5 Tips for Boating with Pets

If you can’t imagine spending a day on the water without your “best friend”, you are not alone. Plenty of boat owners take their pets – particularly dogs – along with them on short outings and long cruises alike. But before you bring Fido or Fluffy onto your boat, it’s important to do some planning and preparation in advance to make sure your pet will be safe and comfortable on board. Here are five tips for boating with pets.

1. Buy your pet a properly fitting life jacket. Even if your pet is a strong swimmer, a PFD specifically designed for an animal of its size and weight is the best protection if it accidentally should fall overboard or get tired when swimming off the back of the boat. Make sure the PFD not only has enough flotation to keep your pet afloat but also has reflective tape on the side so you can spot it with a flashlight at night. Most important, the life jacket should have a sturdy handle on top to help you lift your pet from the water onto your boat.
2. Consider purchasing a pet boarding ramp. Boat boarding ladders are not designed for our four-footed friends. If your pet is too large for you easily to pick up and lift on board, consider buying an inflatable ramp designed to help big dogs get out of the water in a swimming pool or lake. You can use the ramp help your dog climb up to your boat’s swim platform. Inflatable ramps also are easy to deflate and store on board – but don’t forget to pack the pump!
3. Let your pet get familiar with your boat. Introduce your pet to the boat gradually, letting it sniff and explore the vessel while it’s still at the dock. Bring some toys along so your pet feels at home. Set boundaries for “off limits” areas like forward decks or machinery spaces that might be dangerous. Then take your pet for a short run in the boat, using treats and praise to reward calm behavior.
4. Keep your pet cool and hydrated. It’s easy for a dog or cat to become overheated and dehydrated while boating with you on a hot summer’s day. Create a shady space for your pet to shelter in, whether it’s in the cabin or a small pop-up tent on deck. Consider investing in a cooling mat designed to absorb your pet’s body heat. Bring along a bowl and keep it filled with fresh water for your pet to drink all day – whether it’s sunny out or not.
5. Make time for “potty breaks”. If you take your pet boating in inland or coastal waters, be sure to plan regular dock stops to walk your pet and let it “do its business” ashore. If you anchor out, take your pet to shore by dinghy and make sure it doesn’t jump out en route. Don’t forget the leash and “poo bags”! It’s a good idea also to pack “pee pads” in case of accidents between stops. If your boat is large enough, you also might consider creating a “comfort station” on board by setting out a patch of astroturf on deck and training your pet to use it.

Bringing the family pet along on a boating adventure can make the day more fun for everyone, especially if your pet loves being on the boat as much as you do. With little preparation on your part, your pet will enjoy a safe and happy day on the water.