A boat can be a fantastic experience for both you and your pet. The sights, the sounds, the smells; it’s enough to take anyone’s breath away! However, some things need to be considered before getting on board with your furry friend.
Here are seven essential things to keep in mind about bringing a four-legged friend on a boat.
1. Find a Pet-friendly Boat Before Committing to a Trip
You don’t want to be stuck on a boat with another boat owner who doesn’t love animals the same way you do. Keep in mind that making friends on an hour-long cruise can be difficult, so you and your potential captain must be compatible.
It’s also good to remember that boating excursions can last for hours at a time, so check in advance if they have room for your furry friend and how much they will cost per day/hour, etc.
You can also take your pet on your friend’s bachelor party cruise. This will allow them to have a great time while you’re enjoying the festivities. Just be sure to keep an eye on them and make sure they’re not bothering anyone.
2. Keep Your Pet Hydrated
Ensure that your pet has plenty of available freshwater while aboard a vessel so it doesn’t get dehydrated. If your furry friend is allowed off the boat, pack some extra water and take frequent breaks for them to drink and stretch their legs.
It’s essential to keep an eye on the signs of dehydration in your pet when boating because they require more water in the heat. If your pet is panting excessively or refusing to drink, it might be time to head back to shore.
3. Make Sure Your Pet Has an ID Tag
You should make sure that your pet’s tag clearly lists your contact information if they get lost while you are in the middle of a lake, river, or ocean.
Even if you don’t expect this would happen (and we hope it doesn’t), having their name and number on them can be helpful for any future owners who adopt them after losing their way home.
4. Check Whether Your Dog’s Collar Is Snug
You want to make sure that your dog’s collar isn’t too loose or too tight while you’re out on the water because this can lead to safety issues.
Having a collar that is too tight will constrict their movement, and they could get caught on something, which might result in injuries or even death if they get stuck underneath something heavy, such as an anchor.
If you have a collar that is too loose, it could slip right off, and your dog will be able to run around freely. This might not seem like a big deal, but having a free-range pet on board can lead to problems.
5. Bring Their Food and Supplements
If you want to make sure your furry friend has all of their favorite things with them while cruising, bring their food and any supplements along with you.
This should keep your pet happy and healthy—at least long enough for you to find another way to re-supply (if necessary). It’s also nice for owners who like watching their pets enjoy their favorite foods or treats.
6. Don’t Forget Poop Bags
Even though you’re on the water, it’s good to bring poop bags for your pet in case they need to relieve themselves while still cruising along.
While most vessels will have poop bags available onboard, you must keep them supplied throughout the trip so that your pet doesn’t feel stressed out by trying to hold it in during their excursion.
However, if you do forget, don’t be afraid to ask the crew if they happen to have any extra supplies lying around. The last thing anyone wants is a smelly boat after all!
7. Watch Where Your Pet Goes While Cruising
It would be best never to leave your pets unattended while sailing the seas. That means no leaving your furry friend in a room down below either.
That might not seem like a big deal since most boats will have their engine running while cruising to keep everything going, but there is still a chance for things to go wrong that could result in injury or death.
If this does happen and your pet escapes without you knowing, don’t be afraid to ask other people around if they’ve seen them. There’s a good chance someone has spotted them by now and will be able to help you get back on track with finding them, so they can enjoy their outing.
It’s essential to keep all of these things in mind before taking your pet on a boat. By being aware of the risks and preparing accordingly, both you and your furry friend can have a safe and enjoyable time out on the open waters.
