Cute dogs Fun in boat When we are going to beach

Boating can be a wonderful summer activity for you and your dog! But there are a few things to consider before you go.

5 Questions To Ask BEFORE Taking A Dog On A Boat

Boating can be a wonderful summer activity for you and your dog! But there are a few things to consider before you go.

Taking Your Dog On A Boat?

What could be more fun than taking your dog on a boat? The wind in their fur, interesting smells, and dolphins splashing nearby … there are so many experiences most pets love! To ensure you both have a great time, ask these questions before you head out.

Questions To Ask Before Taking Your Dog On A Boat

1. Is Your Dog Allowed?
Unless you own the boat, it’s important to ask if your dog is welcome. Depending on the planned activities and the number of human guests that have been invited, even your dog-loving friends might prefer you make alternative plans for your pup.

If you’re looking at outfitters, ferries, charter boats, and local cruises, remember that many are pet friendly — but not all. And businesses change their policies without notice, so even if you see a company listed as pet friendly, it’s worth checking again.

Also keep in mind that some ferry companies consider themselves “pet friendly” because they allow your pet to stay alone in your car during a crossing. Before booking your trip, ask for clarification of the pet policy and any additional information people traveling with pets should know.

2. Does Your Pet Need A Life Jacket?

This is actually a trick question, because ALL pets should have a life jacket when they’re on a boat!

When riding small watercraft like canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards (SUPs), pets should wear their life vests at all times. I even know of two corgis who liked to ride on the running board of their people’s jet skis. And you can bet they wear life jackets!

When you’re cruising on a larger boat, you may not think a life jacket is necessary for your dog. But even huge ships are required to have flotation devices for all their human passengers. There are many reasons why every pet should have a life jacket.

Cats or dogs who feel apprehensive in new settings might feel more comfortable in a life jacket. And dogs who are excitable around water and likely to jump in should wear a life jacket in any setting that’s new to them. Even if they are strong swimmers, you’ll appreciate the sturdy handle built into the life jacket to help get them back aboard.
Of course, if you’re vacationing in an unfamiliar place, you may be unaware of the dangers caused by swirling currents, alligators, or other predators … or how your pup will react to the temptation of playful dolphins or sea lions. In those cases it’s always better for your pet to wear a life vest.

Boating can be a wonderful summer activity for you and your dog! But there are a few things to consider before you go.
Taking Your Dog On A Boat? Ask These 5 Questions First | GoPetFriendly.com

What could be more fun than taking your dog on a boat? The wind in their fur, interesting smells, and dolphins splashing nearby … there are so many experiences most pets love! To ensure you both have a great time, ask these questions before you head out.

Questions To Ask Before Taking Your Dog On A Boat
1. Is Your Dog Allowed?
Unless you own the boat, it’s important to ask if your dog is welcome. Depending on the planned activities and the number of human guests that have been invited, even your dog-loving friends might prefer you make alternative plans for your pup.

If you’re looking at outfitters, ferries, charter boats, and local cruises, remember that many are pet friendly — but not all. And businesses change their policies without notice, so even if you see a company listed as pet friendly, it’s worth checking again.

Also keep in mind that some ferry companies consider themselves “pet friendly” because they allow your pet to stay alone in your car during a crossing. Before booking your trip, ask for clarification of the pet policy and any additional information people traveling with pets should know.

READ MORE ⇒ Renting A Pet Friendly Boat
Honey the boat dog on the Elizabeth City docks with Meander.
A boat is more like home when a pet is on board.

2. Does Your Pet Need A Life Jacket?
* This section of the post contains affiliate links. Thanks! *

This is actually a trick question, because ALL pets should have a life jacket when they’re on a boat!

When riding small watercraft like canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards (SUPs), pets should wear their life vests at all times. I even know of two corgis who liked to ride on the running board of their people’s jet skis. And you can bet they wear life jackets!

When you’re cruising on a larger boat, you may not think a life jacket is necessary for your dog. But even huge ships are required to have flotation devices for all their human passengers. There are many reasons why every pet should have a life jacket.

Cats or dogs who feel apprehensive in new settings might feel more comfortable in a life jacket. And dogs who are excitable around water and likely to jump in should wear a life jacket in any setting that’s new to them. Even if they are strong swimmers, you’ll appreciate the sturdy handle built into the life jacket to help get them back aboard.

A special note for people traveling with cats: Most life jackets are still made for dogs, so you might need to experiment to find one that fits your cat. Paws Aboard makes a dog life jacket that comes in a wide range of sizes (including XX-Small) and several Amazon reviewers claim it worked for their cat.

Of course, if you’re vacationing in an unfamiliar place, you may be unaware of the dangers caused by swirling currents, alligators, or other predators … or how your pup will react to the temptation of playful dolphins or sea lions. In those cases it’s always better for your pet to wear a life vest.

Dolphin swimming beside sailboat.
Honey loves when dolphins visit the boat. Luckily, she loves staying dry even more.
Experienced Sailing Dog Wears Her Life Jacket
Honey almost wears her life jacket when we’re underway in our sailboat. The only exception is when the life vest is more of a risk than her falling in the water.

Honey the boat dog wears a life jacket underway.
When she’s wearing her life jacket underway, Honey rests easy. And so do we.

On a still, hot day where we’re motoring in calm conditions, I usually don’t put Honey’s life jacket on her. She never leaves the security of the cockpit, and since she dislikes swimming we don’t have to worry about her jumping overboard.

On those days, the possibility of her overheating is a greater concern than drowning. But if we’re sailing, or when conditions are even a little rough or changeable, or if it’s cold (yes, we’ve sailed in sub-freezing temperatures), Honey always wears her life jacket.

Pets with Special Needs and Those that Can’t Swim
I once saw an aging Labrador fall off a dock because he couldn’t tell what his hind legs were doing. Luckily his people got him back quickly, but if the current had been stronger, he would have benefitted from the extra flotation of a life jacket while his people figured out how to get him back on board.

If your pet has special needs, or they are a breed that finds swimming difficult, they may benefit from a life jacket even on a large vessel like a ferry. The dock crew will be wearing life jackets as well so your pet won’t feel silly. And everyone thinks it’s adorable when a dog on the boat is dressed for the occasion!

3. What’s The Forecast?
Both weather extremes can be problematic for dogs on boats. Of course, stormy conditions are dangerous in personal watercraft. And thunder, even if the storm remains distant, is frightening for many pets. But pets are often confined to outside decks on ferries and tour boats — and you’ll be out there with them. So check the weather before making your plans to ensure it will be comfortable for the whole family.

Shade is also scarce on the open water. If you’re expecting hot, sunny weather consider whether your dog will be comfortable in the cockpit of a kayak all day. And keep in mind that many large boats, like ferries and local cruise boats, have metal decks. On a hot day, your dog could burn his paws walking a short distance. Protective boots might be necessary to protect your pup’s paws.

No matter what the weather, be sure to bring plenty of fresh water and a bowl for your pet.