10 Best Kayak for Dogs in 2023 | Top Dog Friendly Kayaks
If you enjoy water activities but feel guilty about leaving your dog at home while you go on nature walks, we may have an option for you to kayak with your dog. Kayaking is a fun activity that you and your closest buddy may do together. Long relaxing days on the lake or bringing your blossoming fishing buddy are two of your dog’s favorite pastimes.
You need to ensure that your dog will be secure before you consider taking them out with you. After months of reviewing and testing the hundreds of different types of kayaks, We have listed the reviews that we think are the top ten best kayaks for dogs in 2023 and will be a good choice for your selected area while also accommodating your dog.
Comparison Table: Top Rated Dog-Friendly Kayaks
Design
Product
Features
Price
Best Kayaks For Dogs: Top 10 Dog-Friendly Kayaks Reviewed & Rated
1. The Pelican sentinel 100X EXO (Overall Best Kayak For Dogs)
The pelican sentinel 100X EXO kayak has a padded flat deck with a lightweight kayak. This kayak is affordable for many kayakers. It includes a flexible, high rearward sitting arrangement and a removable watertight case at the harsh. This open-decked, oversimplified kayak is an incredible amateur decision and can easily fit little and medium size dogs.
A 9.5-foot sit-on-top kayak with comforting stability, ease of use, and comfortable sitting. It’s built of Pelican’s RAM-X material, which is triple-layer polyethylene and extremely tough.
It has an anti-slip “carpet” that provides your dog with an ideal – and comfy – area. The capacity of the Sentinel 100X EXO is restricted to 275 pounds.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
2. Ocean Kayak’s Malibu Two (Best Ocean Kayak for Dogs)
The Ocean Kayak Malibu is a couple of sit-on-top kayaks that seat you and your dog in two separate seats. Shockingly better, it has a center seat design that permits two people and a canine to kayak together. It very well might be rowed single or pair.
It has a weight limit of 425 pounds. The 34-inch shaft gives strength to the sit-on-top deck. At 57 pounds, it’s somewhat on the heavier side.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
3. Perception Pescador Pro 12 (Best Fishing Kayak For Dogs)
Would you like to go kayak fishing with your dog? The Perception Pescador Pro 12 might be the best kayak for a dog. The appended embellishments rails, bar holders, and 375-pound limit are to be expected.
It weighs 64 pounds and incorporates a colossal extra room with bungee fixing in the back. A folding chair-style seat with two-level changes and your dog might partake in the open deck and bow extra room.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
4. Sea Eagle 330 (Best Kayak For Large Dogs)
The Sea Eagle is another inflatable kayak, but this one has two seats. Not only that but the Sea Eagle 330 has a maximum capacity of 500 pounds, which is greater than the capacity of many ordinary solid kayaks.
Because of its weight capacity, it is suitable for individuals who own large dogs, as the dog may sit on its seat.
In addition, despite its size, this kayak can be inflated in only seven minutes. In the case of waves, the Sea Eagle 330 is easy to drive and can even take the impact of logs or rocks.
It also includes an inflatable sea skirt, which is useful for protecting yourself from splashes.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
5. Sevylor Coleman Colorado Tandem Inflatable (Best Inflatable Kayak for Dogs)
This is a two-person inflatable kayak designed for fishing (or one individual and a dog). This kayak is made of 1000 denier canvas at the base and 840 denier nylon on the cover, making it robust, resilient, and cut resistant.
This kayak is designed for comfort as well as durability, and it comes with two adjustable seats. This is fantastic for your comfort as well as the comfort of your dog since you can move the seat closer to you whenever necessary. This kayak has an option for capacity and oar holders.
A two-string Boston valve and a tension gauge for uncomplicated and precise expansion and emptying, as well as comfortable, convey, handles for a smooth progression into the water.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
6. Vanhunks Voyager Deluxe Kayak (Best Tandem Kayak for Dogs)
The Vanhunks Voyager Deluxe is a 12-foot sit-on-top kayak meant for two people, but there’s plenty of room for your four-legged companion.
