Tips and Tricks for Boating with Pets

If you’re making plans to bring your fuzzy friend on your next boating trip, you’ll want to take a look at our helpful tips below! If you're in need of any gear for your next boating trip, feel free to visit our helpful parts department here in Green Lake, Wisconsin.

Climbing Aboard

The slower you take your pet's introduction to boating, the better your chances are they’ll enjoy it in the future. If you can, allow your pet to climb aboard when the boat is trailered in your driveway. If this isn’t possible, and your boat is currently in the water, you may need to plan a separate visit where they first adjust to the sights and smells of the dock.

Once your pet has gotten used to the boat on dry land, you can allow them to explore when the boat is docked as well. Each time your pet boards your boat, remember to offer them plenty of praise and rewards for their behavior. If they seem completely relaxed on the vessel, even when it’s in the water, you can try taking them on their first trip—just try to keep it under an hour.

Pet Amenities

Once your pet has adjusted to the water and is ready to go on longer excursions, you’ll need to grab some important supplies. Fresh water and shade are detrimental to a pet’s health, and they’ll need to be accessible at all times. You may also need to bring along some food for your pet on longer trips, as well as some cleaning supplies to take care of any accidents. Finally, don’t forget to purchase a well-fitted life jacket to support your pet in the water if they happen to fall overboard.

While it’s not always easy getting your pet to adjust to a boat, it’s often well worth the effort! If you’re still searching for a boat that’s perfectly suited to your needs, come visit us here at Shoreline Boat Center. We proudly serve the nearby cities of Oshkosh and Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and have an impressive inventory of boat models for you to choose from.