Aboard kayaks and cruisers, on lakes and oceans, a growing number of boaters like to take their pets along for the ride. It seems simple enough -- just plop Fido or Fluffy on board and push off. But do so without adequate preparation and you may find that your pet either cowers in a corner shaking with fear, or brazenly dives into the water, pouncing on unsuspecting ducks or dolphins.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid those unexpected splashes or splats.

Before You Push Off

Order an ID tag for your pet that includes your boat's permanent marina location and slip number as well as a phone contact for when you're afloat. (Cell phones will work close in, but their range is short and coverage is spotty.) Or consider having an ID microchip implanted in your pet. The chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted at the scruff of the neck and contains a number linked to a national registry.

Have your pet fitted for a personal flotation device (PFD), available at most boating stores for $20 to $80. Regardless of how good a swimmer your pet is, a sudden dunking can cause panic, and a brightly colored life jacket with a handle on top will make the animal easier to see and retrieve. Your pet should get use to the PFD in small steps, such as a couple of minutes in the back yard, then on a walk, then maybe in a pool.

Teach your dog basic safety commands, such as "on boat," "off boat," "stay" and "sit."

Obtain seasickness medication for your pet if necessary. Often, in time, pets will become conditioned to the motion, but sometimes medication is needed. While the same medications used for humans -- Benadryl, Bonine, Dramamine -- also work for pets, consult your vet. Whatever you do, don't let animals take refuge in the V-berth -- that's where motion is felt most. A nest of secured cushions or a carrier near the boat's center of motion will help skittish pets feel safe.

Training

Introduce your pet to the boat in incremental steps. Ideally, begin the exposure when the animal is young. For example, take them to the boat and just sit below with them. The next time, turn on the engine, but stay at the dock. Gradually work up to a day sail, then a weekend, then a week-long cruise.

Be alert even at the dock, because surprisingly, that's where many accidents happen.

Practice swimming and rescue drills with your pet.  While docked, rig up a self-rescue system, such as a coiled line or carpet strip hanging into the water at each corner of the boat, to make it easier for an overboard cat to climb back on. A fishnet with a long handle is also helpful in scooping up a drenched cat or small dog.

On Board

If you must tether your pet, do so in a secure area on a short lead. A body harness with a lifting strap is helpful when your pet is tethered. Never tether a pet at the neck, and never leave a tethered pet unattended on deck or dock.

Provide traction on deck. Examples are ordinary bathroom throw rugs with non-slip backings to help with the dogs' footing or snap on indoor/outdoor carpeting to the floor.

Provide steps or ramps for dogs who have trouble navigating companionway ladders. Cats can navigate anything.

Provide a shady place so your pet can get out of the sun, and find a way to protect their paw pads from hot decks by either cooling the deck with water or making a piece of nonskid carpet available.

Make sure your pet has a chance to exercise. Cats tend to get all the exercise they need by crawling up, over and through spaces on a boat, but dogs, especially larger ones, need to get rid of pent-up energy. While occasional trips to shore are preferable, they're not always feasible. Swimming is good exercise for dogs, but water conditions and the dog's stamina must be carefully monitored.  Dogs should be hydrated before letting them in the water -- otherwise they'll drink from the river, lake or bay, and you may end up with a sick dog.

The Scoop on Poop

Cats have two options: an anchored litter box or using the toilet on a boat. Don't laugh. Training a cat to straddle a toilet seat requires tremendous patience, but it can be done. For dogs, a box of sod or a piece of AstroTurf may work as a substitute when landfall is not possible. Some people simply train their dogs to go on the bow, but this practice is hazardous in rough water. Whatever method you choose, be sure your pet understands what is expected before setting out.

Going Ashore

Before pulling up to dock or shore, check ahead -- some marinas do not allow pets, and many parks and wildlife areas do not permit pets ashore.

Always carry your pet's rabies vaccination certificate and health records when on land.

Meeting all of the challenges of having a pet on board is a daunting task, but many boaters feel it's worth the work.

Article from The Washington Post by Ann Cameron Siegal, July 7, 2002; Page E1 Ann Cameron Siegal is an Alexandria freelance writer, photographer and kayaker.

My name is Cleo and Corye has taken care of me since I was a little puppy.  I was found in a hole next to a gas station in New Mexico on a reservation.  I was covered with fleas, mange and ticks, but I am all better now.  I was fed by hand anything I could beg for so for the first two weeks my new family had me, I didn't know how to eat from a bowl and would only eat from their hands.  I love to chew on ice cubes, spraying sprinklers and hoses and to play in my backyard fountain. 

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