Sailing with Pets

When bringing your pets along on an extended voyage (especially international travel), you’ll want to be sure they’re up to date on vaccinations and you have all of the required paperwork needed. Ask your vet about quarantine periods and the paperwork required for international destinations.

But, don’t solely rely on your vet to know international laws and requirements; do your research to ensure all is taken care of before departure.

It's also important to remember that pets will need plenty of frequent breaks during long passages at sea - or else they may become seasick! So, plan out routine stops along the way where pets can get some fresh air and stretch their legs. Depending on the type of pets you have, it may be wise to look into pet-friendly destinations as well.

Safety Precautions for Pets Onboard

Just in case your furry friend accidentally falls overboard or gets lost at the port, getting them microchipped is strongly advised. For additional safety measures, an ID tag with your vessel’s permanent marina location and a phone number is also recommended. Other safety measures include getting a fitted life jacket for your furry friend and investing in a GPS tracking device in case the unimaginable happens. Raymarine LifeTags attach to any collar and is a priceless investment should your pet fall overboard.

Preventing Seasickness For Your Pet

Like people, dogs can also get motion sickness while on board a yacht. Ask your vet about

medications for seasickness just in case. Also, it may be a smart idea to plan your cruising with meal times, so your pets are never moving on a full stomach. In addition, always have a bowl of water available to them at all times.

Before taking your pet aboard for cruising trips, get your pets used to your yacht. Allow them to roam on the boat while docked so they can get used to the surroundings, smells, and sounds while aboard. After they get a sense of familiarity with the vessel, try taking them on a short test run to see how they react while the boat is in motion. We recommend doing this a few times until your pet is well adjusted. If all goes well each time, it’s safe to assume your pet will adjust just fine to life out at sea.

Sun Protection – Tips For Boating Pets

Pets, much like humans, can suffer from sunburn and heat strokes with extensive exposure.

Providing them with adequate shade, keeping them well hydrated, and keeping them cool is crucial while aboard. For added protection, purchase a pet approved sunscreen such as Petkin’s Doggy Sunmist Spray

Potty Breaks

When it comes to potty breaks, cruising with a cat is a much simpler process than traveling with a dog. For cats, a secured litter box typically does the trick. For dogs, the process may be more challenging. If you don’t plan enough stops for your pup to do their business onshore, thorough training to go onboard will be needed. Usually, owners resort to installing a piece of sod for bathroom breaks or a synthetic grass pad, as they are easier to clean. Regardless, get your pup familiar with the location of the sod/pad, and be sure to praise them when they use it so they know it is allowed.

Pet travel to various Caribbean islands – is it easy or not? Some guidelines

Be sure to research laws and regulations in each country you visit, as some may have restrictions or require pets to have special documents before entering the country. Most islands require up to date vaccinations, as well as rabies vaccines, and a pre-authorisation to enter. It’s always best to be prepared!

If you're planning to take your pets on a sailing vacation in the Caribbean, there are some things you should consider before setting off. Pets need plenty of TLC and supplies when vacationing on a yacht, so make sure you bring along enough food and treats for them. Also, be sure to bring toys that can occupy their time while onboard and extra bedding for them to sleep in.

On top of that, pets should be monitored and never left alone on the boat while you're away to explore ashore. Even if they are properly housed, there's still a risk of pets getting into trouble with things like tangled lines or other potential hazards. To reduce any potential risks, always make sure your pets have plenty of supervision and that their environment is safe for them.

Sailing in the Caribbean with pets can surely be an unforgettable experience - just make sure you consider all these important factors before setting off! That way, you and your pets can enjoy a stress-free vacation onboard your yacht in paradise!