Many dog owners consider their pets a member of the family and want to take them on your vacay. While many hotels now encourage guests to bring their pets and may even provide fun puppy perks, cruises are another story. Of course, finding a boat that allows you to bring your dog is significantly more difficult. However, if you want to up your travel game, here are the hard-core tips for setting sail with your dog. For those who want to work in the sailing industry and wondering if they can take their pets, the Jooble employment site offers plenty of career options.

Tip #1 — Prepare Documentation

The accommodation declaration forms act as mandatory requirements for cruise passengers to provide to their cruise line. A distinct form exists for guide dog users on Norwegian cruise lines. Travelers must acquire all required permits that allow their dogs to leave the vessel at visited port destinations. The requirements for service dogs differ by destination point and show no patterns of stability. Contact the cruise line directly which you plan to book because they provide the most current info about service animals. Make sure to investigate specific port requirements since each point of destination sets diverse rules.

You should always bring vaccination records and a health certificate that remains valid. Before the journey take your pet to visit their veterinarian for current veterinary records. All vaccination records alongside health info and licensing details must be stored in a pouch together with a few waste bags while you also include informational cards about ADA dog regulations.

Tip #2 — Get Your Dog Ready

Not all dogs adjust quickly to life on board. Allow for some initial nervousness and provide plenty of attention and reassurance when introducing your dog to new situations. Treats are helpful! Things will get easier once the boat feels like home. Plus, having more crew members ensures that someone is always keeping an eye on the furry friend. Then, be prepared for a possible dog overboard situation. Though most people will not jump off a moving boat, make sure everyone understands what happens in that scenario, which is most likely circling back and cutting the motor before scooping that pooch out.

Tip #3 — Pack Safety Gear

Investing in the proper safety equipment is critical when boating with pets. Even if your pet is a strong swimmer, a properly fitted pet life jacket is required. Life jackets provide buoyancy, making it easier to find and retrieve your pet if they fall overboard. Additionally, make sure your pet wears a proper collar with an ID tag, and consider microchipping for added security.

Tip #4 — Bring Sunscreens and Anti-Nausea Medications

Extreme sunlight exposure leads to sunburn in animals. Preventing sunburn of sensitive areas on your pets requires veterinary sunscreen during boat trips. Motion sickness known as kinetosis often affects pets during their initial few boat holiday days. Movement-related discomforts including fatigue and nausea act as unpleasant conditions during boat rides and taking proper measures leads to a low-stress experience for your pets on board.

To protect your pet from sunburn, here are some key steps to take:

• Sunscreen application — Apply pet-safe sunscreen to areas with no or thin fur. This can be the nose, belly, ears, and groin. Reapply frequently, especially after swimming. Choose a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that is specifically made for pets. Avoid sunscreens containing zinc oxide, which can be toxic if ingested.
• Timing — Limit your pet's sun exposure between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are the strongest. Walk your dog during cooler times of the day, like dawn or dusk.
• Protective clothing — Use UV protective clothing or sunsuits, especially for pets that enjoy sunbathing.
• Shade — Ensure your pet always has access to shade when outdoors. Trees, shrubs, or a blanket draped over part of their run can provide shade.
• Sun gear — Consider solar-protective clothing ranging from eyewear to shirts to hats to help prevent sunburns

Final Say!

It is widely believed that the greatest friends that a man can have are the dogs and that cats leave behind their paws on the soul. There are those of us who will not compromise on our life journey and traveling, with our pets being an indispensable part of our lives. Although it is more easily feasible for those who can exercise during road cruises or weekend camping in the countryside, sailing tours are among the less frequent pet-friendly activities one can embark on.

Sailing with pets may appear to be a daunting task, but it isn't all that scary. That is, provided you follow our lead. Don't let the high seas separate you from your furry family members. Instead, make your trip even more special by sailing with pets! Follow the above tips to make this happen.