What boaters need to know before bringing pets onboard, from life jackets and leash routines to floating potty breaks and seasick dogs.
By Katherine Clements
For many boaters, a day on the water feels incomplete without the entire family aboard, including the four-legged crew members. Across California’s marinas, harbors, and anchorages, dogs perched on bow cushions or lounging in shaded cockpits have become an increasingly familiar sight. From weekend cruises to Catalina Island to sunset harbor runs and extended coastal adventures, more boat owners are finding ways to safely and comfortably integrate pets into life onboard.
But while boating with pets can be rewarding, it also introduces a new layer of responsibility.
