Pontoon boating is a cherished activity that often brings relaxation, fun and tranquility. It can be made even more enjoyable by bringing your trusty canine companion.
However, to ensure your dog’s safety and comfort, it’s important to equip your boat with the right dog accessories. From accessories for safety purposes to those who enjoy comfort and enjoyment.
In this guide, we’ve listed 20 key items needed for a successful, dog-friendly boating experience.
Safety Precautions
While boating with your dog can be an exciting and memorable adventure, it’s paramount to prioritize safety considerations.
Like humans, dogs require planned measures for risk mitigation to ensure an accident-free and comfortable pontoon experience. Provisions for unexpected instances like sudden changes in weather, water conditions, and dog behavior should be in place.
These safety steps are integral to creating an environment that caters not only to human passengers but also to your furry friends.
Top 20 Pontoon Boat Dog Accessories
Let’s dive into the essentials that you should never leave the dock without:
1# – Dog Life Jacket
our top pick
Establishing safety first, a dog life jacket is not merely an accessory but an absolute must-have. Even dogs that are confident swimmers can get tired, and in a scenario where they’ve jumped overboard, or the boat has capsized, a life jacket could be a lifesaver.
The Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket is a favored product in this category. The life jacket’s front float aids in keeping the dog’s head above water, and the reflective lining ensures visibility.
2# – Floating Dog Ramps
our top pick
For those moments when your dog decides to take a swim, getting back onto the boat can be a challenge without assistance.
A floating dog ramp gives your pet a self-sufficient and safer way to climb back aboard.
The Great Day Load-A-Pup HD is made from aircraft aluminum with gripping ridges for sure footing. It’s designed to attach to the boarding ladder of your pontoon to make access easy for your pet.
3# – Dog Sunscreen
our top pick
Just as humans need sunscreen for protection against UV rays, dogs also require similar protection. Certain breeds are particularly prone to sunburn when exposed to intense sunlight for extended periods. Therefore, using a UV-protective product explicitly designed for canines is essential.
Epi-Pet’s Sun Protector Spray for Pets is a perfect solution for this issue. This sunscreen is FDA-compliant, ensuring it’s safe for your pet. It is specifically formulated for dogs, and the handy spray bottle makes application incredibly simple and efficient.
4# – Portable Water Bowl
our top pick
Amid the boat fun, your furry friend’s hydration needs must not be overlooked. A portable water bowl is a crucial accessory to ensure fresh water is readily available.
The Bonza Large Collapsible Dog Bowl is a perfect pick. Made from durable material, this lightweight, collapsible bowl caters to your pet’s hydration needs. It also features an attached clip for secure placement, minimizing spillage risks.
5# – Dog-Friendly Boat Seat
our top pick
Comfort is key, even on the water. A dog-friendly boat seat will help make your pet’s journey as enjoyable as possible.
One superb choice is the EzyDog Drive Safety Travel Dog Car Harness. Versatile, it functions not only as a harness but also as a comfortable seat belt. You can quickly and conveniently fasten it to your boat’s seats, allowing your dog a secure and cozy spot during the ride.
6# – Canine First Aid Kit
our top pick
Boating poses potential hazards for your dog, ranging from fishing hook injuries to heat stroke. Having a canine-specific first aid kit onboard is essential.
Consider adding the RC Pet Products Canine Friendly Pocket Pet First Aid Kit to your boat. This compact kit has 15 items, including tweezers and bandages, explicitly designed to handle pet emergencies.
7# – Pet Potty Pads
our top pick
Long hours on a boat with restrooms nearby can lead to messy situations. Pet Potty Pads are necessary, providing a designated spot for your pup to relieve themselves.
Wee-Wee Puppy Training Pee Pads are a viable option. Besides being super absorbent, these pads also feature five layers for leak-proof protection, keeping your boat floor clean and odor-free.
8# – Dog Boat Ladder
our top pick
A dog boat ladder is indispensable for senior pets or dogs with joint issues. These ladders give your pet a straightforward way to board the boat without any struggle.
The Paws Aboard Doggy Boat Ladder is perfect as it is portable, lightweight, and easy to attach and remove from most pontoon boats. Plus, its slip-resistant ribbing ensures your pup has a secure footing.
9# – Dog Cooling Vest
our top pick
Much like humans, dogs can also struggle with high temperatures. A dog cooling vest can make boating in warm weather safer and more comfortable for your pet.
The Ruffwear Swamp Cooler is a high-quality product that uses natural evaporative cooling to keep your dog comfortably chilled while absorbing heat from their body during those hot summer boat rides.
10# – Collapsible Dog Crate
our top pick
For pets susceptible to seasickness or anxiety, a collapsible dog crate is an important accessory. It provides a safe and comforting space for your pet to relax, regain composure, or even nap.
The EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is an exceptional choice. This crate boasts a robust frame yet remains lightweight, making it an ideal addition to a pontoon boat. It features three doors for ventilation that ensure proper airflow, keeping your pet comfortable.
11# – DIY Doggie Boat Shade
our top pick
Ensuring your pet can escape the scorching sun is crucial to their comfort during boat rides. A DIY Doggie Boat Shade is an inexpensive yet practical solution that significantly enhances your furry friend’s onboard experience.
