Every trip on the water deserves a great captain and sometimes they have four paws instead of two feet. For many Ontario boat owners, pets are part of the family, and summer adventures wouldn’t be complete without them. Whether your dog is proudly watching the waves from the bow or your cat is quietly soaking up the sunshine, a little preparation can help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day on the lake.
Before You Leave the Dock
The best boating adventures begin long before you cast off. Take a few minutes to check your safety equipment, confirm your pet is comfortable with the boat, and review your boat insurance to ensure your coverage still fits your needs. If you’ve upgraded your watercraft, added new equipment, or recently purchased a boat, it may be time for a policy review.
Boat insurance can help protect you against unexpected events such as collisions, theft, fire, storms, vandalism, and liability claims, giving you greater confidence every time you head out on the water.
Help Your Pet Find Their Sea Legs
Not every pet is born ready for life on the lake. If it’s their first boating season, let them explore the boat while it’s safely docked. Allow them to become familiar with the sights, sounds, and movement before setting off. Reward calm behaviour with treats and begin with short trips on calm water before planning a full day on the lake. Just like people, every pet adjusts differently. A little patience now can lead to years of enjoyable boating together.
Every Pet Needs a Life Jacket
Even pets that love to swim can become tired, disoriented, or frightened if they unexpectedly end up in open water. Choose a properly fitted pet life jacket with a sturdy grab handle, making it much easier to lift them safely back onboard if needed. A snug fit is important, the jacket should stay secure without restricting movement. It’s one of the simplest investments you can make for your pet’s safety.
Pack for Every Passenger
Your pet should have their own boating checklist, too.
Before heading out, pack:
- A properly fitted life jacket
- Fresh drinking water and a portable bowl
- Food or treats
- A leash or harness
- Waste bags
- A towel
- Any medications they require
- A basic pet first aid kit
Don’t forget about comfort. Boat decks can become extremely hot in the summer sun, so provide plenty of shade and fresh water throughout the day. Avoid letting pets drink lake water, which may contain harmful bacteria or algae and can lead to dehydration or illness.
Watch for Hidden Hazards
Boats are full of things that curious pets love to investigate. Keep fishing hooks, lures, ropes, fuel containers, cleaning products, and bait safely stored away. If your deck becomes slippery when wet, keep a close eye on your pet’s footing to help prevent falls. Before leaving the dock, check the weather forecast. If conditions become rough, move your pet to a secure, sheltered area of the boat until the water settles. When docking or moving around a marina, keep pets safely secured with a harness or leash. Sudden boat movement can cause them to lose their footing or accidentally jump overboard.
One Safety Tip That Continues Ashore
Your pet’s safety doesn’t end when the boat is tied up.
If you’re stopping for lunch, fuel, or supplies, never leave your pet alone inside a parked vehicle. Even on days that don’t feel especially hot, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly in just minutes, putting pets at serious risk of heatstroke. If your pet can’t come with you, the safest option is to have someone stay with them or leave them comfortably at home.
Make Every Trip a Safe One
The right boat insurance helps protect your investment, while a little preparation helps protect the passengers who matter most, including the ones with paws. Before your next day on the water, take a few minutes to review your boat insurance, check your safety gear, and prepare your pet for the adventure ahead. When everyone is ready, all that’s left to do is cast off, enjoy the sunshine, and make memories that will last long after boating season comes to an end.
