The Best Kayak For Dogs: Paddling With Your Pet

Are you aware that kayaking can be an excellent pastime to share with your four-legged friend? Taking your furry friend on your aquatic adventures can make a fun hobby even more enjoyable. When your dog enjoys the water, is willing to sit for long periods, and doesn't mind being splashed here and there, kayaking will be a wonderful bonding experience.

Because of this, you were choosing the best kayak for dogs is essential if you want to kayak with your pet and have fun. There are a wide variety of kayaks currently on the market, making it difficult for you to find one suitable for your dog to travel in.

We can assist you if you find yourself in this predicament! To ensure that you can get your hands on the best pet-friendly kayak available, we've shortlisted the best from the rest so that you don't have to. You will find all of the kayaks we've included below, but we've also included a buying guide that will help you make the best choice for yourself and your dog. Please take a look at our recommendations below.

Kayak Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2 Person Tandem

For more excellent safety on larger bodies of water, we recommend a sit-in kayak. With its high inflatable bulkheads, the Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2 Person Tandem Inflatable Fishing Kayak is a great option to consider.

In addition to its deep seating area that can accommodate two people (including onboard equipment and food), the Cormorant is ideal for even large breeds of dogs. Both small and large dogs will love the Cormorant. A very strong and durable 18-gauge, 1000D PVC is used to make the Elkton Outdoors Cormorant Inflatable Fishing Kayak. Aside from being rip-resistant, this material is also resistant to tears from other sharp objects, including dog nails.

Furthermore, this kayak offers onboard stabilization. The Elkton Cormorant will keep you and your dog safe no matter where your adventures take you. The good news is that it is also straightforward to set up and inflate, and it only takes a few minutes. The rugged design doesn't deceive either. This kayak is very lightweight and portable. Even with your dog in tow, you won't have trouble pulling it.

What's the verdict? You won't be disappointed with this durable model.

Pros

• This product is suitable for large dogs.
• Various accessories are included.
• Easily inflates and deflates.

Cons

• Seats cannot be removed

Kayak/SUP Hybrid Perception Hi-Life

In the sports, leisure, and recreation category of the 2018 International Design Excellence Award (IDEA), this kayak/SUP hybrid received the Bronze medal. The Perception Hi Life is an excellent choice if all you want is some f-u-n on the water. In addition to its award-winning design, this kayak has a few unique features you won't find on any other kayak.

• Swim decks in front and back.
• Drinks and snacks are kept in a cooler under the elevated seating.
• For sure footing, the deck has cushions.

The kayak shines on the swim decks. Dogs can quickly get on and off the kayak. With this kayak, you can just put it in the water, back it up to the edge, and have your dog step directly on the bow or stern. At 11 feet long, you and Fido will have plenty of room.

Since it is a hybrid kayak, it is incredibly versatile. Depending on where you want to paddle, you can place your dog in the front or the back. The Hi-Life has a low profile, making it stable enough to paddle either sitting down or standing. Also, it makes getting back onto the kayak super easy, especially for kids. According to one happy user, while this kayak isn't great for long distances or rough waters, it's great for a summer day on the water with the dog and kids.

Pros

• An award-winning design.
• Stand or sit while paddling.
• Dogs can access the front and rear swim decks easily.

Cons

• Choppy water isn't great

Inflatable Portable Kayak Sea Eagle

Our top pick for this review is the Sea Eagle Inflatable Portable Kayak. Keep reading to find out why! A kayak that can hold up to three people and 650 pounds, the Sea Eagle is ideal for long days on the water with your four-legged friend. Its extra capacity will allow you to accommodate an additional passenger or use the extra space for onboard essentials.

Additionally, the Sea Eagle is exceptionally versatile. Due to its two moveable kayak seats, this kayak offers flexible seating arrangements, and you can arrange it according to your preference. This kayak from Sea Eagle comes with two paddles, each with an asymmetrical blade and an aluminum shaft. In contrast, the additional skegs located at the bottom of the kayak will improve tracking and speed.

