How Do I Prepare My Pet For Traveling In My Boat?

For personal boats, take time to allow your pet to become familiar with your boat.

• Provide a ramp for your pet to easily get on and off the boat, or carry your pet on and off the boat.
• Call ahead to make sure the marina or park is pet friendly.

What Items Should I Bring With Me To Keep My Pet Safe?

Bring the following items:

• Your pet should wear a proper-fitting personal flotation device (a life jacket) at all times to keep your pet safe in and around water, even if they know how to swim.
• Applying sunscreen prevents sunburn to your pet, especially pets with light skin and short or thin haircoats. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a non-toxic, non-skin irritating sunscreen for your pets.
• Provide non-slip bathroom rugs to assist your pet from sliding on the wet boat and from burning their paws.
• You should have your pet in a carrier, or on a harness or leash to prevent them from jumping or falling overboard.

How Will My Pet Go To The Bathroom When On A Boat?

You can train your dog to use a piece of astroturf, a box of sod or newspaper. For cats and other small animals that use litter boxes, make sure there is a covered litter box secured to the floor inside the boat.

What Should I Do To Prepare When Traveling On A Cruise With My Pet?

To prepare for traveling with your pet on a cruise:

For public boats, check with the boating company to find out their requirements and restrictions. Most boating companies will require you to provide a regulation carrier and a leash for dogs. You will also need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) and possibly a travel form, depending on the areas that you will be visiting.

What Are Some Other Things To Think About When Traveling By Boat?

Here are some other things you should think about:

• When traveling by boat, your pet should have exercise before boarding and when you make stops.
• When traveling to foreign countries, you will need an International Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate).
• You may also need a permit and have to fill out a form. Information about pet passports to foreign countries can be found at Pet Travel
• Some pets get motion sicknesses on boats. If your pet becomes motion sick in the car, it will likely be sick on a boat. Talk to your veterinarian about alternate traveling suggestions or medications.