Have you thought about how to keep pets safe on your boat in storms headed your way? A little planning will make sure everyone on board is happy and safe.
Summary
Storms require forethought when you live on a boat. But if you’re cruising with a dog, cat, or other pet there are a few other things to consider.
You want to be sure belongings are well stored away. Even a big dog could be hurt or startled by something falling off a table or counter. But for a tiny dog or cat, even a book could cause serious injury.
If you plan to go ashore, take pets with you. After all, it’s too rough for you, it’s not safe for them to stay on the boat. Also, if you have a cat who likes to hide, put them in their carrier so they’re ready to go when you are. Don’t forget to take food and water.
You’ll also want to account for pets in your ditch bag even if you don’t intend to leave the boat. After all, conditions can change quickly. Different pets and different boats have different needs. But if you think about your pets before a storm hits, you’ll be in good shape for whatever the weather holds.
Links:
Prefer to read? Check out Pets and Storms on Your Boat for more tips and details of how we kept our tiny pup Paz safe crossing a rough bar in el Salvador.
Today’s episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is sponsored by MantusMarine.com, maker of the Mantus anchor, now available in models with and without a roll bar. Proven to set reliably in the most challenging bottoms, the Mantus anchor digs like no other, making anchoring safer and boating more enjoyable. Mantus Marine brings to market practical, durable and affordable marine products, including: anchoring gear, scuba diving accessories, and rechargeable waterproof headlamp for hands-free lighting and solar charging Navigation light. Visit MantusMarine.com and see for yourself!
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Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
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