Traveling by boat with a dog

Tips for traveling with your dog on a family boat

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Some families have dogs and also small boats on which they spend vacations or weekends.

They may also go on vacation somewhere and rent one to spend a different kind of day, and it is very common for them to take their pets along for the ride.

You should always take some safety precautions when traveling with them on a boat, even if the trip is short. 

-It is important that the dog is familiar with the sea. If the dog is unfamiliar with the sea or is boarding a boat for the first time, it may become nervous during the trip, which could be counterproductive. -Once the dog is familiar with the sea, it is advisable to teach it to swim. When traveling on a boat, accidents can happen, and if the dog falls into the water, it will be able to swim and stay safe.
-If the dog is not used to traveling on a boat, it is important to start slowly. First, let it get to know the boat and feel that there is nothing to be afraid of. Then, if possible, take one or more short trips before embarking on the actual journey.
-Before starting the trip, it is important to let your dog relieve itself and take a good walk.
-If your dog gets seasick during car trips, it is very likely that it will also get seasick on a boat. Therefore, you should take some measures, such as giving them some kind of medication to help them. -It is vitally important to have a life jacket for dogs. If it is your own boat, you should have one, and if it is a rented boat, ask if they have one or buy one.
-Another way to make the boat trip safer is to have a perimeter net. This net allows the dog to fall into it in case of any mishap, preventing it from falling directly into the water.
-It is important to bring a carrier for the trip, especially in case the dog gets very nervous or a storm occurs.
-When on a boat, both people and dogs are exposed to the sun, and it is important to avoid heatstroke. It is necessary to bring fresh water and provide them with a space that has some shade.

Traveling on large ships or cruise ships with a dog

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On many occasions, we will find that we have to take a ship to travel with our dog.

Currently, we can travel with the shipping companies Balearia, Grimaldi, or Transmediterranea, and on two of them, even in a cabin.

In our case, traveling by boat is almost mandatory, as we live on an island: we'll tell you about our experience traveling with Uma on Balearia from Ibiza to Denia and vice versa.

Contact the ferry company to find out their regulations:
If the adopter has planned the trip in advance, it is much better to coordinate how the trip with a dog will be.

Contacting them will be essential to find out if there are any specific rules to follow before traveling, so that everything goes smoothly. 

Book in advance and get your boarding pass:
By booking in advance and notifying the company that there will be a pet among the passengers, it will be easier to plan your trip with your pet.

This will also allow you to obtain a boarding pass for your dog, which may be a requirement, depending on the ship. 

Leash and muzzle for the dog: 
It is very common for dogs to have to wear a leash and muzzle when traveling by boat. That is why it is important to contact the company and find out if this is a travel requirement for them. 

The leash and muzzle are normally required when boarding and disembarking the boat, regardless of the dog's breed.

These accessories are essential and must be properly fitted and secured. 

Traveling with your dog:
Some companies allow dogs to travel with their owners inside the carrier, depending on the size of the dog, but very few boat companies allow this. 

The carrier: 
Normally, each dog travels in a carrier provided by the company to the adopter so that their dog can travel comfortably and calmly; in a space designed to protect them from cold, heat, and rain. Some adopters have their own carriers, but many companies charge an extra fee for this.

To do this, at the time of boarding, you must contact someone on the ship and this person will place the carrier in the designated area. 

Important factors to consider before traveling on a ship with a dog

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Before traveling, the adopter must ensure that the trip will be good for the dog, especially if the trip is longer than four hours.

Adopters care for and protect their pets, and knowing that they will be fine on the ship will make the trip more peaceful for both of them.

Where the dog will be:
One of the biggest concerns for adopters is whether the dog will be comfortable during the journey.

Many dogs get stressed by change, and traveling can be traumatic for them.

Their safety and comfort must be guaranteed by the shipping company you choose to travel with.

It should be a clean, spacious area with the right temperature.

Feeding during the trip:
Many people recommend that the dog should not eat before the trip, but if the trip is very long, this can be counterproductive.

It is necessary to talk to the shipping company to find out what their policy or rules are in this regard, but the adopter should always bring their dog's usual food and coordinate how to feed them during the journey. 

Visiting the dog:
Some companies allow adopters to see their dogs every few hours, accompanied by a member of the crew. Therefore, it is important to ask the company about this before traveling. Knowing that the dog travels well and calmly is important for adopters. Walking the dog on the ship: On some ships, you can walk your dog, but it is more common for dogs to remain in their space during the trip.

