pet Pool Floats

Border Collie / Australian Shepherd mix dog laying on a float in a pool looking relaxed.
Lindsay Helms/Shutterstock.com

Pet pool floats are specially designed flotation devices that allow your beloved pets to join in on the aquatic fun while ensuring their safety and comfort. Whether your pet is a water enthusiast or just needs a cool spot to lounge, here are a few pet pool floats that’ll provide a delightful experience for both you and your furry friend.

Buying Guide for Pet Pool Floats

Fox Terrier dog floating on a yellow pool float in a swimming pool in the sun.
Bjorn Beheydt/Shutterstock.com

Why buy a pet pool float?

Pet pool floats prioritize safety by providing a secure and stable platform that prevents accidental slips or falls into the water. They often come with safety handles or tethers to keep your pet securely on the float. Secondly, these floats offer a comfortable and relaxing experience for your pet, with durable materials, cozy lounging spaces, and soft padding. Additionally, pet pool floats contribute to entertainment and exercise, allowing your pet to enjoy the water. Sharing water activities with your pet also strengthens the bond between you, creating memorable moments and quality time together. Moreover, pet pool floats are versatile and can be used in various water environments, making them perfect for outdoor adventures. Overall, investing in a pet pool float enhances your pet’s water experience, providing safety, comfort, entertainment, and opportunities for bonding. Treat your furry friend to their own pool float and make your and their aquatic adventures even more enjoyable.

What should you look for in a pet pool float?

  • Size and Weight Capacity: Ensure that the float is suitable for your pet’s size and weight. Check the recommended weight limits and dimensions provided by the manufacturer to ensure a proper fit and safe floating experience.
  • Safety Features: Look for floats with built-in safety features such as handles, tethers, or barriers that prevent your pet from accidentally falling off the float. These features provide added security and peace of mind.
  • Stability and Durability: Choose a float that is stable and constructed with durable materials. Look for floats designed to withstand your pet’s movements and resist punctures, ensuring longevity and reliability.
  • Comfort: Consider the comfort features of the float. Look for floats with cushioned surfaces, soft padding, or ergonomic designs that provide a comfortable and relaxing experience for your pet while floating in the water.

Can you use a regular pool float for your pet?

Many pet owners wonder if they can simply use a regular pool float designed for humans for their furry friends. It’s important to note that regular pool floats may not provide the necessary safety features or support required for pets. Pet pool floats are specifically designed with features like safety handles, tethers, and durable materials to ensure the comfort and safety of pets while floating in the water. Using a dedicated pet pool float is recommended to provide a secure and enjoyable experience for your pet in the water. For extra safety measures, consider providing your pet with a life vest or life jacket in case they fall in by mistake or decide to go for a swim.

Our Picks for the Best Pet Pool Floats

Best Overall

SwimWays Paddle Paws Spring Float Dog Raft

This float can go from the pool to the lake with your furry friend.

Pros: When it comes to providing your small to medium-sized dog with a fun and refreshing water experience, the Paddle Paws Dog Raft is an excellent choice. One of its standout features is the reinforced fabric covering, which is both paw-and-claw-friendly and puncture-resistant. This ensures long-lasting durability, allowing your pup to enjoy floating with you all summer long. The patented inner spring design adds another layer of comfort and stability, keeping your pup afloat while they relax in the water. Moreover, this dog raft is portable and easy to carry, as it conveniently folds down flat into three compact circles and comes with a reusable carry bag. This makes it ideal for trips to the pool or travel adventures. It has a weight capacity of 0-65 pounds and provides ample space for your dog to lounge and enjoy the water. With the included SwimWays Spring Float Paddle Paws, you can ensure endless summer fun for you and your furry companion.

Cons:  Many customers have reported difficulty inflating and sealing the plug, resulting in the inability to use the product. Some have experienced punctures or rusted support wires, leading to air leaks and rendering the float useless. There have also been instances where the float sinks too much in the water, making it uncomfortable for dogs and limiting their enjoyment. Additionally, the float’s size may not adequately support dogs near the weight limit, causing them to sink or feel unstable.

