Best Kayaks for Dogs: Where to Start & How to Buy?

Outdoor recreation has become a popular pastime with a steady increase in outdoor activities like kayaking and biking. We’ve done the research and found a list of kayaks you should consider if you want your pup to enjoy the best experience. Looking for the best kayaks for dogs? Read through the list to find which kayak will suit your dog and more information on kayaking with your dog.

Top 8 Best Reviewed Kayaks for Dogs in 2022

Here are some of the best kayaks for dogs you can check out.

1. Sea Eagle 3 Person Inflatable Portable Sport Kayak Canoe w/Paddles

The sea eagle 370 inflatable kayak is one of the best kayaks for dogs. It’s portable, lightweight, durable, and stable. The kayak weighs 32 pounds, and users can pack it to fit the smallest trunks. The kayak supports 650 pounds or three people, or you and your dog. However, it’s best suited for two people.

The kayak has many selling points, including increased strength, durability, and reliability in water. This kayak is one of the best inflatable kayaks and the best choice for paddlers with a furry friend. The kayak is comfortable, spacious, and tough.

The kayak has a 38mm polyacrylic shell making it durable and tear-resistant. This makes it perfect for having a great time with your dog since they can’t tear it with claws or teeth. Another feature that makes it great is that they are roomy and have an I-beam floor construction making it stable, rigid, and comfortable.

Pros

• Durable and tear-resistant
• Perfect for three people or one person and a big dog
• High-quality floor construction making it rigid and stable

Cons

• Inefficient tracking performance
• Has short paddles for its size

2. Wilderness Systems Pamlico 135 | Sit Inside Recreational Kayak

Wilderness Systems Pamlico 135 is advertised as the most comfortable kayak, perfect for you and your dog. The kayak has a rounded hull that provides swift acceleration and is perfect for paddling long distances. The kayak is highly maneuverable and easy for users to enter or exit.

Additionally, users can easily adjust it for added comfort and customization and convert it to solo use creating more space for their dog. The kayak has a large cockpit and a short length, perfect for dogs; however, it isn’t good for dogs that love swimming. It doesn’t have many features, but it’s comfortable and reliable for recreational trips.

Pros

• Comfortable seats
• Converts into a solo kayak
• Light for a tandem
• Fast

Cons

• Not the most stable
• Limited storage space
• No paddle holders

3. Sea Eagle 385fta Fasttrack Inflatable Kayak Pro Angler Package

The Sea Eagle 385fta is an inflatable kayak for two or three people. The kayak’s large capacity is perfect for most dogs, regardless of size. Additionally, it’s portable, lightweight, and rugged enough to support a dog. Also, the kayak’s design is perfect for individuals with limited storage space.

You can deflate it, fit it in your car’s trunk and transport it easily. The kayak is 33.8 inches wide and 12’6” wide and can support 650 pounds. It has salt water and sun resistance with a hull designed for class III rapids making it quite durable. Additionally, it has an I-beam construction, making it quite stable.

Pros

• Durable design
• Easy to store and transport
• Easy to launch
• Stable

Cons

• It can be challenging to maneuver in strong winds
• It has high sides making it hard to maneuver efficiently.

4. Pelican Sit-on-Top Kayak – Sentinel 100X – 9.5 Feet – Lightweight One-Person Kayak

The Pelican Sit-on-Top Kayak is an affordable, lightweight kayak with a padded, flat deck. Additionally, the kayak has a removable water-tight case and an adjustable high-back seat. Its open-decked and simplistic design makes it the perfect choice for beginners and can fit medium or small dogs.

Also, the kayak features excellent construction with durable materials making it worth its price. The kayak is 10 ft long and 30 inches wide. It weighs only 40 pounds, and you can easily store or transport it anywhere. Additionally, the kayak has a 300-pound capacity, meaning you can carry your gear and furry friend in one go.

Pros

• Durable
• Affordable
• Has an open-deck design

Cons

• Low seat position

5. Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars, Manual and Electric Pumps

This kayak is 10’ long and 36” wide. It also weighs 35 pounds and has a 400-pound maximum load, making it a good option for individuals looking to paddle with their dog. However, users are advised to use the kayak in less choppy waters during calm weather for the best experience.

The kayak’s design suits two adults; however, you could go out kayaking with your dog just fine. The kayak is extremely responsive and easy to steer. Additionally, the kayak allows for better tracking when paddling with a dog since they add more weight. Also, it’s portable and easy to transport.

Pros

• Spacious
• Easy to store
• Durable
• Comes with paddles

Cons

• Can get caught in the wind when paddling with light cargo
• The paddles can get you pretty wet when paddling

6. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak

The Ocean Kayak Malibu is the best kayak for dogs. It’s 12’ long and has a 34” width. The kayak weighs 57 pounds and has a maximum load of between 375 and 425 pounds. The kayak is spacious enough to paddle with your dog and another adult. It’s perfect for individuals with children and pets.

You can change the kayak’s sitting positions, allowing for any number of paddlers. This helps customize the paddler’s sitting positions without influencing stability or balance. The kayak is compact and provides enough space for additional storage.

