Critter's Inflatable

What is a Critter's Inflatable^®?

The Critter's Inflatable^® life jacket is a fully automatic inflatable life jacket that provides your pet the same improved safety and comfort that humans have enjoyed for years. In addition to it being automatic, it can be orally inflated as needed to save on rearm kits. When inflated, it provides additional buoyancy directly under your pet's neck to keep its face and mouth out of the water. Also, the bright yellow color of the inflation chamber and the retro-reflective tape on the lifting handle make it easy to spot a pet in the water. This life jacket has adjustable neck and collar straps, and two adjustable harnesses (each with upper and lower sections that can independently be repositioned) to ensure proper fit, safety and comfort. The wrap around straps can be secured so the ends do not hang. The strong lifting handle has retro-reflective tape and a D-ring for a leash attachment making for quick and easy pet-overboard rescues. The cover is a sturdy tear-resistant fabric. This product is the perfect solution for all pets that go in the water, especially those that are muscular (don't float well), those that need extra buoyancy while undergoing water therapy, or those of advanced age.

Where did the idea come from?

Many companies today are making inflatable life jackets for people which are smaller and more comfortable to wear, and which outperform foam life jackets when inflated. But no manufacturer had figured out how to apply this technology to four legged animals. That is until now! Through a revolutionary patented design (U.S. Patent No. 6659824), Critter's Inflatable^®, LLC, is presenting the world's first and only fully automatic inflatable pet life jacket for your companion animals.

What sizes are available?

The Critter's Inflatable^® pet life jacket is provided in three models: small, medium, and large. Each model has an adjustable harness to accommodate all shapes and size configurations. This is achieved by quickly repositioning the forward or aft harness to one of three or four different positions (depending on model).

Small will provide 8 pounds of buoyancy, which is enough for animals weighing up to 15 pounds.
Medium will provide 12 pounds of buoyancy, which is enough for animals weighing up to 40 pounds.
Large will provide 25 pounds of buoyancy, which is enough for animals weighing up to 200 pounds.

What size do you recommend for my dog?

To find the right fit for your dog, weigh your pet and measure all the way around the widest part of your dog's chest just behind the front legs to find the closest size that fits your pet. Be sure you can fit one finger under the measuring tape, not two. This is the minimum length for the harnesses. Each life jacket has an adjustable neck opening so that all you need to know is your dog's weight and chest size to determine which model - small, medium, or large - is most appropriate for your pet. To help you get started, we've included a handy guide for the approximate sizes of many dog breeds below. The adjustable harness allows you to change the neck opening size by moving the forward harness into one of the four adjustable positions which allows the Critter's Inflatable^® pet life jacket to better conform to your animal's body shape. Also, the adjustable harness with neck strap allows for adjusting the life jacket to properly fit your companion animal's chest size, within the range specified for that size. Note, we have limited the overall chest range for each size of the Critter's Inflatable^® pet life jacket to improve the tailored fit and to eliminate having excess straps hanging that could become a snag hazard to your companion animals. This product is NOT recommended for animals with a chest size smaller than 13 inches and/or weighing less than 6 pounds.

