Nothing beats a warm holiday out on the boat, but isn’t the same if you leave your pet at home. If you are planning on taking your four-legged friend on the boat with you, there are a few simple steps you can take to make their (and your) time safer and more enjoyable:

1. PRE-REGISTER PETS ON BOARD 

The entry regulations for animals in the respective countries are highly different and should be studied in detail before the start of the trip. Still at home, the animal should get all the necessary vaccinations, the vaccination certificate must in any case with. In the EU, there is a pet passport recognized by all countries for several years, in which all important data – including the chip number of the registration – are entered.

In some countries, animals must be quarantined upon entry, and those who want to take their dog to Great Britain must have it wormed shortly before entering the country. Very detailed information about the regulations in the individual countries of travel can be found on the page www.petsontour.de. A call to the animal liability, whether the animal is also insured abroad, also helps to prevent all eventualities.

2. PFD (PET FLOTATION DEVICE)

Although you might think your pet is the next Michael Phelps, safety needs to be priority number one. That is why it is a good idea to have a designated flotation device for your animal. You should be able to pick one of these up at your local pet supplies store, or you can buy one online. As always, watch pets while swimming for signs of struggle.

3. BRING TOYS THAT FLOAT

Even though the boat is exciting for us, our furry friends will more than likely get bored. If you want to avoid destructive chewing or bad behaviors due to pet boredom, make sure to bring along some toys for the ride. Seacily supplies can offer you awesome dog toys designed to float in the water too.

4. WATCH OUT FOR SLIPPERY DECKS

When wet, boat decks can become incredibly slippery, you should do your best to avoid injuries for anyone by drying deck floors, lining the floor with non-slip coverings, or by limiting your pet’s movement while the boat is in motion.

5. MUST HAVE SUPPLIES

And if you don’t have it, you should only ask us!

• Comfy food

Feeding time is more than an everyday ritual for your pet — it’s a special bonding experience that engages all of their senses. Our crew can work to ensure all foods deliver that appeal to the acute senses of your four-legged best friend, whenever and wherever you want. 

• Life Jackets

Even “water breeds” benefit from a life jacket, especially in strong current or choppy water. The handles on a life jacket also help to grip and lift a pet into the boat.

• Leashes and Collars

A harness, as opposed to a collar, provides a means to grab and lift the dog, even using a boat hook.

• Sunburn Protection

Sunscreen should be applied on the dog’s belly and inside the hind legs, at least. Some pet sunscreens are free of zinc oxide, which can be harmful if pets lick it. Moreover, spray-on varieties are easy to apply.

As always, we suggest you be sure to exercise caution when bringing animals on the boat with you. Be sure to put safety first and use your best judgment when the animal is present. If your pet is not already microchipped or tagged with an ID tag, it would be a smart idea to do so before departing. Follow these steps, and you can help make your time out on the water a safe and fun experience for everyone.

And a dog snoozing comfortably in the cockpit convincingly demonstrates that life on a yacht is nice for animals, too – if we take their needs into account and accommodate their natural urge to move, play and sleep. Once dogs have learned that they can be walked extensively before a long trip, that they can sleep through the hours at sea, and that they are rewarded with an extensive round of play or a swim during the following shore leave, they are super sailors – even if they will never learn to tighten the sheets after a tack.