One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is by repurposing a beach umbrella. Attach it firmly to the boat railings, and voila, you’ve got a moveable shade for your dog. This makeshift boat shade provides an excellent retreat from the sun’s relentless rays.
12# – Waterproof Dog Blanket
our top pick
For those pets that love a comfortable spot on the seats, a waterproof blanket is a boon. It safeguards the upholstery from mud and shedding, keeping your boat spotless.
The PetAmi Waterproof Dog Blanket is the ideal solution. With its warm Sherpa lining offering cozy comfort and its waterproof feature ensuring no mess seeps into your seats, your boat remains clean and welcoming.
13# – Travel Dog Bed
our top pick
While traveling or in new surroundings, providing familiar comfort to your pet is of utmost importance. A portable dog bed can afford your pet the relaxation and peace they need, offering a cozy place to rest or watch things roll by.
The Chuckit! Travel Bed is an excellent candidate for your pontoon boat. Designed to focus on comfort and compactness, this bed ensures a comfortable rest spot for your pet. Moreover, it has a nylon stuff sack for effortless storage, making it a practical choice for boating trips.
14# – Doggles
our top pick
Your dog’s eye safety on a pontoon boat ride is very important. Wind, water splashes, and harmful UV rays are elements your pet needs to be protected from. Dog goggles, famously known as “Doggles,” offer this protection while adding a stylish flair to your pet’s look.
The Doggles – ILS stand out among others due to their superior features. They offer complete UV protection, maintaining your pet’s eye health. Their comfortable fit enhances wearability, and with a range of color options available, they can be matched perfectly with your pontoon boat’s decor.
15# – Marine-friendly Dog Toys
our top pick
A day of boating doubles up as playtime for your furry friend. Marine-friendly dog toys that are durable and water-resistant enhance the fun and keep your pet entertained.
The Chuckit Amphibious Bumper Fetch and Float Toy serves this purpose brilliantly. This floatable toy is purposely designed for fun water games. Built to last and resist rough handling, this toy is also easy to clean, offering hours of amusement without any fuss.
16# – Automatic Dog Feeder
our top pick
Maintaining your pet’s regular feeding schedule is vital, regardless of location. An automatic dog feeder aids in upholding this routine and negates any feeding mess while on your boat.
The PetSafe Eatwell Automatic Pet Feeder guarantees timely feeding with programmable features. This feeder serves predetermined portions at set intervals, ensuring your pet’s dietary routine remains intact even when you’re out on the water.
17# – Collapsible Dog Pool
our top pick
For those pontoon boats with extra space, adding a collapsible dog pool brings a new level of enjoyment on hot days and helps your pup cool off.
The Yaheetech Foldable Pet Bath Pool is a stellar choice. Featuring a simple setup and drain design, this pool ensures a splashy and refreshing retreat for your pet under the sun, adding a touch of joy to your boat rides.
18# – Doggie Boat Flag
our top pick
Establishing safety first, a dog life jacket is not merely an accessory but an absolute must-have. Even dogs that are confident swimmers can get tired, and in a scenario where they’ve jumped overboard, or the boat has capsized, a life jacket could be a lifesaver.
The Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket is a favored product in this category. The life jacket’s front float aids in keeping the dog’s head above water, and the reflective lining ensures visibility.
19# – Dog Harness
our top pick
For safe and secure movement of your pet around the pontoon boat without limiting their freedom, a robust dog harness is indispensable.
The Ruffwear Front Range Harness ticks all the right boxes. Designed with durability and comfort, this well-padded harness gives your pet that much-required freedom of movement while assuring their security on the boat.
20# – GPS Pet Tracker
our top pick
An essential addition to your boating trip with your pet is a GPS pet tracker. This gadget will give you an extra layer of safety assurance, enabling you to track your pet’s location easily.
One excellent choice is the Whistle Go Explore GPS Pet Tracker & Activity Monitor. Conveniently offering real-time location tracking and geofence setup capabilities, it instills peace of mind during your pontoon adventures.
Maintenance Tips for Your Pontoon Boat Dog Accessories
Keeping your pontoon boat dog accessories in good condition involves regular cleaning and proper storage. This not only improves the longevity of the products but also maintains their efficiency.
- Cleaning: Frequently clean the dog accessories onboard. Check manufacturer instructions for the proper cleaning method, as each type of material may require different attention.
- Storage: Store your accessories in a dry, cool place when not in use. Accessories like life jackets and harnesses shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, which can lead to material degradation.
- Replacement: Regularly inspect the items for any damage or wear and tear. Replace any items that are ripped, frayed, or otherwise broken. Usually, well-maintained accessories should last for several years, but replacement frequency can depend on usage and overall care.
These easy maintenance strategies will ensure your pet enjoys pontoon outings safely and comfortably.
I am a freelance writer passionate about watersports and the great outdoors. I have many years of experience in the marine industry, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise with others so that they can get the most out of their boating experiences. I like fishing, kayaking, and exploring new destinations by boat whenever I have time. Contact Us: Linkedin