Dog Breeds	Dog's Weight	Models
Affenpinscher	7-10 lbs.	Small
Afghan Hound	50-60 lbs.	Large
Airedale Terrier	45-50 lbs.	Large
Akita	75-110 lbs.	Large
Alaskan Klee Kai	10-20 lbs.	Medium
Alaskan Malamute	75-85 lbs.	Large
American Bulldog	60-120 lbs.	Large
American Cocker Spaniel	24-28 lbs.	Medium
American Foxhound	65-70 lbs.	Large
American Hairless Terrier	8.5-16 lbs.	Small to Medium
American Pit Bull Terrier	30-70 lbs.	Large
American Staffordshire Terrier	50-65 lbs.	Large
American Water Spaniel	25-45 lbs.	Medium
Australian Cattle Dog	33-55 lbs.	Large
Australian Kelpie	25-45 lbs.	Medium
Australian Shepherd	35-75 lbs.	Large
Australian Terrier	12-14 lbs.	Medium
Basenji	21-24 lbs.	Medium
Basset Hound	40-60 lbs.	Large
Beagle	18-30 lbs.	Medium
Bearded Collie	40-60 lbs.	Large
Bedlington Terrier	17-23 lbs.	Medium
Belgian Sheepdog	55-65 lbs.	Large
Bernese Mountain Dog	80-90 lbs.	Large
Bichon Frise	7-14 lbs.	Small
Bichon/Yorkie	7-13 lbs.	Small
Black-and-Tan Coonhound	50-75 lbs.	Large
Bloodhound	80-110 lbs.	Large
Bolognese	5-9 lbs.	Small
Border Collie	30-45 lbs.	Medium
Border Terrier	11.5-15 lbs.	Medium
Borzoi	60-105 lbs.	Large
Boston Terrier	10-25 lbs.	Small to Medium
Bouvier des Flandres	65-100 lbs.	Large
Boxer	55-75 lbs.	Large
Brazilian Terrier	5-20 lbs.	Small to Medium
Briard	70-90 lbs.	Large
Brittany	30-40 lbs.	Medium
Brittany Spaniel	30-40 lbs.	Medium
Brussels Griffon	8-12 lbs.	Small
Bull Terrier	50-60 lbs.	Large
Bullmastiff	100-130 lbs.	Large
Cairn Terrier	13-14 lbs.	Medium
Canaan Dog	35-55 lbs.	Large
Cardigan Welsh Corgi	25-38 lbs.	Medium
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	10-18 lbs.	Medium
Cesky Terrier	12-18 lbs.	Medium
Chesapeake Bay Retriever	55-80 lbs.	Large
Chihuahua	2-6 lbs.	Small
Chinese Crested	5-12 lbs.	Small
Chinese Shar-pei	35-55 lbs.	Large
Chow Chow	45-70 lbs.	Large
Cirneco Dell'Etna	18-26 lbs.	Medium
Clumber Spaniel	55-85 lbs.	Large
Cocker Spaniel	25 lbs.	Medium
Cockapoo (Cockerpoo)	20-24 lbs.	Medium
Collie	50-75 lbs.	Large
Coton De Tulear	12-15 lbs.	Medium
Curly Coated Retriever	65-85 lbs.	Large
Dalmatian	45-65 lbs.	Large
Dandie Dinmont Terrier	15-24 lbs.	Medium
Dingo	22-44 lbs.	Medium to Large
Doberman Pinscher	66-88 lbs.	Large
Dogo Argentino	80-100 lbs.	Large
Dogue de Bordeaux	80-100 lbs.	Large
Dutch Smoushond	20-22 lbs.	Medium
English Bulldog	40-55 lbs.	Large
English Cocker Spaniel	26-34 lbs.	Medium
English Foxhound	60-70 lbs.	Large
English Sheepdog	50-70 lbs.	Large
English Springer Spaniel	49-55 lbs.	Large
Field Spaniel	35-50 lbs.	Large
Finnish Spitz	25-35 lbs.	Medium
Flat-Coated Retriever	60-70 lbs.	Large
Fox Terrier	15-19 lbs.	Medium
French Bulldog	18-28 lbs.	Medium
German Hunting Terrier	20-22 lbs.	Medium
German Shepherd	65-95 lbs.	Large
German Shorthaired Pointer	45-70 lbs.	Large
German Wirehaired Pointer	45-70 lbs.	Large
Giant Schnauzer	70-95 lbs.	Large
Golden Retriever	55-75 lbs.	Large
Gordon Sheepdog	45-80 lbs.	Large
Great Dane	100-130 lbs.	Large
Great Pyrenees	90-125 lbs.	Large
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog	130-135 lbs.	Large
Greyhound	55-80 lbs.	Large
Harrier	45-60 lbs.	Large
Havanese	7-14 lbs.	Medium
Ibizan Hound	45-55 lbs.	Large
Iceland Sheepdog	20-30 lbs.	Medium
Irish Sheepdog	60-75 lbs.	Large
Irish Terrier	25-27 lbs.	Medium
Irish Water	45-65 lbs.	Large
Irish Wolfhound	105-120 lbs.	Large
Italian Greyhound	7-12 lbs.	Medium
Jack Russell Terrier	9-17 lbs.	Small to Medium
Jack Russell Type	9-15 lbs.	Small to Medium
Japanese (Chin) Spaniel	4-11 lbs.	Medium
Japanese Spitz	11-13 lbs.	Small to Medium
Japanese Terrier	10-13 lbs.	Small to Medium
Keeshond	35-40 lbs.	Medium
Kerry Blue Terrier	33-40 lbs.	Medium