Pros

• Multiple seating positions
• Can sit three people, including your puppy
• Has enough deck storage space
• Stable even when your dog is moving around

Cons

• It is a bit heavier than other kayaks

7. Valwix One Person Inflatable Kayak for Adults with Paddle, Seat & Pum

This kayak comes in one and two-person variants and comes with two seats, paddles, an air pump, and an optional sun canopy. It also has a small seat in the center that can hold a small child or pet. The kayak is perfect for recreational touring, is portable, and has a maximum capacity of 600 pounds.

The kayak is portable and easy to transport. Additionally, it’s quite durable and perfect for users that want to have some fun with their dogs. Also, it has an easy step-up and inflation and provides reliability and versatility for its price range.

Pros

• Portable
• Durable
• Lightweight
• Spacious

Cons

• Restricted to light kayaking activities

8. Driftsun Almanor Inflatable Recreational Touring Kayak

The Driftsun Almanor is versatile and durable. It’s pricy compared to other kayaks. Manufacturers designed it for multi-day excursions and long days on the water. It has double-padded seats and a central sitting area that’s quite roomy and perfect for you and your dog.

Also, the kayak is stable, wide, and perfect for paddling on choppy or flat water. It provides a smooth ride, making it perfect for users with dogs. The kayak is 12’2” long, weighs 72 pounds, and has a 500-pound maximum weight capacity.

Pros

• It has plenty of storage and space
• Meant long excursions
• Provides a smooth and stable ride

Cons

• It is a bit heavy for one person to carry
• More costly

What to Know Before You Start Kayaking with Your Dog?

Kayaking with your dog may be the best experience for both of you, especially if you do it right. You’ll need to prepare your dog for the experience before taking it to the water. It may take some time; however, it’s worth it. First, you need to understand if your dog is capable of kayaking.

You should observe its:

• Temperament

Dogs that are too frantic are likely to cause a hazardous situation while kayaking. For instance, your dog may become too distracted by waterfowl and anglers and end up tipping your kayak or jumping into the water for a chase. You could train your dog; however, you should consider their personality issues before taking them to the water.

• Discipline

Ensure your dog is disciplined enough before taking it kayaking. Ensure it quickly responds to simple commands like stay, sit, lay down, or go to your place. Ensuring your dog is disciplined could mean the difference between an overturned kayak and a moment of excitement.

Also, you shouldn’t put your dog on a leash when kayaking. Doing this can be problematic if the kayak overturns. Thus, you should trust that your dog will stay calm, disciplined, and obedient and follow your commands whenever you are out kayaking.

• Comfort on the water

You should observe your dog and determine whether they are used to water or if they can tolerate wearing a life jacket or a personal floatation device. You should also ensure your dog knows how to swim before taking them kayaking. You shouldn’t place your dog in a position where it’ll feel miserable or unsafe.

One gauge you may use to determine whether your dog will have a good time kayaking is how they respond to car rides. Dogs that act relaxed when going on car rides are more likely to be relaxed when kayaking. You should spend more time training your dog before taking them kayaking if they are a little antsy on the road.

How to Get Your Dog Kayak Ready

There are various strategies you could use to get your dog kayak ready. For starters, you should introduce them to water and your kayak. You should do this even if your dog is used to boats. You should take the time to understand and train your dog if you want to have a safe and fun kayaking experience.

• Practice swimming

You should introduce your dog to a sizeable amount of water and let them practice swimming with a personal floatation device. Personal floatation devices help keep your dog safe when fishing them out of the water. They don’t strictly need to know how to swim but learning how to swim is a plus.

You should teach them how to swim if you want to enjoy a smooth and fun kayaking experience. For instance, your dog may choose to jump into the water and play for a bit. They’ll then swim back to the kayak, where you’ll pick and return them to a safe space either on the kayak or at the shore.

• Introduce the dog to the kayak

You should introduce your dog to the kayak since it has to practice getting into and out of the boat. You should place the kayak on dry land (your yard or the shore) and let your dog sit in it. Doing this allows your dog to familiarize itself with the kayak without the added complication of too much water.

You may try hiding your dog’s treats in the kayak and allow it to find them. Praise your dog each time they approach or sit in the kayak. You may also sit in the kayak and pat your dog any time they approach it. Bring them on with you, and reward and praise them each time they show positive associations with the kayak.

• Develop a routine

You should create a routine, allowing your dog to anticipate what happens when you go kayaking. For instance, you should make a routine for who goes in or out of the kayak first. You can begin by going into the kayak before letting your dog get in; however, you should ensure you reverse the process when getting out, allowing the dog to follow your lead.

Doing this creates a reliable ritual that helps your dog calm down. Also, leading the dog shows them you are in charge of when they should get into or out of the kayak. You could also teach them a command like ‘leave the boat,’ minimizing the chances that they’ll leave the boat unless you say the specific command.

• Teach your dog kayaking commands

As mentioned above, you should teach your dog some basic commands for boating. Doing this helps instill good behavior and makes your boating experience better. Some commands you could teach them include:

Go to your place: This command helps redirect an energetic or anxious dog. You could place a designated mat to serve as the place. You should familiarize your dog with the place and ensure they enjoy being there.

