Being out on the water is a joy that can be shared with our furry friends, too! Pets, especially dogs, often thrive in the boat life, and here at The Clever Boater, we absolutely adore seeing pets on boats—whether they’re playful pups, curious cats, or even unique pets like ferrets and cockatoos! If you are planning an exciting, extended adventure around the Great Loop or just a fun weekend on the water, there are a few things to keep in mind.
In this article, we’ll explore some helpful tips to ensure your pets stay comfy and safe while you all enjoy the soothing experience of sailing together!
Pets On Board Limit Your Options
Taking a pet on a journey, especially something as exciting as the Great Loop, requires careful consideration. It’s important to ensure that your pet is well-suited for life on the water. They should be comfortable in smaller spaces, learn to relieve themselves on board, or hold it until they can go ashore. Additionally, they need to be able to handle the gentle swaying, even when the weather gets a bit rough. If you have any doubts about whether your pet will enjoy the adventure, it might be kinder to leave them in the care of a friend or family member who can spoil them while you’re away.
Older pets bring their own special set of challenges that are important to consider. Many may have limited mobility, which can make getting on and off the boat a bit tricky, especially for larger dogs. When it comes to moving a pet into your dinghy for a trip ashore, it’s good to think ahead. Plus, since older pets often require more frequent veterinary care, it’s wise to keep all of their medical records handy just in case you ever need to visit an emergency vet. This way, you can ensure their health and happiness while enjoying your adventures together!
Many boaters enjoy leaving their boats at the marina and venturing out to explore nearby areas. Just a quick reminder: most ride-share companies may not allow pets in their vehicles, and marina loaner vehicles often have some restrictions regarding pets, too. Plus, leaving your pets locked up in your boat can feel just like leaving them in a car. So, when you do head out, please ensure the air conditioning is running and that your pet has plenty of food and water. It’s really important to keep your shore excursions short so you can return and care for them. A great tip is to connect with a fellow pet owner or a friendly neighbor at the marina who can lend a hand in looking after your pet. We’ve had the pleasure of dog-sitting for several boaters, allowing them to enjoy their time away from the boats!
If you choose to anchor out, keep in mind that you’ll also need to help your pet get to land for bathroom breaks and some exercise. While many dogs enjoy their time onboard your spacious boat, hopping into a dinghy can be a bit of a challenge! Depending on how often your furry friend needs to go ashore, you might find yourself anchoring during the day too. There are many places along the ICW and especially on The Great Loop, where you might go quite a while without a spot to disembark, whether due to houses lining the shore or the absence of solid ground on the banks to land your dinghy safely.
Swimming, Falling Overboard, and Lifejackets
Most pets seem to have a natural instinct for swimming, but helping them feel calm and secure in the water is a great idea before heading out on a boat. Breeds such as Bulldogs and Corgis might find it a bit challenging to navigate the water, and some pets may shy away from swimming altogether, even if they can do it.
No matter how well your pet swims, it’s a great idea to have a life jacket for them on board. Many lifejackets even come with a handy handle, making it easy to help lift your pet out of the water if they happen to fall overboard or need a little assistance. Plus, this feature is super helpful when you’re lifting them on or off the boat to the dock or a dinghy!
When the water gets a bit choppy, it’s a good idea to bring your pet inside the cabin or ensure they’ve got their life jacket on. It’s not uncommon for pets to accidentally leap or fall overboard, and spotting a tiny head bobbing among the waves can be quite a challenge, especially in rough waters. Sometimes, you might not even realize when your pet is in the water until much later!
Using a harness is greatly beneficial because, unlike a basic collar that can easily slip off or constrict during water recovery, a harness features a lifting handle that can bear your pet’s full weight.
Drinking Seawater
Drinking seawater can lead to dehydration and can be quite harmful to our furry friends. Symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and intense thirst can appear rapidly, so it’s important to keep a watchful eye on your pet while they enjoy their time in the water!
Drinking seawater can lead to serious long-term effects, especially kidney damage. To help your pet stay hydrated and avoid the temptation of ocean water, always provide them with easy access to a freshwater bowl. If you’re enjoying a stroll along the beach, don’t forget to bring along a portable drinking bowl filled with fresh water and encourage your dog to sip frequently. This way, they’ll be less likely to take a sip from the ocean!
While there are dangers to consider, the salt from seawater can actually provide some health benefits for your pet! Just be sure to rinse it off afterward to keep them from licking it and getting dehydrated. It’s a great idea to have a hose nearby and some old towels handy, even when you’re enjoying the inland waterways. In many areas, especially along the river system, you’ll find the banks can be a muddy mix of dark, sticky, and goop, just perfect for rolling in! So, be prepared to give your pet a good rinse before they hop back on board!
Keeping Cool
Animals can be quite sensitive to heat, even more so than us humans, making them more prone to heatstroke when they’re out on a boat. If you spot any warning signs, it’s really important to take them to a veterinarian right away!
Some common symptoms of heatstroke to watch for are hyperventilation, difficulty balancing, and increased saliva production. If you notice these signs, it’s best not to throw them into the water, as the sudden temperature change could make things more difficult for them. A water-soaked towel draped over them can help with initial cooling.