Komondor	70-120 lbs.	Large
Kooikerhondje	20-24 lbs.	Medium
Kuvasz	70-115 lbs.	Large
Kyi Leo	13-15 lbs.	Medium
Labrador Retriever	55-85 lbs.	Large
Lakeland Terrier	15-17 lbs.	Medium
Lancashire Heeler	6-13 lbs.	Medium
Lhasa Apso	13-15 lbs.	Small to Medium
Lowchen	9-18 lbs.	Small to Medium
Lucas Terrier	10-14 lbs.	Medium
Lundehund	12-14 lbs.	Small to Medium
Maltese	4-8 lbs.	Medium
Manchester Terrier	12-22 lbs.	Medium
Mastiff	175-190 lbs.	Large
Medio Inca Hairless Dog	18-26 lbs.	Medium
Miniature Alaskan Klee Kai	10-20 lbs.	Medium
Miniature American Eskimo Dog	10-20 lbs.	Medium
Miniature Bull Terrier	25-35 lbs.	Medium
Miniature Dachshund	9-11 lbs.	Medium
Miniature Inca Hairless Dog	9-18 lbs.	Small to Medium
Miniature Pinscher	8-10 lbs.	Medium
Miniature Rat Terrier	6-8 lbs.	Small
Miniature Schnauzer	13-15 lbs.	Medium
Miniature Xoloitzcuintli	13-22 lbs.	Medium
Mudi	18-29 lbs.	Medium
Neapolitan Mastiff	110-180 lbs.	Large
Newfoundland	100-150 lbs.	Large
Niederlaufhunds	20-32 lbs.	Medium
Norfolk Terrier	11-12 lbs.	Medium
North American Shepherd	15-30 lbs.	Medium
Norwegian Elkhound	44-55 lbs.	Large
Norwich Terrier	11-12 lbs.	Medium
Old English Sheepdog	65-80 lbs.	Large
Otter Hound	65-115 lbs.	Large
Papillon	8-10 lbs.	Medium
Patterdale Terrier	11-13 lbs.	Medium
Pekingese	7-14 lbs.	Medium
Pembroke Welsh Corgi	25-30 lbs.	Medium
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen	30-42 lbs	Medium
Phalene	9-10 lbs.	Medium
Pharaoh Hound	45-55 lbs.	Large
Plummer Terrier	12-15 lbs.	Small to Medium
Pointer	45-75 lbs.	Large
Polish Owczarek Nizinny	30-35 lbs.	Medium
P. Portugueso Pequeno	9-13 lbs.	Small
Pomeranian	3-7 lbs.	Small
Portuguese Water Dog	35-60 lbs.	Large
Prazsky Krysarik	2-6 lbs.	Small
Pug	14-18 lbs.	Medium
Puli	22-35 lbs.	Medium
Pumi	22-33 lbs.	Medium
Pyrenean Sheepdog	18-33 lbs.	Medium
Rhodesian Giant	65-85 lbs.	Large
Rottweiler	90-130 lbs.	Large
Saint Bernard	110-200 lbs.	Large
Saluki	40-60 lbs.	Large
Samoyed	50-75 lbs.	Large
Schipperke	7-18 lbs.	Medium
Scottish Deerhound	75-110 lbs.	Large
Scottish Terrier	18-22 lbs.	Medium
Sealyham Terrier	22-24 lbs.	Medium
Shetland Sheepdog	14-20 lbs	Medium
Shiba Inu	15-25 lbs.	Medium
Shih Tzu	9-16 lbs.	Medium
Siberian Husky	35-60 lbs.	Large
Silky Terrier	8-11 lbs.	Medium
Skye Terrier	18-28 lbs.	Medium
Smooth Fox Terrier	16-18 lbs.	Medium
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier	30-40 lbs.	Medium
Spinone Italiano	56-80 lbs.	Large
Staffordshire Bull Terrier	24-38 lbs.	Medium
Standard Alaskan Klee Kai	10-20 lbs.	Medium
Standard American Eskimo Dog	18-35 lbs.	Medium
Standard Dachshund	15-32 lbs.	Medium
Standard Manchester Terrier	12-22 lbs.	Small
Standard Poodle	45-70 lbs.	Large
Standard Rat Terrier	12-35 lbs.	Medium
Standard Schnauzer	32-40 lbs.	Medium
Standard Xoloitzcuintli	20-31 lbs.	Medium
Sussex Spaniel	35-45 lbs.	Medium
Tibetan Mastiff	140-200 lbs.	Large
Tibetan Spaniel	9-15 lbs.	Small to Medium
Tibetan Terrier	18-30 lbs.	Medium
Toy American Eskimo Dog	6-10 lbs.	Small
Toy American Hairless Terrier	4-8 lbs.	Small
Toy English Spaniel	8-14 lbs.	Small to Medium
Toy Fox Terrier	3-7 lbs.	Small
Toy German Spitz	18-22 lbs.	Medium
Toy Manchester Terrier	7-12 lbs.	Small
Toy Poodle	14-16.5 lbs.	Medium
Toy Rat Terrier	4-6 lbs.	Small
Toy Xoloitzcuintli	9-18 lbs.	Small to Medium
Vizsla	45-60 lbs.	Large
Volpino	9-11 lbs.	Small
Weimaraner	55-85 lbs.	Large
Welsh Springer Spaniel	35-50 lbs.	Large
Welsh Terrier	19-22 lbs.	Medium
West Highland Terrier	15-22 lbs.	Medium
Whippet	20-30 lbs.	Medium
Wire Fox Terrier	16-18 lbs.	Medium
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon	45-60 lbs.	Large
Yorkshire Terrier	3-7 lbs.	Small

