A crew member on four paws? Why not? More and more often, dogs on board a sailing yacht stretch their furry noses into the fresh sea breeze and literally feel like poodles in the circle of their loved ones. If you are a dog owner planning to sail with a dog, you don’t have to worry about where to take part of your family. The fact that dogs on a yacht are no longer a rarity today is due, among other things, to the mobile equipment that has improved over the years.
Sailing with a dog, how does it really work, what requirements do you have to consider and what about the walk round? We at Merk & Merk, your professional yacht store, give you our best tips below, which we have gained from many years of yacht charter with dog.
What are the requirements for sailing with a dog?
When sailing with a dog, you must observe certain formalities on the one hand and take into account the nature and character traits of your dog on the other. Not all dogs are ship-worthy, so four-legged friends can also get seasick. Likewise, sailing with a dog that is very timid may not always be beneficial. If, on the other hand, you have a water-loving furry nose at home that likes to be active in the fresh air and is also well trained, then nothing should stand in the way of the trip on the yacht. At least as far as the individual characteristics of your dog are concerned.
When sailing with a dog, think about the bureaucratic entry and return formalities as well. In the EU countries you need a vaccination card with microchip identification. You must also be able to present a valid rabies vaccination. In certain countries, a rabies antibody test is also required. Start checking your vaccination record well in advance of sailing with a dog, and refresh them if necessary. Ideally, you should consult your veterinarian at least two months before sailing or contact the German Animal Welfare Association (Deutscher Tierschutzbund e. V.).
When sailing with a dog, what needs to come along on the trip and how do you plan the trip?
Like us humans, a four-legged friend on the yacht needs its personal equipment. In addition, there are some special features in everyday life on board that you must take into account. In any case, sailing with a dog requires thorough planning in order to meet the requirements of your dog on the yacht. Otherwise, the unforgettable time will quickly turn into an unreasonable sailing trip for everyone. With the right preparation, however, sailing with a dog is guaranteed to be a great adventure with many wonderful moments.
With our following tips we want to give you a first impression of what is important when sailing with a dog. Afterwards you can use our individual yacht management and yacht service. We will be happy to create an individual itinerary for you, taking into account the daily walks on shore leave. Or we can organize a crew for you, including a dog handler. We have your back – even when sailing with a dog.
Life jacket with handle
Your dog should wear a life jacket on board. This can save the life of your four-legged friend in an emergency, should he go unintentionally from the ship. Today’s models in the warning color orange are available in various designs and sizes, including a carrying handle on the back, so that you can easily retrieve it from the water. Safety always comes first when sailing with a dog.
First Aid Kit
Pack a first-aid kit for sailing with a dog, including a remedy for diarrhea and nausea, a disinfectant, and bandages and medications for pain. Insect bites in foreign countries can trigger previously unknown allergies. Therefore, also carry cortisone with you.
Small and big business at sea
Of course, your four-legged friend also has its needs on the high seas. Unfortunately, it is not possible to generalize what an optimal solution looks like when sailing with a dog. Many boat owners plan a shore leave every three to five hours, where the dog can do its business. Others train their four-legged friend to go on a special plastic mat or a piece of artificial turf during the trip. Find a method that works for all of you in advance. You can test this in practice on a weekend trip.
Slowly approach sailing with dog
This brings us to the next and last point. Slowly get your four-legged friend used to sailing. Set sail for day trips and slowly increase the duration. So your dog gets used to the new environment steadily and in the end you are ready for the great adventure “sailing with dog”.