Overall, what do you think? This kayak is a great option to consider. We like it a lot!

Pros

• Capacity for three people
• A movable seat
• An excellent value for the money

Cons

• Inflatable kayaks are heavier than most.

TK122U 12' 6" Tandem Sit On Top Fishing Kayak

You can take your dog in the BKC TK122U kayak. If you want a kayak, two people can paddle simultaneously. Brooklyn Kayak Company markets this kayak as great for two paddlers but can accommodate three paddlings. Bonus: it can accommodate a furry passenger as well.

This kayak has a lot to recommend with its massive carrying capacity. The TK122U can accommodate up to 770 pounds! BKC also throws in the whole kitchen sink when it comes to features and accessories. The same goes for this kayak. It features two aluminum frame seats, two aluminum paddles, two waterproof hatches, and four-rod holders.

As well as being great for two paddlers, it is surprisingly easy to paddle it alone from the rear as well. It is possible to place Cujo on top of the kayak, and even a rather large dog can fit in the front due to its enormous weight capacity. Cujo can sit between the back paddler and the front with two paddlers. You'd be better off with a small or medium-sized dog with this configuration.

It is pretty heavy since it is so sturdy and durable, and it will require two people to carry it to the water or some other method. The paddle is not exceptionally maneuverable, but it paddles pretty straight. In addition, it's stable enough to be used as a fishing vessel.

Pros

• Two people and a pet can stay here comfortably.
• This unit has a weight capacity of 770 pounds.
• It comes equipped with several features.

Cons

• Very heavy

How To Choose The Best Kayak For Dogs

There are a few other things to consider before deciding on a dog-friendly kayak. Design, safety, and comfort are all critical considerations. Continue reading to learn more.

Features Of Safety

Consider the safety features of the kayak when choosing a dog-friendly kayak. Your four-legged friend's safety is also your responsibility while out on the water. Kayaks should keep both of you safe, so you need to be sure that yours can do so. As a dog owner out on the water, it is essential to be aware of various safety precautions and measures. Before taking your dog out on the water, you should think about his personality. It might not be best to put your dog in a kayak if he's afraid of the water.

Alternatively, an open water environment might not be ideal for a dog with a lot of energy. In contrast, you should be confident that your dog can sit in your kayak for a long time without jumping up or moving too much. Consider your dog's age as well. Your dog might find it uncomfortable and even painful to sit in a kayak for long periods if she is older. Consider the size of your dog as well. Do you own a large dog? You must get a larger kayak if you do. In this way, you, your dog, and any additional bags or accessories will fit comfortably.

A doggy life jacket is an absolute necessity, regardless of its size. Most dog life jackets have a handle, making them particularly useful for small dogs. It's as simple as lifting your dog out of the water to get him back onto your kayak. It's helpful if the child falls out of the water or takes a leisurely swim. It makes rescue easier. It's best to buy Outward Hound ones. Many styles and sizes are available.

You should also check with your veterinarian and get their approval before taking your dog paddling. Consult your doctor about any vaccinations you may need.

Design

When purchasing a dog-friendly kayak, you should consider what material you want it to consist of and how you want the design to look. As a general rule, if you plan to kayak with your dog, you'll likely find that a sit-on-top kayak is the best choice. Your dog will enjoy the spacious cockpits that won't feel confined.

Depending on whether you plan on kayaking through choppy waters or prefer the security of a sit-in kayak, a few options on the market are suitable for dogs. For example, the Elkton Outdoors Cormorant we reviewed above features an open cockpit design.

Comfort

Choosing a kayak suitable for you and your dog should also consider comfort.

Having plenty of legroom and space for you to stretch out and get comfortable is excellent, but if your dog is cramped up and cramped, then the kayak will not be very useful. In addition to your onboard equipment, water, and food, the kayaks we have recommended have ample space for you and your dog to enjoy.