Best Dog-friendly Kayaks – What good is all the joy of kayaking if you can’t share it with your best friend in the whole world – your beloved four-legged canine friend? So I’ve made it my mission to introduce you to the best kayaks for dogs and help you choose…
Sam is the founder and editor. With over 20 years of experience in a variety of water sports, he provides trusted reviews and expert advice to help others follow their passion for getting out on the water. When not working, you can find him kayaking, paddleboarding, or planning his next water-based adventure with family and friends.
Best Dog-friendly Kayaks
What good is all the joy of kayaking if you can’t share it with your best friend in the whole world – your beloved four-legged canine friend?
The Best Kayak For Dogs: Choose One That You And Your Pup Will Love
So I’ve made it my mission to introduce you to the best kayaks for dogs and help you choose one that both you and your dog will love!
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In general, yes, kayaking with dogs is safe – but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to take some precautions, plan, practice and prepare. It is similar to kayaking with children.
From getting to know your dog, not only on the water but also in the kayak, there are many things to take care of first.
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You can’t put your dog in a kayak and tell them what it is, how it works – or what to do with it.
As wonderful as your dog is, from their perspective, your cake will be nothing more than a weird, giant piece of plastic. It’s understandable for them to feel a little hesitant – even threatened – by this.
The advice I would give is to start slowly, be patient and give your dog a chance to explore, sniff around and get comfortable with the kayak.
Here are some tips on how to kayak with your dog and make it as safe as possible for everyone out there – human or otherwise:
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Some kayaks are marketed as “dog friendly” and that certainly makes your choice a lot easier – but it’s not always that easy.
Many of my top picks don’t mention dogs anywhere. But does the fact that they are not marketed as dog-friendly make them less dog-friendly?
A kayak’s design, features and specifications, along with a few extras, are far more important than a dog-friendly marketing label. I’ll get into the details in a moment – but let’s start with a quick overview of the best types of kayaks for dogs.
You may be surprised to learn that inflatable kayaks are not on the list. I wouldn’t blame you for wondering:
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Yes! You have no reason to doubt the durability or safety of inflatable kayaks – not with recent advances in manufacturing technology and general improvements in design.
Today’s inflatables are anything but flimsy. The chances of tears and punctures are incredibly small – even if your dog’s paws are punctured.
As I explained earlier, kayaks are rarely labeled as “dog friendly,” but that doesn’t mean they won’t be safe for you and your dog.
So if you’re hoping that all these great dog cookie treats will be as easy as finding something marketed to dogs, I’m afraid I have some bad news for you.
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This does not mean that it will be difficult to choose the best kayak for dogs. It is mostly about identifying the features that are most important – such as the features described below.
Most plastic crates – made from high-density polyethylene – will be tough enough to stand up to your dog’s claws and teeth. At worst, your cake will end up with a few minor, purely cosmetic scratches.
But if you’re ready to get a hardshell kayak, I advise against fiberglass – and composite materials in general – no matter how good they are.
First, they cost a ton of money. And two, composite kayaks are prone to scratching, making them a poor choice for paddlers with dogs.
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Inflatable kayaks can be a safer choice as I mentioned earlier. However, you need to make sure that the kayak is made of durable, puncture-resistant materials, such as highly resistant vinyl.
Stability is one of the most important characteristics of a dog-friendly kayak, second only to the stability of the kayak itself.
I’m sure dog parents are already well aware of this and I don’t need to point it out – but here’s the thing:
You can’t expect your four-legged friend to sit still for hours in a small plastic boat.
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The sooner you realize that dogs are unlikely to sit still – and that things will rarely go smoothly from start to finish – the better.
That is why it is so important to get a fairly stable kayak – and the size of the kayak will usually be a good indicator of this. In addition to kayak length, the width – or beam – of your kayak is something you should consider if you’re hoping for maximum stability.
Under normal circumstances, checking a kayak’s load capacity involves figuring out how much weight you’ll carry on average and leaving some room for the unexpected, right?
Well, you still need to do that – but you also need to take your dog’s size and weight into account, especially if your dog is anything but small.
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So grab your dog, jump on the scale and record your total weight. Then estimate the weight of your gear and supplies and add that to your total.
The first is Ocean Kayak’s Malibu Two – a fun tandem sit-on-top kayak. There are a few twists on the kayak layout that make it a versatile option for dog owners:
It supports both solo and tandem paddling and allows you to throw in a third passenger, be it a child or a dog. On that note, it has a 425-pound capacity.
Your dog probably won’t care about the Comfort Plus seats or their four-way adjustability, but I bet you will. As for your dog, they can enjoy the comfort and spaciousness of stability that the kayak’s open seating deck and 34-inch beam provide.
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It’s a little heavy at 57 pounds, but being a two-person kayak, I wouldn’t say the weight is too bad. It’s actually quite reasonable for a tandem.
If you want a versatile sit-on-top kayak that’s also dog-friendly, look no further than the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two. This is a great all-round yak that accommodates the whole family!
I’d tell you that the Sea Eagles 420X Explorer Pro is a superbly engineered, incredibly stable, reassuringly stiff and extremely durable inflatable kayak – but I’ll let its features and specs do the talking instead.
It is constructed from durable 1000-denier PVC with overlapping seams, three chambers and a high-pressure drop-stitched floor. In addition, it has 16 self-pressing drain valves, 26 D-ring clamps and a load capacity of 855 pounds.
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Still, it weighs 44 pounds, giving you and your dog all the convenience and roominess of a large kayak—minus the hassle of transportation.
My only real gripe with the 420X Explorer Pro is the not-so-affordable price – but considering what you get for the money, that shouldn’t be a deal breaker.
The Sea Eagles 420X Explorer Pro is a cut above the rest in the inflatable kayak segment on the market – and one of the best dog-friendly kayaks imaginable.
Do you want to take your dog on a kayak fishing trip? Then the Perception Pescador Pro 12 might be the perfect kayak for you.
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Considering this is a kayak designed for anglers, the integrated tool rail, rod holder and 375-pound capacity should come as no surprise.
64 pounds of weight, though — especially considering you can’t ask your four-legged paddle life to help carry it.
You get a lawn chair-style seat with two-level adjustment, and your dog can enjoy all the comfort of the open deck and bow storage area. Well, you have to give up some of the ship’s storage for this, but you still have a large storage area behind the bungee rig.
If you’re into fishing and want to bring your dog along, the Perceptions Pescador Pro 12 is a stable and comfortable sit-on-top kayak you should check out!
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The Sea Eagle 370 Pro is not only one of the more advanced inflatable kayaks available on the market right now, but one of the best choices for paddlers with dogs.
It’s roomy, comfortable, and sturdy—and with a 650-pound capacity, it’s perfectly capable of accommodating up to three people. Or in your case, a person and a large dog.
The kayak’s shell is made of 38 mm polyacrylic – or K80 PVC – which is Sea Eagles 370 Pro tear-resistant and extremely durable.
