Whether you’re crossing to the Bahamas or anchoring for the weekend, these pet boating safety tips can help make every voyage smoother for you and your furry crew.
By Captain Chris Caldwell
Boating with pets requires preparation, training and proper safety equipment. Dogs and cats can safely enjoy cruising adventures—including trips to the Bahamas—when owners introduce them gradually to boats, use pet life jackets, establish shore routines and prepare for emergencies.
How to Introduce Pets to Life on a Boat
Start with a few simple visits to the vessel while at the dock. A secure leash and harness are essential to keep your pet safely inside the hull while they learn the ropes, even when the boat remains tied to the pier. Create a safe space with a crate or bedding that keeps them feeling snug and secure.
After your pet has acclimated to the new smells and found its sea legs, get ready to start your engines. But first, assign someone to stay with your pet in case the engine noise sends them searching for a hiding place. Dogs seem to adapt easier to the rumbling monster noises while cats will likely try to escape. After the engines have run for a few minutes, shut them down to allow quiet to return and peace to reign. Treats are in order, followed by another short practice engine run. See? That monster didn’t hurt us and you got another yummy treat. For some animals this step may last a few days, while more adventurous pets may be raring to go wherever Mom and Dad are headed.
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Why Pet Life Jackets Are Essential for Boating
Your pet likely gets excited about taking a walk. (See the leash? Wag, wag, wag!) We recommend that you get your pet as excited about a life jacket as they are about the leash. Equate both the leash and the life jacket with embarking on an adventure.
Our favorite pet flotation devices have handles like a suitcase. These aid in lifting them if they fall overboard. The proper jacket can make the difference between bringing your pet aboard after a splash…or a very bad day.
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Shore Break Tips for Cruising With Dogs and Cats
Our pets are called to nature a few times each day. Shore patrol or walking your pet can be an adventure, even when it is raining. We launch the dinghy and pull it to the lower side deck, and one at a time, they jump into it. (Read our guide on how to choose the right dinghy for your boat.) As we head to shore, we read the hailing ports on other boats anchored. This is a great way to make new friends while cruising, and your best friend gets to come along.
While you may be tempted to use artificial turf or potty pads, we do not recommend them. You can certainly train your pet to use these tools, but the flies will find you even when you are offshore. These are not our favorite options.
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What to Do if Your Pet Falls Overboard
Some seasoned cruisers we know shared this tip when cruising with cats. They call it WRECKED: a water-rescue emergency cat and kitten extraction device. Fortunately, they have only used it once to actually extract a pet.
They needed a plan in case their cat went for an unexpected swim. Many of us have a boat pole secured somewhere on the exterior of our boat. So how hard could it be to find an easy access location for a fishing net—I mean, a water-rescue tool? And if your dog has a life jacket with handles, that boat pole can hook ’em safely while you escort them back aboard.
Many sailboat owners have a thick-diameter knotted line hanging from their transom. Ever wonder what that’s for? They’ve likely got a cat or two aboard trained to climb back up the line. The knots make it a bit easier for the feline’s claws to dig in and hold on.
The Importance of Pet ID Tags and Microchips While Cruising
Wanderers need clear identification. Your phone number on their collar or tag supplements your pet being chipped and is immediately useful. Add the boat’s name to a collar tag to help reunite you with your pet more easily while not in your home port marina.
Having a Lost Pet Poster and health records tucked into your boat papers is something you may never need. But that’s why we have life jackets and flares aboard—to keep the pleasure in pleasure boating.
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