A Boating Holiday in the UK

A boating holiday in the UK is an excellent choice if you have a dog. Most boats welcome one or two well-behaved dogs and pets are free of charge at many canal boatyards.

If it's a canal holiday, walking along the towpath is always an option - you could accompany the rest of the family as they cruise and you walk the dog! Your dog will be able to have lots of execise as well as new experiences every day. A dog's dream!

You will need to bring your dog's bedding of course as well as food and water bowls, brush, poo bags and extra towels. Your dog might think the water looks rather appealing, especially on a hot day so be prepared.

Discourage your dog from drinking the canal water and always have a bowl of fresh water available.

A spare lead is a good idea as well as making sure your dog is microchipped and the ID tags are up to date.

Possible purchases for a boating holiday in the UK
Dog Life Jacket
A dog life jacket is essential especially if this will be your dog's first time on the water. The jacket you buy needs to provide excellent buoyancy as well as high visibility. Jackets can chaf a dog so make sure the material used is durable and non-chafing. They are available in many sizes.

OutdoorGear UK sell RuffWear Float Coats. These stand head and shoulders above other doggy life jackets.

Dog Boat Ladder
You can buy dog boat ladders that attach to the boat ladder itself to provide your dog with the easiest possible entry and exit from the boat.

Both items as well as many other dog boating accessories are available from the excellent American online store Paws Aboard.


Non-spill water bowl
Amazon offer the Non spill pet water bowl. This is ideal for dogs on the move since it allows water to be available while the boat is in motion.

It has a velcro base which means the bowl can be placed on a carpeted surface and will remain in position. There are also instructions for attaching it to plastic, metal, wooden or most other surfaces.

Le Boat are based in Portsmouth and again are a very dog friendly company. They also offer boating holidays in France, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

Hoseasons offer boating holidays and pets are usually welcome. You'll need to check individual boats to make absolutely sure.

Happy sailing :)

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