Information >> Canoeing & Kayaking with a Dog

Canoeing & Kayaking with a Dog

Which Kayaks and Canoes are best with a dog?

Canoeing with a dog or kayaking with a dog is very popular for sheltered water paddling. There's no need to leave your four legged friend at home when they can jump in and come along for the fun. However, not all kayaks are suitable as there needs to be sufficient space so that the paddler isn't impeded and the carrying capacity needs to be sufficient otherwise it will be too tippy and unstable.

The most popular types of paddling with dogs are shown below:

Kayaking with a Dog

Photo: Riot Bayside LV - Open Cockpit Touring Kayak

Open cockpit kayaks are designed to be very stable on the water and feature larger cockpits with plenty of space for a dog to sit/stand (and jump out from!)

Recommended open kayaks to consider for kayaking with a dog:

Canoeing with a Dog

Photo: Open Canoes

Open canoes offer the most room for carrying passengers including dogs - plenty of space for the dog to move around. Providing the canoe has sufficient weight capacity, virtually all canoes are suitable for recreational canoeing with a dog. For long canoe trips, use a waterproof padded mat on the bottom of the canoe for comfort - between the carrying yoke and front seat is the most common position as there's normally plenty of space available.

To view our wide range of canoes ranging from starter canoes to lightweight composite canoes, please follow this link: Open Canoes

Sit On Top Kayaks with a Dog

Photo: Feelfree Nomad Sport - Sit On Top Kayak

Any Sit On Top Kayak with enough space for a dog to jump on can be used however some offer more space than others. Often sit on top kayaks have hatches, deck fittings and mouldings which reduce the space available for a dog. One of the most popular models is the Feelfree Juntos, it's 1+1 seating arrangement means there's more space on the front for a dog than most kayaks offer. Another option is to remove the rear bungees and lines from the rear tankwell area on some larger kayaks to make space.

Recommended Sit On Top Kayaks to consider for Sit on kayaking with a dog:

Feelfree Juntos - the best for carrying a dog on the front
Feelfree Nomad Sport (limited space but fine for short periods of time)
Feelfree Roamer 1 (limited space but fine for short periods of time)
Feelfree Gemini Sport (space for a dog in the middle when paddled tandem)

Dog Lifejackets

Most dogs can swim but for added peace of mind on the water we recommend a dog lifejacket, the Crewsaver Petfloat is our most popular model. Available in a range of sizes and includes a lead attachment point and a lifting handle for retrieving your dog from the water.

Follow this link to read full details about the Crewsaver Petfloat

Additional Grip

Even with 4 paws, wet plastic is slippery so it's a good idea to add some additional foam sheets to areas of the canoe or kayak where you plan on your dog going for additional grip. We sell a sheet of self adhesive minicell foam which can easily be cut to size and attached to the canoe or kayak or an old camping mat from the back of the garage will do the job.