23.10.2025
Getting your boat ready for the cold season!
Four paws on board – sailing safely with your dog!
For many of us, a dog is much more than just a pet – it is a member of the family, a companion and a confidant. Dog owners who travel on their own sailing or motor yacht will sooner or later ask themselves: What is the best way to take my dog with me on my trips and how can I best organize life on board?
With our tips, a little preparation, patience, and the right equipment, your dog is sure to become the perfect crew member.
Getting used to life on board – step by step
For us, life on a yacht is pure freedom – for a dog, it means one thing above all else: an unfamiliar environment with lots of new stimuli, such as smells and noises. And then there's the swaying deck!
The key here is safety and structure to provide orientation.
Not every dog is naturally sea-worthy. Depending on the dog, it may take more or less time to get used to the new life. Start early and take small steps. Don't force anything!
Keep in mind that a young and/or curious dog will adapt to the new environment more easily than an older or more cautious dog. In any case, it will be easier if the animal finds familiar smells on board. For example, take your dog's favorite blanket from home with you on board.
Tips for getting used to the boat:
- Dry run: Take your dog on board without starting the engine. Let them explore everything at their leisure – the deck, cockpit, and cabins. Relax together with your dog where they will later lie down. Maybe they will find the perfect spot on their own!
- Familiarize them with noises and movements: After a few times, start the engine or the bow thruster while remaining in the harbor. Your pet may be startled – getting used to this is important!
- Short trips on calm seas: The first trips should be more like cruises – short distances in good weather. This will give your dog positive experiences.
- Establish habits: A fixed sleeping place, walking times (on land or on the pee mat) and rituals provide security – especially on longer trips. Try to maintain these, depending on whether they give your dog a sense of security.
Safety and comfort – essential for dogs on board
If you have a pet on board, you must take great care to ensure its safety. An all-round railing net offers particularly good protection. A life jacket is also a must.
Other things to keep in mind:
- Secure access and exit: A stable ramp makes it easier for older or larger dogs to get on board. Always make sure that your dog can get on and off the boat safely.
- Non-slip surface: Not every dog feels comfortable on smooth deck surfaces. Non-slip mats or a strip of carpet in the cockpit provide grip and safety.
- Shade and water always available: The sun can be merciless at sea, so shade and fresh water should always be available.
- Toilet solution for longer trips: Artificial turf mats or pee pads work well, provided you practice this with your dog beforehand.
Essential: The right dog life jacket
Even if your dog is a good swimmer, a high-quality life jacket is part of the basic equipment. It saves your four-legged friend's life if they fall overboard, in strong currents or rough seas. Without a life jacket, dogs are difficult to spot in open water and find it hard to attract attention.
What to look for in a life jacket:
- Carrying handle on the back: Essential for lifting the dog out of the water in an emergency.
- High-visibility colors and reflectors: Good visibility saves lives—especially at dusk or in poor weather conditions.
- Ergonomic fit: The jacket must fit snugly but not constrict—freedom of movement is crucial.
- Good buoyancy: Especially in the chest area, so that the head stays reliably above water.
Stay realistic – potential challenges
As wonderful as life on board may be, there are a few challenges to keep in mind when traveling with a dog. One common but often overlooked issue is seasickness in dogs: particularly sensitive animals or those that are not used to rocking may show symptoms in rough seas. On land, busy ports can cause stress and overwhelm.
Even if a dog seems relaxed at the beginning of the trip, after a few days it may become apparent that more shore leave is needed than originally planned. An extra day in port can then be worth its weight in gold for both humans and animals. Another issue is heat: dogs overheat quickly, so shaded areas, sufficient water, and good ventilation are essential.
Useful equipment for your four-legged friend
The right equipment is invaluable for preparing for every conceivable scenario and ensuring that your dog has a comfortable and safe journey on board.
Here are a few of the most important items:
- Dog life jacket (available from our partner SVB)
- Non-slip bowls
- Dog ramp or ladder
- Shade sail or UV protection tarpaulin
- GPS tracker
- Travel first aid kit including tick protection and anti-nausea medication
Our conclusion
A sailing trip with your dog is definitely feasible – and a real highlight for many crews. If you prepare well, cater to your four-legged friend's needs, and remain realistic, you will create the best conditions for a relaxing time on board. It is important to see your dog as a full member of the crew: with their own rest periods, sufficient exercise on land, and protection from the sun, stress, or overexertion. Small challenges can usually be overcome with planning and flexibility. Then life on board with your dog will not only be suitable for everyday use, but also unforgettably beautiful – for everyone involved.
Do you have any questions, requests, or suggestions? Feel free to write to us here!