Fido Pro

Airlift Emergency Dog Rescue Sling

Metaphorical life saver!

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

M

I just ordered this to add to my hiking emergency pack. Literally the first hike after receiving it, my 35 lb dog got 3+ miles into a cold, unexpectedly snowy hike and literally refused to walk any further. I pulled out the emergency sling, bundled her up into it, and hiked the 3 miles back out with her on my back. It held her securely and we got out and back home safely. My back wasn’t even sore the next day — that’s how well the sling balanced her weight. I will never again hike with my dog without this in my pack.

dog safety for fish, ski, ice

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

large

works really well even for a large dog, well made

Great product!

Came in handy when my friends dog decided to stop walking on a hike!

Rattlesnake Bite

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

Medium

Yep it happened! I’m so paranoid about my dogs health and safety that I purchased the Airlift in medium for my 50 pound Cattle Dog crossbreed. At 2 years old she is an avid experienced hiker. While hiking we ran across a Western Diamond Back Rattlesnake in a rock outcropping. It’s rattle was faint then not when it struck at me. I was able to stumble out of the way and not get bitten myself but my dog, who had already cleared the area off leash came back and got between me and the snake. She got nailed! We both got clear of the snake and I examined her. She was bitten on the right jaw. I administered a gelcap Benadryl and water, excitedly deployed the Airlift system got her into it and on my back (we had previously practiced) and my 15 pound daypack onto my chest and hiked up 1.5 miles gaining around 1000 feet of elevation. Walked about another mile on a road where we flagged a truck who took us to my car. We live just below where we were hiking so I was able to get her to the Emergency Veterinary Hospital in just a little over 2 hours from being bitten. I’m not a big strong guy. No way I carry a 50 pound dog 4+ miles (without the ride). But I did carry her 2.5 miles+ with the system and that’s what I’m focusing on. I believe the Airlift system is the reason she survived! And, of course, the fantastic Emergency Vets and 4 vials of anti venom. If you hike with a dog you need this system. The cost is nothing compared to the life of your 4 legged companion and friend!!

Didn’t help our old girl

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

XL

I purchased this to help carry our old girl (65lb lab) up and down stairs. She was very calm, but it seemed to hurt her back and hips, and she cried out when being picked up. It didn’t seem like it balanced her weight well, and didn’t seem very secure. We tried several different methods. It was easier on her just to carry her. We have a small portable litter for hiking. It is heavy for backpacking, and requires 2 people to haul a dog, but it works better than this sling for our situation. Because of her age, we aren’t backpacking too far, so I’m sure it would work on a younger dog, but I’m unsure if they had an injury (unless just an extremity) how it would be tolerated.

Home safe before dark

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

Large

Height:

5' 6"

Weight:

130

Thanks to the Fido Pro Airlift, I was able to carry my 50 lb dog down a steep, rocky trail near my home! It’s a trail we frequent, but Sadie injured her paw and wouldn’t move. It was late, and I was able to carry her to the car before it got dark.

Great to have, but may need alterations!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Purchased this prior to backcountry carrying the product, and I tried a couple different sizes before I found the right one for my pup (65lb GSD-Lab-Pit mix), and ended up with the XL size, because her body is long(ish) and the M/L sizes were pulling her legs forwards and back and seemed to be missing support on the front/back ends. Consequently I had to alter/sew the sling myself to make it the right size (since was too big in other dimensions) and I had to shorten/change the location of the lifting straps and chest strap because I am 5'2" and even at the shortest dimensions all around she was basically sitting below my lower back curve (which is where the dog needs to fit into in order to carry them for any distance) as well as running into my legs. There is no way that I could carry her for a long time over very rough terrain, but it at least provides some help to get to a better place, and hopefully I could find others in the process if I am otherwise solo. Definitely practice with it and realize that there is going to be a fair amount of strenght required, especially if your dog is heavier.

Injured Paws!

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

L

Height:

6' 3"

Weight:

200

My dog injured his paws while hiking a 14,000 ft peak. I’m so glad I bought an Airlift rescue sling. I was able to carry him safely back to the car. It was a lot of work but without the sling, there’s no way I would have been able to carry him. I would suggest buying the shoulder padding if you have a large dog. The product worked as advertised and is built very solid.

Simple yet wonderful!!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

L

Height:

5' 6"

Weight:

140

I am a woman with a small frame but fit. My boyfriend and I bought this for our trail runs and hikes with our German Shepard mix. We often travel through rattle snake country. Our dog is close to 90 pounds! For me it’s too much weight to carry for a long period but I still carry the Airlift with me so I have a tool to solicit help from others with. My boyfriend can carry our dog confidently over rough terrain and actually had to use the airlift a few months ago when our dog got a bad cactus thorn wedged in his paw! The Airlift worked well. My boyfriend was pretty exhausted when he got home but got our baby home safe for a little paw cleaning and thorn removal. We have the size XL. 5 stars ALL the WAY! Great product!