What size do you recommend for my cat?

To find the right fit for your cat and measure all the way around the widest part of its chest just behind the front legs to find the closest size that fits your cat. Be sure you can fit one finger under the measuring tape, not two. This is the minimum length for life jacket's harnesses. Each life jacket has an adjustable neck opening so that all you need to know is your cat's weight and chest sizes to determine which model - small or medium - is most appropriate for your cat. To help you get started, we've included a handy guide for the approximate sizes of many cat breeds below. Cats are generally less cooperative than other pets when it comes to placing something on their back. In fact, it may be a very bad idea to try to place a Critter's Inflatable^® pet life jacket on many types of cats without proper behavior training. If you use behavior training, it should be done using positive reinforcement so that your cat will becomes comfortable wearing the life jacket. If your cat has never worn anything on its back such as a foam pet life jacket, a harness, a sweater, or similar device, then you need to pay close attention to your cat's reaction to wearing this life jacket. It may take a while to get your cat used to wearing a Critter's Inflatable^® life jacket, and never force your cat to wear it or any other device. If your cat appears to be unhappy or having a difficult time adjusting to wearing a Critter's Inflatable^® life jacket, immediately remove it. You might also consider talking to a professional animal trainer to determine the best approach to take so that you do not traumatize your cat. It is not in the best interests of your cat to put any life jacket on them and throw them into a pool of water. Cats tend not to like water whether they are supported or not. With dogs, we encourage owners to try their Critter's Inflatable^® pet life jacket in the water to see how it floats their dog. But for cats, this is not such a good idea and could traumatize your cat unnecessarily. If your cat is willing to wear a pet life jacket, then our Critter's Inflatable^® pet preserver, is the best choice because when uninflated is less intrusive that a foam life jacket and designed to stay on the squirmiest of animals and when inflated during an emergency will provide the buoyancy needed to float your cat and keep their head out of the water.