The 5-millimeter polyethylene roto-molded design of the kayak offers great durability, UV protection, and impact resistance.
It has a 550-pound weight capacity, aluminum-frame seats, and a big deck, and the kayak’s broad, 32-inch beam provides stability.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
7. Bote Deus Aero Inflatable Kayak (Best Kayaks for Small Dogs)
BOTE’s Deus Aero is a hybrid that changes from a kayak to a stand-up paddleboard using inflatable AeroBOTE Technology.
It features four chambers, a self-draining design, and a retractable fin, and is 11 feet long with a 33-inch beam.
The flared bow, when combined with the BVA textured deck pad, gives a spacious place for your dog to relax. It can hold up to 300 pounds.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
8. Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10
The Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10 is a single-user sit-in kayak that’s perfect for a relaxing day on the lake, pond, or slow-moving river. To go through the day with your canine, this kayak is the ideal choice.
Since the Vapor 10 simply has one seat, your canine might press between your knees and partake in a smooth ride.
The cockpit has been developed for the most extreme solace. It has a padded Comfort Flex seat to keep you agreeable while rowing. There is a channel plug provided.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
9. Sea Eagle’s 420X Explorer Pro (Best Kayak For Families With Dogs)
An inflatable kayak that is incredibly consistent, reassuringly firm, and very powerful.
It’s made of 1000-denier PVC built up with covering creases, three chambers, and a high-pressure, drop-join floor. It has 16 self-bailing channel valves, 26 D-ring straps, and an amazing burden limit of 855 pounds.
It weighs 44 pounds and gives all the accommodation and spaciousness of a major kayak for you and your dog.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
10. Intex Explorer K2 (Best Budget Inflatable Kayak For Dogs)
Since it is inflatable and subsequently versatile, the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is the budget friendly kayak for dog owners. Since this kayak is especially expected for two people, it is great for one grown-up and one dog. This kayak is great for recreation reasons.
The Explorer K2 has a three-chamber plan, an I-pillar floor, and a cut-safe vinyl structure. It has a 400-pound limit and weighs as low as 30 pounds. Moreover, it accompanies a siphon, paddles, a retractable skeg, and a convey pack – a total beginning unit.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Buyer’s Guide
How to Choose a Dog-Friendly Kayak?
There are many different types of kayaks available, and you should choose one that can accommodate you, your belongings, and your dog, as well as anything else your little one may require.
Do you enjoy whitewater kayaking or do you prefer to paddle in calmer waters such as small rivers and lakes? Did you like getting wet when kayaking or did you try to prevent having water in your kayak?
Which is better: a more stable kayak or one that is more capable of responding? When choosing a kayak, all of these factors must be taken into account.
Kayaks That Carries the Dog
It’s additionally imperative to analyze the kind of kayak you’ll use, notwithstanding the size. Each kayak has a specific reason, whether it’s for expanded ocean ventures, relaxation lake travels, or getting an enormous catch. A few kayaks are appropriate for dogs, while others aren’t great.
Sit-on-top Kayak
Most people choose a sit-on-top kayak when kayaking with their dog. The open deck typically provides greater space for your pet to explore and settle in. These kayaks are generally larger and more stable.
Sit-on-top kayaks are simple to get out of and back into. This provides a wealth of advantages for dogs who can easily get into positions.
Sit-on-top kayaks have a few advantages. If your dog jumps into the water, it will be much easier to hoist them back onto the kayak. There are also drain plugs, so any water that the dog brings back on board will drain.
Sit-in Kayaks
Sit-in kayaks are ideal for colder water since they keep you and your dog dry. The disadvantage is that these sorts of kayaks are more difficult for a novice dog to enter and exit.
Recreational Kayak
Since they are very solid and regularly encased, sporting kayaks are an amazing decision for canine paddlers (except for the cockpit).
