ARE DOGS ALLOWED ON BOAT RENTALS? | TIDE UP BOAT RENTALS
Are Dogs Allowed on Boat Rentals?
Good news for dog owners—many rental companies welcome your four-legged crew members. Here’s what you need to know.
🐾 Quick Answer
Yes, many boat rental companies allow dogs! Expect to pay a $50-100 pet deposit. Always confirm the pet policy when booking, bring a doggy life jacket, and be prepared for extra cleanup before returning.
Planning a lake day and don’t want to leave your pup at home? You’re in luck—dogs on boat rentals is more common than you might think. Many rental companies are pet-friendly, especially for pontoon boats where there’s plenty of deck space.
That said, not every company allows pets, and those that do often have specific requirements. Here’s everything you need to know about bringing Fido along for your boating adventure.
Typical Pet Policies at Boat Rentals
Pet Deposit
$50-100 additional deposit, refundable if no damage or excessive mess
Life Jacket Required
Most companies require dogs to wear a properly fitted life jacket
Clean Return
You’re responsible for cleaning up after your pet before returning
Size Limits
Some restrict to small/medium dogs; others welcome any size
Important: Always confirm the pet policy when booking—don’t assume. Policies vary widely between companies, and showing up with a dog at a no-pets rental will ruin everyone’s day.
What to Bring for Your Dog
🐾 Dog Boating Essentials
Safety Tips for Boating with Dogs
Keep Your Pup Safe on the Water
🦺 Life Jacket Always
Even strong swimmers can get exhausted or disoriented in open water. A proper dog life jacket with a handle on top is essential.
☀️ Watch for Overheating
Dogs overheat faster than humans. Provide shade, fresh water, and watch for heavy panting. The boat deck gets hot!
🚤 Introduce Slowly
Let your dog explore the boat while docked first. Some dogs love boats immediately; others need time to adjust to the motion.
🏊 Test Swimming First
Not all dogs are natural swimmers. Test their comfort in shallow water before letting them jump off a boat in deep water.
📍 ID & Microchip
Make sure your dog has ID tags with your phone number. If they jump off and swim to shore, you want to be reachable.
🪜 Easy Exit
Practice getting back on the boat via the swim ladder. Dogs can panic if they can’t figure out how to reboard.
Best Boat Types for Dogs
Pontoon boats are by far the best choice for dogs. The flat, stable deck gives them room to move around without feeling trapped. The swim platform makes it easy for them to get in and out of the water.
Deck boats also work well, though space is more limited. The lower sides can actually make water access easier for some dogs.
Ski boats are less ideal—small, tippy, and not much room for a dog to settle comfortably. But for small dogs on calm water, they can work.
Kayaks and paddleboards can work with small, calm dogs who are used to them. Probably not the best choice for first-timers.
What If My Dog Has Never Been on a Boat?
First-time boat dogs can go one of two ways: immediate love or total anxiety. Here’s how to set them up for success:
Before the trip: If possible, visit the boat (or a similar one) while it’s docked. Let them explore, sniff around, and get treats for staying calm.
Start slow: Begin with the boat stationary. Then try slow cruising. If they’re relaxed, gradually increase speed and duration.
Watch body language: Excessive panting, drooling, shaking, or trying to hide are signs of stress. If they’re anxious, don’t force it—some dogs just aren’t boat dogs.
Keep early trips short: A 2-hour first trip is better than an 8-hour marathon. Build positive associations gradually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Boat with Your Best Friend?
Our rentals are pet-friendly. Book a pontoon and bring the whole family—furry members included!