Your Guide to Boating with Pets

You’re probably used to bringing your pet along with you on all of your adventures, but before you take your pet out to sea we encourage you to look over our guide on boating with pets to ensure both you and your furry friend have a great time! And, if you’re still in need of a boat or boating accessories feel free to stop by our dealership in Houston, Texas. 

Life Jacket

Before you make plans to go boating with your pet, be sure to purchase an effective life jacket for them. It will need to fit snugly and have the correct amount of buoyancy for your pet’s swimming level. If you can, we suggest letting your pet adjust to their life jacket in a small body of water, like a pond or pool.

Pet Amenities

When they’re on the ship your pet will need a few necessities to make sure they’re comfortable. Be sure they always have easy access to plenty of shade and water. Have cleaning supplies on hand for when they go to the bathroom, and if they have medication we advise keeping a few doses in your boat’s first aid kit. If you’re planning on taking an especially long trip be sure to bring some food and a bowl for your furry friend. 

Introduction

If possible you’ll want to introduce your pet to your boat when it’s out of the water. Lead them onto the boat by a leash, or release them from a carrier and allow them to explore. Offer lots of treats and praise and keep the excursion short to ensure it’s a positive experience. 

Later, you can introduce your pet to your boat once again while it’s in the water. Allow them to get comfortable with the new environment before leading them onto the boat. Once again allow them to explore while offering lots of treats and praise. You’ll also want to bring along a distraction, such as a treat or a toy to play with once they’re done exploring. 

We hope this guide has been helpful as you get ready to bring your pet onto the open water. If you’re located nearby in Conroe, Texas we hope you’ll visit LMC Marine for all of your boating needs!