Dogs & Cats Aboard

Four-footed family members on the boat?

Practical tips, food, first aid and fun with the dogs and cats aboard!

Boat Dogs 101

Published on March 4, 2020; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

What you need to know to have a great boat dog. Learn how to take any size dog on your boat, how to keep them safe, and best places to cruise with a dog. [More] Boat Dogs 101

Boarding Steps for a Big Dog

Published on April 8, 2019; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Easy steps to make it simple to get your big dog on and off your boat. Set up in just a few minutes — and use them yourself at a marina! [More] Boarding Steps for a Big Dog

Cruising with a Large Dog

Published on April 18, 2018; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Pamela Douglas Webster

Wondering how to go cruising with a big dog? What can you do to make it easier? Answers here from Pamela Douglas Webster, who cruises with Honey, a golden retriever. [More] Cruising with a Large Dog

Cruising with a Dog

Published on October 27, 2017; last updated on August 12, 2018 by Carolyn Shearlock

Sure, you’ve seen dogs on boats. But how feasible is it, really? Can you take a dog full-time cruising? And if so, what do you need to know? [More] Cruising with a Dog

DIY Dog Grooming

Published on May 2, 2016; last updated on September 27, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

One big worry about cruising with a dog is what to do about grooming. Eleven years with a “poodle-ish” mix has taught us quite a bit about DIY grooming . . . and it’s really not hard! [More] DIY Dog Grooming

Boat Dog Food

Published on February 15, 2016; last updated on June 10, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

I am not an expert on dog food. But I can tell you what we’re using and why we like it. [More] Boat Dog Food

Getting a Bahamas Pet Permit

Published on January 11, 2016; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Step-by-step instructions to get a Bahamas Pet Import permit so you can take your dog or cat with you on your boat trip to the Bahamas. [More] Getting a Bahamas Pet Permit

Protect the Kids & Pups: Lifeline Netting

Published on October 29, 2015; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Kid boats and dog boats . . . lifeline netting adds a bit of safety to both. A few notes on installing it and where to get the best price on the netting. [More] Protect the Kids & Pups: Lifeline Netting

Finding a Great Dog Sitter in a New City

Published on October 15, 2015; last updated on February 22, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Need a dog sitter but haven’t found the perfect one? DogVacay offers personalized care so you can get just what your furry family member needs! [More] Finding a Great Dog Sitter in a New City