5 Tips For Safe Boating With Your Pet
Boating with your pet can be a fun and enjoyable experience, but it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your pet is safe while out on the water. The five tips below cover life jackets, hydration, hot surfaces and footing, toilet breaks, and keeping your pet secure during docking and anchoring.
Fit a Pet Life Jacket: Make sure that your pet has a life jacket and is wearing it at all times when on the boat. Special pet life jackets have a handle so it’s easy to carry your pet up to a flybridge, as well as getting them in and out of the water. See our essential safety gear checklist for boaties (https://www.boatsonline.co.nz/boating-tips/essential-safety-gear-checklist-for-boaties/) for the rest of the safety gear your boat should carry.
Keep Your Pet Hydrated: Provide plenty of water for your pet so they don’t become dehydrated in the sun or sea spray. A non-slip water bowl is ideal, as boats tend to bounce and move around.
Provide Shade and Good Footing: Many boat surfaces, such as fibreglass, can get extremely hot in the sun. Providing shade for your pet is a good idea. Keep an eye out for potential hazards like sharp objects, other boats, and debris in the water. Mats with rubber non-slip backings can help with your dog’s footing.
Plan for Toilet Breaks: Allow plenty of time for beach walks and regular toilet breaks as needed throughout the day. If your boat allows, try to train your dog to go to the bathroom in a specific spot, on some newspaper or a doggy pee mat.
Tether or Supervise During Anchoring and Berthing: Keep your pet safe by tethering them when you are busy anchoring or berthing your boat. Don't assume your pet knows not to get off the boat without permission. Keep an eye on them and never leave them unattended.
Enjoy Boating with Your Pet!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does my pet need a life jacket on a boat?
Yes. Your pet should wear a life jacket at all times when on the boat. Special pet life jackets include a handle, which makes it easy to carry your pet up to a flybridge or to get them in and out of the water.
How do I stop my pet getting dehydrated on a boat?
Provide plenty of water throughout the trip, ideally in a non-slip bowl, since boats tend to bounce and move around. This helps prevent dehydration caused by sun exposure and sea spray.
How can I protect my pet's paws from hot boat surfaces?
Boat surfaces such as fibreglass can get extremely hot in the sun, so it’s a good idea to provide shade for your pet. Mats with rubber non-slip backings also help with footing and protect paws from hot, slippery surfaces.
How do I manage toilet breaks for my pet while boating?
Allow plenty of time for beach walks and regular toilet breaks throughout the day. If your boat allows, you can also train your dog to go to the bathroom in a specific spot on board, such as on newspaper or a doggy pee mat.
Should I keep my pet on a leash while anchoring or berthing?
Yes, it’s a good idea to tether your pet while you are busy anchoring or berthing the boat. Make sure your pet knows not to get off the boat without permission, keep an eye on them, and never leave them unattended.