When permitted, dogs must be on a leash and wear a muzzle.

If so, ask which areas are permitted and which are not, to avoid breaking the rules. 

What to do before traveling by boat with a dog?

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Visit to the veterinarian:
Before any trip, it is important for the adopter to take the dog to the veterinarian.

The dog must be in good health to withstand a sea voyage, and you should also consult your vet to find out whether or not it is necessary to administer any type of medication for seasickness. 

Many pets may need some kind of anti-anxiety medication or tranquilizer to help them stay calm during the trip. 

The dog must be healthy to travel, and that includes internal and external deworming. 

In fact, shipping companies require that the dog's veterinary records be up to date.

Walk before boarding:
The walk is not just so that they can relieve themselves before getting on the boat; a good walk will help them relax and be calmer during the trip. 

If your dog is very active, tire them out so that they will rest and sleep during the trip.

Travel on an empty stomach:
It is recommended that your dog fast before traveling to prevent them from getting seasick and vomiting.

Of course, it is important to keep them hydrated, so they need to drink water while on the boat. 

Their favorite toy:
Most dogs have a favorite toy, the one they spend the most time playing with and chewing on. If this is the case, don't forget to bring it along for the trip.

The toy will give your dog something familiar, keep them entertained for a while, and make them feel better.

Their favorite blanket:
As with toys, some dogs have a favorite blanket, especially if they are dogs that feel the cold a lot.

If this is the case, the blanket should go in the carrier for the trip.

Dog documentation:
It is important to carry your dog's documentation with you at all times, but even more so when traveling.

Even if they don't ask for it, it's important to have it. Many boats require dogs to have a health card and microchip before boarding.

Prepared for an emergency with a dog on a ship

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This is not about being alarmist or extreme in caring for a dog, but it is about being cautious.

Traveling by boat is very safe, but it is possible that your dog could get hurt on board or suffer from some kind of ailment caused by the trip.

It is important to be prepared for any unforeseen situation with an emergency first aid kit. 

The adopter should never self-medicate a dog. The veterinarian should be notified of the trip so that they can recommend what type of medications should be included in the first aid kit. 

It is important that each medication has been used on the dog before, in order to ensure its safety. This will prevent any type of negative reaction. 

This first aid kit could normally contain the following:

Basic medications.
Anti-inflammatory cream.
Painkillers.
Anti-diarrhea medication.
Medication for motion sickness.
Antiparasitic solution.
Hydrogen peroxide.
Gauze.

Guide dogs or service dogs during boat travel

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Many boats do not allow pets to travel, but when it comes to guide dogs, it is very different.

Dogs that accompany people with disabilities are not considered pets, and of course, they must accompany their owner at all times. Furthermore, there is no extra charge for them.

The guide dog must also have all its documentation in order.

It is important to notify the boat company that you will be traveling with a guide dog to find out if there are any special requirements to avoid problems when boarding.

In addition, this will allow the ship's staff to set aside an area or space for the dog to relieve itself.

Depending on the ship or company, this space will be shared with other guide dogs during the trip. 

As a guide dog, it must accompany its adopter at all times, but it is always important to check with the company to be sure.

Do all ships allow dogs on board?
It is important to know that the vast majority of ships do not accept any type of pet due to 'hygiene' reasons.

Remember that many ships or cruise ships are enclosed spaces where many people, including those with allergies, spend long hours most of the time. 

But some rules have exceptions, which is why some do allow them. 

-Queen Mary 2 cruise ship, operated by Cunard Lines: 
Dogs and cats are allowed to travel on this cruise ship without any problems. Passengers are also allowed to visit their pets in their travel space. 

-Grimaldi Lines:
This ship also allows dogs, cats, and other pets such as birds, rabbits, and even hamsters.

The advantage of Grimaldi is that pets can stay with their owners in a private area that the passenger books. Only in that space. 

-Compañía Armas:  
If the dog is small and weighs no more than 6 kilos, it can stay with its owner, but inside the carrier. 

However, if the pet weighs more than this, it must be kept in the designated area on the ship. Visitors are allowed to visit their pets. 

-Balearia: 
Pets on Balearia can travel in cabins from summer 2026.

The number of dogs allowed on a ship depends on the rules of each ship, as they have their own regulations.

There is no general law governing the rules on ships regarding pets.

The most common rule is that two pets per passenger are allowed, but it is best to confirm with the company before purchasing your ticket.