Bottom Line: This premium pool float is an absolute must-have for water-loving dogs and their owners. Whether you’re heading to the pool, beach, or lake, this versatile float is your perfect companion. Designed with top-notch materials and craftsmanship, it ensures a luxurious and comfortable experience for your furry friend. Its durability and portability make it an ideal investment that will accompany you on endless aquatic adventures.

 

Best for Small Dogs

Poolcandy Inflatable Pet Float

This float offers a unique design to keep your furry friend cool during the hottest days.

Pros: This pet pool float is an absolute game-changer for water-loving dogs and their owners. Ideal for smaller dogs up to 35 pounds, it’s perfectly sized for dog breeds, providing them with a comfortable and secure floating experience. The durable construction and reinforced material make it resistant to scratches and punctures, ensuring long-lasting use. The thoughtful design, including the option to let water in for a refreshing cool-off, adds an extra level of enjoyment for your furry friend. Whether your dog is a swimmer or prefers to relax on the water, this float is their ultimate companion. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and offers hours of fun and relaxation for both dogs and their owners.

Cons: Many customers have experienced air leaks and holes right out of the box, leading to disappointment and a waste of money. The float’s durability has been a major concern, with reports of easy popping and the material not being thick enough to withstand pet use. Some customers have also found that the design, particularly the large holes in the bottom, lets too much water in, causing discomfort and fear for their dogs.

Bottom Line: The durable construction and reinforced material ensure long-lasting use without worrying about scratches or punctures. The option to let water in adds a refreshing element to keep your furry friend cool. Whether your dog enjoys swimming or simply relaxing on the water, this float is the perfect companion. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and guarantees hours of fun and relaxation for both dogs and their owners.

 

Best Vest

Outward Hound Dawson Swim Dog Life Jacket

This bright vest will keep your furry friend safe and visible in any type of water.

Pros: When it comes to keeping your furry friend safe and ensuring they have a great time in the water, the Outward Hound Dawson Dog Life Jacket is a top-notch option. The life jacket’s sizing is based on girth, which means it takes into account the diverse sizes and body shapes of dogs. With sizes ranging from XS to XL and adjustable straps, you can easily find the perfect fit for your dog. Whether your pup is short and stout or long and lanky, this life jacket will provide the necessary support and comfort. If your dog’s girth falls on the higher end of a size range, it’s recommended to choose the larger size for the best fit. Secondly, this life jacket is an excellent choice for dogs who are new to swimming or need extra support in the water. The high-quality neoprene side panels offer comfortable buoyancy, allowing your dog to float effortlessly while also providing thermal insulation to keep them warm in cold water. The bright colors and reflective trim are strategically designed to enhance visibility, ensuring your dog remains visible even from a distance. This means you can easily keep an eye on them while they swim, providing you with peace of mind. The buoyant front float support is specially crafted to keep your dog’s head above water, offering an additional layer of safety. The life jacket’s multi-handle design is another standout feature. With dual grab handles strategically positioned, you can effortlessly restrain your dog when needed or lift them out of the water with ease. These handles provide you with added control and convenience during water activities, whether it’s guiding your pup in the right direction, assisting them onto a boat, or retrieving them from the water.

Cons: It’s important to note that while this life jacket offers exceptional safety and durability, no pet accessory is indestructible. Therefore, it’s crucial never to leave your dog unsupervised while they are wearing the jacket. Regularly inspect the jacket for any signs of damage, and if any damage occurs, promptly remove and replace it to maintain the highest level of safety. Caring for the life jacket is a breeze as well, as it can be hand-washed with warm water and mild soap, then air-dried.

Bottom Line: The Outward Hound Dawson Dog Life Jacket combines safety, comfort, and convenience for your canine companion during water activities. With its adjustable sizing, neoprene side panels, bright colors, reflective trim, multi-handle design, and a strong emphasis on safety, this life jacket is an ideal choice for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Investing in this life jacket will provide your furry friend with the support and protection they need to fully enjoy their aquatic adventures while giving you the peace of mind that they are safe and secure.