These kayaks, notwithstanding, are the most ideal for lap canines or dogs who are content to sit in the encased stockpiling area. You might forestall this by putting resources into a couple of kayaks, which gives your dog his seat.
Tandem Kayak
Tandem kayaks are the greatest alternative for you and your dog when you need a bit extra room. If you have a large dog, consider a tandem kayak for more capacity. Many sit-on-top tandems may be paddled as a solo as well. This won’t be a problem with a heavy dog as long as they stay at the front and can balance you out.
Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable kayaks are great for fair-climate kayakers since they give great vehicle and capacity options. Inflatable kayaks are particularly famous among dog proprietors since they can be put away inside the home and, therefore, are known to the canine and won’t make the uneasiness that is once in a while created by new things or fragrances.
The weakness of inflatable kayaks is that, despite their life span, they are not proper for exploring in harsh water or wind.
When You Are Kayaking With Dog Avoid You Should Those Kayaks
Sea Water
Due to their form sea kayaks are not normally suggested for dog lovers. They are often long with pointy ends, making them a narrower style of kayak with little room for two.
These, as well as white water kayaks, are narrow and feature tiny cockpits. Because of the restricted area, you will be confined and your dog will have little room to walk about.
White Water
White water kayaks are small and compact. They’re designed to work effectively in conditions that you’re unlikely to put your dog into.
White water kayaks are also not designed with a dog in mind because they rely on the customer directing the kayak with their full body. Overall, they are quite close-fitting and allow no room for dogs. Not only that, but these kayaks are lightweight and sensitive to little inclines and changes – ideal for having a dog ready!
Top 6 Tips for Kayaking with Dogs
Once you’ve gathered all of the necessary equipment, you’ll want to ensure that your dog genuinely likes kayaking. You can do a few things to make their time on the water more pleasurable.
Spend some time on land before getting on the water. If necessary, use rewards to acquaint your dog with the kayak. Allow them to explore the kayak and find a comfortable spot while you’re on the water. Allow them to get a sense of how stable the water is and how it feels to move around on it. Once they’ve found their spot, make it cozy for them with a waterproof bed if necessary.
Don’t go too far from the coast. Begin in a covered area and make sure your dog is comfortable and happy before venturing farther afield. Make your dog comfortable in the water and rehearse what to do if you capsize or if they tumble or jump in. A panicked dog in the water will frequently attempt to jump onto you and can be deadly. Make sure you practice and are properly prepared.
Considerations for Safety When Kayaking with Dogs
We invest a lot of effort and money in keeping ourselves safe on the sea. We must ensure that our dogs are as safe as we are and will not give us any difficulties on the sea.
- We wouldn’t go out on the lake without a life jacket, so why would you bring your dog? They can swim, but we all know it’s not the same out there. There are several PFDs to select from. Ascertain that your dog’s PFD is the proper fit and flotation for your pet.
- As previously said, practice is essential. There is no alternative for acclimation and practice in case of a capsize. Try lifting your dog back into your kayak as well. This may be more challenging if you have a large dog or a high-sided boat.
- It may seem appealing to tether your dog to your kayak. Don’t do it. If a tied dog needs to get away from the boat, it cannot. The leash can become tangled and cause a variety of problems. In the event of a swim, it is considerably safer to leave your dog unrestrained.
Material Suitable for Dogs
Most plastic kayaks made of high-density polyethylene will be tough enough to withstand your dog’s paws and teeth. In the worst-case scenario, your kayak will end up with a handful of tiny, surface-level scratches.
In any event, if you’re set on getting a hard-shell kayak, I strongly advise you to avoid fiberglass – and composite materials in general – no matter how beautiful they are.
They are too expensive for one’s purposes. Furthermore, composite kayaks are prone to scratches, making them an unfavorable choice for paddlers with dogs. Inflatable kayaks might be a safe choice.
Kayak Stability and Beam Width
The stability of a dog-friendly kayak is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects, second only to the kayak’s real longevity.
