Pet onboard: what to expect?

Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life – James Cromwell

Just like humans, our pets too do sometimes get seasick and with the disadvantage of them not being able to voice out their predicament, we always have to be on the lookout for what goes on with them.  

In most cases, the most welcoming or most accommodating pets on a cruise are dogs and cats. In the past, dogs were known to help sailors patrol onto foreign shores and warn them if any dangers, while cats would catch food-eating rodents that may be aboard during very long trips. 

In present times when people do carry their pets on board it is usually to give them an experience in a manner that is comfortable for them. when doing this, they undertake the care almost the same as they would on land to ensure they are protected from harm’s way. Ways they do this is by ensuring there is always the provision of pet-flotation device ready and ID tags when going to different ports and other information that those places may require. 

Different islands require different rules to be followed when it comes to pet on their shores, for example, In the Eu, they will require a veterinary certificate of the EU while in Caribbean they will require a proof of parasite treatment and rabies tester. So, it is important to read on islands you will be planning on cruising with your pets to. 

The most hectic part of the pet cruise that owners may encounter is when the pet has to do its business. For most dogs it is advisable to provide a square of AstroTurf or a puppy pad while for cats, a litter tray, just like on land. Some dog owners who have taken their dog on a cruise have said the dog rather preferred to hold on for hours until they get on land, so there are situations like that as well. 

Bringing your pets on board even though might seem challenging can be an enriching experience for both you and them at the end of the day. 

It is at each yacht Owner’s discretion to accept pets onboard or not. Please check with us first and we will be happy to recommend pet-friendly yachts.