 

Most Design Options

Pet Soft Dog Float Raft

This portable raft comes in a variety of designs that are sure to brighten your dog's days.

Pros: Looking for a float to brighten your day? This float is approximately 55.1 inches, providing a suitable size for your pets to have a fun and enjoyable summer experience. It offers ample space for your pets to relax and float comfortably. It is made of high-quality PVC and covered with thicker cloth, making it more durable than other floats on the market. This ensures that it can withstand regular use and resist wear and tear. Additionally, the float is made from BPA-free and non-slip material, prioritizing the safety of your puppies. Setting up the dog float raft is a breeze, allowing you to quickly get it ready for use. It is also easy to disassemble and fold, making it convenient to transport and take with you wherever you go. This means you can bring it along for trips to the beach or lakes, or even use it in your backyard pool.

Cons: While this has received positive feedback regarding its durability, it’s important to acknowledge that no product is completely indestructible, including this one. Some have noted that the seams ripped after minimal use. This can be further exacerbated with larger or more active dogs.

Bottom Line: This pool float offers a good size for larger dogs, durability, convenience, and safety. It allows dogs to sink into the water for a refreshing experience, while being resistant to destruction and providing a secure platform for dogs to enjoy pool time. With its positive reviews and features, this pool float is a worthwhile investment for providing your furry friend with hours of fun and relaxation in the water.

 

Best with a Handle

EXPAWLORER Inflatable Dog Pool Float

This enormous pool float is ideal for larger dogs.

Pros: With a size of 50 x 29 x 4 inches when fully inflated, this float is suitable for dogs of almost all sizes. Whether you have a small or large breed, they can comfortably hop on this Ride-On Float and enjoy their vacation in extravagant style and comfort. The spacious design ensures ample room for your dog to relax and soak up the sun. It is constructed with thick, soft, and durable material. This ensures its longevity and makes it suitable for various activities such as riding, playing, or simply lounging. The high-quality material provides a comfortable surface for your dog to enjoy their time in the water. In addition, it is designed with strong, durable handles and thicker air chambers to enhance stability and buoyancy. Additionally, the vibrant colors not only add a touch of fun and excitement but also improve visibility for added safety. Finally, it’s foldable, lightweight, and portable, making it easy to store and carry. Take it to the beach, on vacation, or simply use it in your backyard pool. The float’s portability allows you to provide a safe and comfortable bathing, swimming, and wading experience for your pet wherever you go. Plus, the ease of inflation ensures quick setup whenever you’re ready to use it.

Cons: While the material used in its construction is described as thick and durable, it is not immune to damage. If your dog is particularly active or tends to chew or scratch at objects, there may be a higher risk of potential damage to the float.

Bottom Line: This pool float offers a giant size to accommodate dogs of all sizes, is made of thick and durable material, prioritizes safety and practicality, and is foldable, lightweight, and portable for convenient use. By choosing this float, you’re providing your furry friend with a comfortable and secure place to relax and have fun in the water, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable time for both of you.

Final Thoughts

Pet pool floats are a fantastic investment for the summer season, offering a safe and enjoyable experience for your furry companions. Whether you have a small or large dog or other pets that like the water, there are floats available in various sizes to accommodate their needs. Treat your furry friends to a summer full of fun and comfort with a pet pool float.

Meghan Herlihy Meghan Herlihy
Meghan Herlihy is a full-time writer for LifeSavvy and How-To Geek and has written across a wide variety of topics, genres, and formats, including radio talk shows, local sports journalism, and creative original fiction. She received her bachelor's degree in communications from Ithaca College and a master's in writing from Johns Hopkins University. When she's not writing, you're most likely to find her reading a book, petting every dog within eyesight, and indulging in her love of travel. Read Full Bio »
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