You can’t expect your four-legged partner to stay perfectly still for hours on end on a little plastic boat.
The sooner you know that dogs are unlikely to stay still – and that things rarely run smoothly from beginning to end – the better. That’s why it’s critical to pick a kayak that’s stable enough – and the dimensions of the kayak are usually a very decent indicator of that. In addition to the length of your kayak, the width – or beam – is something you should think about if you want to enhance stability.
Safety Features
- One of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a dog-friendly kayak is the sort of safety features it includes.
- You will be responsible not only for your safety but also for the safety of your four-legged companion while out on the lake. You must ensure that your kayak will be able to keep you both safe.
- Before you take your dog out on the water, you need to think about his personality. If your dog is afraid of water, taking him on a kayak may not be the greatest choice.
- On the other hand, if you have a high-energy dog, an open-water setting might not be the ideal option. Rather, you should be certain that your dog will be able to sit in your kayak for extended periods without leaping up or moving around excessively.
- You should also think about your dog’s age. If you have an older dog, she may find it difficult and even unpleasant to sit in a kayak for extended periods.
Limit With Regards To Weight
Under normal circumstances, deciding the heap limit of a kayak could involve deciding how much weight you’d carry on a normal campaign and leaving some squirm space for unforeseeable, in-the-event occasions, isn’t that so?
You actually need to do all of that – yet you likewise need to think about your dog’s size and weight, particularly assuming your dog is enormous.
Thus, get your dog, go on the scale, and record your absolute weight. Then, at that point, make a surmised gauge of the heaviness of your stuff and supplies and add it to your aggregate.
Kayak with Dog Seat Durability
Toughness is a significant thought when choosing the best kayak for canines. Any kayak with a canine seat ought to be built of high-thickness polyethylene or swelled PVC. This material is intended to endure weight and mauling canines. While choosing a pair kayak with a seat that will be used as a canine kayak seat, ensure the seat is likewise hearty.
The GTS Expedition Molded Foam Kayak Seat is developed with excellent thermoformed plastic/froth and texture. It’s delicate yet firm to the point of supporting a canine. If such a choice is impossible, a DIY froth seat will do the trick.
7 Kayaking Equipment For Dogs
Think about well-being and, obviously, the requirements of your dogs while choosing a kayak. Make a point to have your dog kayaking hardware with you wherever you go:
- A wretched existence coat – as we’ve recently expressed, they should wear a day-to-day existence coat consistently, very much like you.
- A saddle is an extra well-being component that ought not to be disregarded.
- A rope-utilize this exactly when you’re ashore and never tie your dog to your kayak.
- Doggie sacks – for clear reasons, these ought to be conveyed all over the place.
- Ensure you have sufficient fresh water for yourself as well as your pet.
- Dog food – this is an easy decision; a dog needs to eat.
- Sunscreen – that’s right, canines’ little noses can become burned by the sun, so ensure they’re secured.
What Should You Do When Your Dog Jumped Out into the Water?
Maintain a cool demeanor while paddling to them and urging them to “come in the boat.” Keep your paddle out of the way so you don’t accidentally hit them. Take hold of their life jacket straps and drag them in.
Pull their body corresponding to the side of your kayak if they don’t wear a daily existence vest. Then, at that point, stretch around their pack and lay your hand between their front legs on their chest. Scoop them up and put them in the kayak.
They’ll probably be scared once they’re in the kayak, too scared to think about how they got into the water in the first place. At the moment, there is no possibility to reject them. Overall, express your gratitude to them for responding. If it happens again, youngsters should remember the beautiful things that happen when they return rather than dread discipline. This makes retrieving them much easier in the future.
What Should You Pack For Your Dog?
One of the most essential things you can do to make kayaking with a pup more fun is to be prepared. But preparing for a dog differs from packing for oneself, so here are a few items to consider taking in your dry bag or kayak’s storage hatch for your dog. They’re known as the three T’s of sea kayaking with a dog!