Cat Breeds	Cat's Weight	Model
Abyssinian	9-17 lbs.	Small to Medium
American Bobtail	7-15 lbs.	Small
American Burmese	8-14 lbs.	Small to Medium
American Curl	7-11 lbs.	Small
American Shorthair	8-15 lbs.	Small
American Wirehair	8-15 lbs.	Small
Angora (British)	5-11 lbs.	Small
Asian Smokes	9-15 lbs.	Small to Medium
Balinese	6-11 lbs.	Small
Birman	10-18 lbs.	Medium
Bombay	6-11 lbs.	Small
British Shorthair	9-18 lbs.	Small to Medium
California Spangled	9-18 lbs.	Small to Medium
Chantilly/Tiffany	6-12 lbs.	Small
Chartreux	7-17 lbs.	Small to Medium
Cornish Rex	6-10 lbs.	Small
Cymric	8-12 lbs.	Small to Medium
Devon Rex	6-9 lbs.	Small
Egyptian Mau	5-11 lbs.	Small
European Burmese	8-14 lbs.	Small to Medium
European Shorthair	8-15 lbs.	Small to Medium
Himalayan Persian	8-15 lbs.	Small to Medium
Japanese Bobtail	6-9 lbs.	Small
Korat	6-10 lbs.	Small
Kurile Island Bobtail	7-10 lbs.	Small
La Perm	8-12 lbs.	Small
Maine Coon	9-22 lbs.	Small to Medium
Manx	8-12 lbs.	Small
Munchkin	5-9 lbs.	Small
Nebelung	6-11 lbs.	Small
Norwegian Forest Cat	7-20 lbs.	Small to Medium
Ocicat	6-14 lbs.	Small to Medium
Oriental Longhair	10-13 lbs.	Medium
Oriental Shorthair	9-14 lbs.	Small to Medium
Persian	8-15 lbs.	Small to Medium
Ragdoll	10-20 lbs.	Medium
Russian Shorthair	6-10 lbs.	Small
Scottish Fold	6-13 lbs.	Small
Selkirk Rex	7-11 lbs.	Small
Siamese	6-12 lbs.	Small
Siberian	10-20 lbs.	Small to Medium
Singapura	4-9 lbs.	Small
Snowshoe	6-12 lbs.	Small
Somali	8-12 lbs.	Small
Sphynx	8-15 lbs.	Small to Medium
Spotted Mist	8-13 lbs.	Small
Tiffanie	8-14 lbs.	Small to Medium
Tonkinese	6-12 lbs.	Small
Turkish Angora	6-11 lbs.	Small
Turkish Van	7-19 lbs.	Small to Medium

Is it safe to inflate the life jacket out of water?

Inflating the life jacket out of water is safe but when inflated with the CO₂ cylinder, it can be startling and scare your pet in non-emergency situations leading to panic and possible harm to your pet and/or device. When inflating a Critter's Inflatable^® in non-emergency situations, it is recommended to inflate through oral inflation.

How do I orally inflate a Critter's Inflatable^®

Separate the Velcro^® of the cover all the way around.
Remove the CO₂ cylinder from automatic inflator
Remove transparent cap from the base of the inflator
Remove yellow bobbin from inflator body
Replace transparent cap (indicator should be red)

If CO₂ cylinder and bobbin are in good (unused) condition, store together in a zip lock bag and save for reuse.

Remove the dust cap from the red oral inflation tube
Orally inflate by blowing into the tube until the life jacket is fully inflated.

How do I know my Critter's Inflatable^® is operating properly?

There are two indicators on the inflator. On the side there will be a green pin or clip which pops off when the CO₂ is activated using the pull cord. The other indicator is on the bottom of the inflator which will be green if the bobbin is in place and unused. If the bobbin is missing or used, this lower indicator will be red. If both areas are green, then the unit is ready for operation. If the bottom one is red, you will need to insert/replace the bobbin. If the bottom indicator is green but the side is red, you should check the condition of the CO₂ cylinder before use. The side indicator is not required for the unit to operate correctly but you must verify that you have an unused CO₂ cylinder in place before use. Always make sure that the bottom indicator is green before inserting the CO₂ cylinder or you will puncture the cylinder prematurely.

How do I rearm a Critter's Inflatable^® to operate as fully automatic?

