A Guide to Boating With Your Pets
Spending a day out on the water with friends or family is a great way to relax and enjoy your weekend. The only thing that could make it better is being able to take along your true best friend — your pet cat or dog. People aren’t the only creatures who enjoy boating; plenty of animals like to go out on boats with their owners, too!
When you’re planning to take your dog or cat boating, you’ll want to be certain that you have everything they’ll need to be safe and comfortable while you’re away from shore.
1. Acclimate Your Pet to the Boat
Before you head out on the water with Mittens or Fido, you’ll want to make sure your pet is comfortable being on the boat. Take your pet on a leash to the marina and let them sniff around at the dock before you walk onto the docked boat with them. Allow your pet to explore (while remaining leashed, unless there’s an enclosed cabin they can safely roam) and get all those good sniffs. Provide some treats and toys and talk to them in a calm and soothing manner.
The first boat outing you take with your pet should be brief so that they get a feel for the boat and you can determine whether they’re able to handle it or not.
2. Tag Your Pet
Your pet should have identification on them in the form of a tagged collar. Put your pet’s name and your phone number on the tag. You can also choose to get your pet microchipped so that they can be easily traced back to you if they happen to run away.
3. Get a Pet-Sized Life Jacket
Even if your pet is an excellent swimmer (some breeds of cats and dogs are particularly fond of water), you’ll need a life jacket for your cat or dog that fits them well. You never know when a strong current can sweep your pet far from the boat. If your pet falls overboard, the handles on a life jacket can help you grab them and scoop them back onto the boat quickly.
For more helpful boating tips or helpful accessories for your vessel, visit us here at River City Boat Sales & Marine Services. Our expert staff here in Aurora, Oregon will be happy to assist you with all of your boating needs and we look forward to serving those nearby in Wilsonville and Canby, Oregon.