- Towel
- Treats
- Tons of water
How to Teach Your Dog to Ride in a Sea Kayak
Getting your dog into your kayak might be the most challenging aspect of going kayaking. So, here are a few helpful hints that we hope will make the process go a little more smoothly.
Who Goes First?
You move into your kayak first, trailed by your dogs. That is because you can essentially trust yourself to stand by as your pet attempts to situate its body in the cockpit.
You’ll have the option to keep your kayak more steady assuming you position it nearby a dock or wharf that you can clutch while you captivate your pet in. Assuming you attempt to do things in reverse, you’ll in all likelihood invert before you at any point get everything rolling.
What Position Should Your Dog Take?
The cockpit space of many of the greatest sea kayaks may be rather tiny and snug, even for one person. As a result, only kayakers with smaller dogs would normally try to place their dog in the cockpit of their kayak with them. If you have a larger dog, he or she may be more comfortable sitting in one of your sea kayak’s bulkhead compartments. That is, of course, assuming that the sea kayak in question is a sit-inside model. If you have a sit-on-top sea kayak, you’ll have a bit more freedom in terms of where your dog sits while you’re paddling.
However, open bow and stern storage are more common. However, the open bow and stern storage spaces are typically a solid, safe bet.
Dry Land Training
However, the easiest approach to educating your dog on how to get into your kayak is to start on dry land. That’s because you won’t have to worry about your kayak wobbling and rolling while it’s in the water. It also reduces the possibility of traumatizing your dog before you even begin kayaking together. Unfortunately, we’ve met numerous dogs that went swimming before they were ready when they first learned how to kayak.
Some of these dogs were so frightened by their experiences that they were extremely hesitant the following time their owners attempted to get them into a kayak. However, if you teach your dog how to fetch, if you teach your dog how to get into a kayak while it’s on dry land (and reward them for doing so), they’ll remember those incentives rather than the sting of cold water if they go for a swim later on.
FAQs
1. How far can you kayak with your dog?
It depends on different circumstances, including how well your dog is instructed, your rowing experience, and endurance, most dogs can be anticipated to sit cheerily set up on a kayak for a little while probably.
From that point forward, most dogs get restless and need to take a dip or run down the closest stretch of the ocean side. In this way, assuming that you and your dogs see each other’s prerequisites, there’s no restriction to how far you might go on your ocean kayak.
2. How can I make my Dog’s Kayak slip-proof?
You should add grip pads to the areas of your yak where your dog prefers to stand or sit, as this can aid paws to get more traction on the plastic deck, allowing your dog to move around more comfortably and safely.
3. How might I make my kayak dog-friendly?
It very well may be gainful to give space to your canine on board so they can move about and become agreeable. Bring food and water, as well as canine-agreeable dishes.
4. How can I train my dog to feel comfortable in a kayak?
Habituate your dog to the outdoors. Use snacks to pique their interest and make them feel at ease. Once on the water, begin near land and in protected water. Allow your dog to explore the kayak and become acquainted with it before going further from shore.
Conclusion: Which Kayaks Are Best For Dogs?
Kayaking with your pet may be a remarkable bonding experience for the two of you – but only if you go slowly, plan ahead of time, and, most importantly, choose the best kayaks for dogs in 2023. Make sure your kayak has enough space for your dog to roam about and sit comfortably.
The size, attitude, and breed of your dog will determine which kayak is ideal for you and your dog. Remember to bring sunscreen and water, never harness your dog to the boat, stay on calm seas, and train your dog for kayaking.
Once you’ve considered these fundamentals, you’re sure to have a great day on the lake with man’s best friend.
Meet Bian, a passionate watersports enthusiast and founder of kayakwave.com
Brian has written guides extensively about kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, sharing surfing tips, techniques, and personal experiences with readers. Brian has also contributed to many publications and websites, sharing his expertise and love of the water with others.