Open the left side of the life jacket so that the automatic inflator is visible
If installed, unscrew the CO₂ cylinder.
Remove the transparent cap from the base of the inflator.
Inspect the cap and base of the inflator body to ensure they are clean and dry. If the inside of the cap and base of the inflator body are wet, rinse them in fresh water and thoroughly dry them so they will not damage the bobbin and cause unwanted inflation. Let dry thoroughly before going to step 5
Install a new bobbin into the base of the inflator. There are grooves on the outer edge of the bobbin so that it can only be put in the correct way
Install the cap on the base of the inflator and hand-tighten. Verify the indicator is green before moving to the next step. If red, repeat steps 3 to 6
Check the manual lever to ensure it is in the up and ready position.
If available, install the green indicator clip (or pin). For a Critter's Inflatable life jacket, this green indicator clip (or pin) is not essential and the inflator system will function properly in the automatic CO₂ inflation mode with or without the green indicator clip (or pin) being installed
Install a good CO₂ cylinder by screwing it into the top of the inflator and hand-tighten. Do not over tighten as this can damage the internal gasket
Fold the Critter's Inflatable^® life jacket in accordance with the folding instructions

What is the proper way to repackage a Critter's Inflatable^®?

Before folding, make sure the inflation system is properly armed and all of the air is out of the inflation chamber. Lay the Critter's Inflatable^® pet life jacket flat and face up.

Fold the right side cover towards the center
Fold the bottom of the inflation chamber under
Fold the right side of the inflation chamber under, just to the edge of the inflation tube
Fold the inflation chamber like an accordion in three equal sections
Fold the right cover back to the right side and fasten the Velcro of the front and back covers together
Repeat steps 1 through 5 for the left side of the life jacket and place "JERK TO INFLATE" lanyard is place just inside the cover but near the edge for quick access
Fold down the top cover towards the center
Fold the inflation chamber like an accordion in three equal sections
Tuck in the top and side corners, fold up the top cover, and fasten the Velcro of the front and back covers together

Am I allowed to fly with a Critter's Inflatable?

TSA allows for up to two small compressed gas cartridges in the life vest and 2 spares. You can place these in carry on or check in luggage however the spares must accompany the life jacket.
Even though TSA allows for this, individual airlines may have stricter regulations. Please check with your travel agent before packing.

What type of regular maintenance is required for a Critter's Inflatable^® lifejacket?

The Critter's Inflatable^® life jacket requires minimal maintenance, but you should check it regularly for rips, tears, or punctures
Check the inflation chamber to ensure there are no leaks. To check for leaks, orally inflate the inflation chamber until it is firm and leave it for at least eight (8) hours to see if there is any deflation. If the inflation chamber is damaged do not use.
You should check the CO₂ cylinder and indicators between outings. Each model size uses a different size CO₂ cylinder. A CO₂ cylinder and bobbin may be used only once to inflate a Critter's Inflatable life jacket and then they need to be removed and replaced with new ones. Make sure that the CO₂ cylinder has not been spent by visual inspection of the threaded end. There should not be a hole in the threaded end cap of the cylinder or any other corrosion damage to the cylinder. Install a good CO₂ cylinder into the inflator body and hand tighten
Make sure the inflator lever is properly cocked by checking that the lever is in the up and locked position
The lanyard should be tucked inside the cover so it is not exposed
Inspect the bobbin for cracks and if damaged, replace
If your Critter's Inflatable^® life jacket is armed in the automatic CO₂ inflation mode and the bobbin fails, the life jacket will immediately inflate. We recommend that you have a rearm kit available in the event the bobbin fails or your pet falls or jumps into the water and you need to rearm your life jacket

How to Clean:
Before cleaning, remove the bobbin and CO₂. Only use warm soapy water to clean the life jacket. Rinse with fresh water. Do not use harsh chemicals. Do not machine wash or dry clean.

How to Dry:
To dry the life jacket, hang it up and let it dry naturally. Do not spin dry, or dry in front of a radiator or other source of direct heat.

How to Store:
Store in a well-ventilated area. Do not store in direct sunlight or damp areas. Avoid exposure to chemicals.
Keep this life jacket away from fuels, oils, and acids.
DO NOT allow the Critter's Inflatable chamber to come in contact with sharp or pointed objects.

I have lost/damaged my owner's manual, where can I get a copy?

It is available as a PDF download in booklet and non-booklet format.