To keep your pet cool, we recommend avoiding having your pet on deck during the heat of the day. Make sure your pet is in the shade with plenty of airflow, especially if your boat doesn’t have a cabin and AC where they can relax and keep cool. Give them plenty of water, use wet towels (not too cold!) on their skin, and avoid playing with them outside. Also, consider that your pet may be struggling even if the temperature doesn’t feel too warm for you.
Managing the Toilet
Potty training your furry friends on a boat can be a bit challenging, but it’s absolutely doable! If you’re enjoying some time on a canal or by the shore of a lake, consider taking them for regular walks. This not only helps keep them active but also gives them the perfect chance to relieve themselves and feel comfortable.
When your pet is joining you on a long journey, there are some great options to make sure they’re comfortable! A piece of AstroTurf can give your pet the feel of grass and is super easy to clean up afterward. Another handy choice is having a cat litter box or a dog toilet tucked away below deck for added stability.
It’s good boating and pet etiquette to use the designated pet relief areas provided by marinas and parks. Plus, don’t forget to pick up after your pets and dispose of it properly in the designated receptacles. This way, we can all enjoy a clean and pleasant environment!
General Etiquette
Just a friendly reminder that while many boaters enjoy seeing pets on board, it’s important to keep your dog under control to ensure everyone has a great time!
- Always keep your pet on a leash, especially on docks. Pets that run free can fall off the dock. Larger animals can knock people or belongings off the docks.
- Always keep your pet on a short lead when you’re passing by other pets and people! Even if your dog is friendly and gets along well with other dogs, it’s important to remember that some pups may have different reactions. Be prepared to step back if a territorial squabble arises! And if your dog loves to greet everyone with enthusiastic jumps, make sure to keep them calmly under control, especially in tight spaces like docks.
- Help your dog with barking! If your dog tends to bark a lot, consider bringing them along with you or finding a way to help manage the noise. In the cozy environment of a marina, continual barking can truly test the patience of your neighbors. Plus, it might even start a barking chorus with other dogs nearby!
- Having a hose ready can be super helpful! Some older dogs might not be able to hold it until they reach the shore, and they could end up peeing on the dock right after they step off the boat. If Fido has a little mishap, don’t worry! Just grab a hose or a bucket to easily rinse off the dock and keep things tidy.
- For Non-Pet Owners: It’s a great idea to check with the owner before petting or giving treats to someone else’s pet. Most pets are super friendly and enjoy a good scratch or a tasty treat, but some might get a little too excited and could nip. Plus, many older pets have special diet needs, so it’s always best to ask first!
Medical Considerations
It’s a great idea to keep copies of your pet’s current immunization records, proof of ownership, and registration documents on hand. If your furry friend goes missing, experiences a medical emergency, or has an unfortunate encounter, having these important documents readily available can make all the difference! Additionally, carrying a statement from your pet’s primary vet confirming their good health is another wonderful way to ensure you’re prepared for anything life throws your way.
When your pet is on medications, it’s really important to have a copy of the prescription and enough supplies—especially if you’re planning to travel out of your home country. Many pet owners find that CBD products can be a great help for pain and anxiety relief, particularly for our older pets. If you’re thinking about traveling outside of the US, like to Canada, please keep in mind that bringing CBD products, even for your pet, might be illegal. Plus, some states still have rules around possessing CBD. So, it’s a good idea to check the local laws before you go!
It’s really important to ensure that your pet has an ID tag with your name and phone number clearly visible. If your pet doesn’t have a microchip yet, we strongly encourage getting one, especially when you’re traveling. This can really help you reunite with your pet if they happen to get lost and lose their collar.
It’s a great idea to have a pet first-aid kit on board! When you’re out boating, there are quite a few ways your pet can get hurt—from little splinters on wooden docks to accidental falls from the boat. Plus, with all the ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests hanging around the water, it’s really important to keep your pet safe and give them a quick check-up often to ensure they don’t bring any stowaways back aboard.
Here’s a heartfelt suggestion: we’ve heard a few stories of boaters who have sadly lost their beloved pets while traveling. While it’s not something that happens often, it can be more common with older pets. It’s definitely worth taking a moment to consider how you might handle this if it were to occur, even if it feels unlikely.
Documentation & Traveling to Other Countries
When you and your extended family embark on your boating adventure along the Great Loop and head into Canada, don’t forget to bring along a valid rabies vaccination certificate for them! It’s a great idea to pack both original and digital copies of their medical information, just to be safe. For more detailed guidance on taking your pets over the border, check out Canada’s government website.
When traveling south to Caribbean countries, it’s a great idea to check the individual government websites for specific requirements. Typically, you’ll need to be up to date on your vaccines and have a recent vet health check-up. Just a heads up, some countries also ask for an application fee before you arrive!
Want to Learn More?
Although we’ve enjoyed the company of fellow boaters with pets on board, we don’t have personal experience with them ourselves. For those specific questions about having pets aboard, we recommend connecting with the wonderful community on the boating forums—they’re a great resource!
If you’re interested in learning more about different aspects of boating, be sure to check out our blog. We’re also happy to answer any boating-related questions, so don’t hesitate to get in touch today!
Do you travel with pets aboard? What are your tips for other boaters?
Let us know in the comments below! 
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