Leave it: You should teach your dog this command and use it for intense situations. You can give them more exciting rewards for abandoning high-reward distractions. The command teaches the dog self-control, which can be rewarding when kayaking.

Get in (up) and time to leave (get out): You should teach your dog to enter the kayak on command. Your dog shouldn’t decide to enter or exit the kayak on its own since this could be hazardous in some situations.

Swim: You may teach your dog this command if they are a good swimmer and you are in calm waters. You should teach them another command to let them know when to get into the boat if you choose to let them swim.

• Teach your dog to get in and out of the kayak

Next, you should teach your dog to get in and out of the kayak once they are familiar with it, comfortable with the water, and obedient. You should enter the kayak and let your dog follow you. You shouldn’t push off until you are both in the kayak together. You should take care to assure the dog and let it get used to the motion of being in the water before paddling.

Your dog will likely jump out of the kayak a few times, but that is okay. The feeling may be new to them, and you should take them through the steps, ensuring they get in and stay in the kayak until both of you are comfortable. You should let your dog rest and try again later if they begin freaking out.

Remember that each dog is different, and you should be patient with them until they get comfortable. Additionally, your dog may love the experience from its first moment; however, you won’t know until you try. Either way, you are assured of getting the best boating buddy after the initial round of training.

Types of Kayaks that Accommodate Dogs

You could look for kayaks advertised as dog friendly if you have difficulty making your purchase; however, very few models are labeled as kayaks for dogs. Most top picks don’t mention if they are good for dogs, but this doesn’t mean that they are not dog-friendly. You should look at specific features before making your purchase.

Purchasing kayaks with a dog-friendly label doesn’t mean they are good for your dog. You should check out the kayak’s features, specs, design, and other features. Here are some kayak types that may be perfect for you and your furry friend. Types of good kayaks for dogs include:

• Recreational kayaks

Manufacturers design these kayaks for casual paddlers and individuals with general use. They are a safe bet for individuals that want to kayak solo or with their furry friends. The kayaks are beginner friendly, stable, and perfect for individuals that want to kayak with their dogs.

However, they are best suited for lap dogs. They are also good for dogs that enjoy sitting in enclosed spaces for extended periods.

• Sit on top kayaks

You should choose sit-on-top kayaks rather than sit-in kayaks since your dog may get claustrophobic if forced to endure the entire trip in an enclosed space. These kayaks are roomy with an open deck where your dog can roam freely or jump into the water whenever possible, making their experience much more fun.

Additionally, these kayaks are easy for your dog to get into or out of without restriction. Also, the kayaks are self-bailing, meaning water drains through the kayak’s holes. However, you should note that kayaks are more likely to get wet. Sit-in kayaks are better for cooler water and ensure you and your dog stay dry. However, one downside is that your dog will have difficulty getting out of or into the kayak.

• Tandem and solo kayaks

You should choose a two-person or tandem kayak if you have a big dog. These kayaks are roomy, and your dog will enjoy chilling in the sun or stretching about the deck. You’ll also have more room left to store your supplies and gear. You may choose a single-person kayak if you have a timid or small dog that prefers staying close to you.

• Inflatable kayaks

Inflatable kayaks are perfect for individuals that prefer kayaking in fair weather. The kayaks provide excellent storage and transport solutions for fair-weather kayakers. Most dog owners love these kayaks because they can store them in the home.

This is perfect for dog owners since they’ll be more familiar with the kayak and less anxious whenever they go kayaking. The kayaks have a few downsides. For starters, they are not good when navigating in the wind or kayaking on choppy waters. Regardless, they are still durable and convenient.

How to Choose the Best Kayak for You and Your Dog

You should look into three features when searching for the best kayaks for dogs. Features to look into when searching for the best kayaks out there include:

• Weight Capacity

You should choose a kayak that can handle your combined weight. For instance, you shouldn’t purchase a two-person kayak if you plan on taking your dog along with a partner or friend. If you do this, the kayak may capsize, especially if your dog gets overexcited.

• Kayak Stability

You should also choose a stable kayak with minimal risk of capsizing. Some dogs may get extremely overexcited, causing your kayak to capsize if it isn’t stable enough. You should choose a kayak with a wide base. A kayak with a wide base ensures your dog doesn’t wobble all over the place, trying to stay balanced.

• Deck space

You should purchase kayaks with reasonably high sides that can contain your dog. High sides keep your dog safe and reduce the chances that it may fall out. You could choose to sit on top kayaks; however, they are more likely to make you or your dog wet. Your best bet is a sit-in kayak with an open and spacious cockpit.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best kayaks for dogs is only half the battle. You may experience issues training your dog and keeping it safe; however, kayaking with them is a good experience you shouldn’t miss out on. You should purchase a stable kayak (preferably a sit-on-top variant) and ensure they are trained enough to listen to your commands.

For instance, your dog should follow your commands when you tell them to lie, stay, or sit. Failure to do this may cause a hazardous situation that may harm you or your dog. Kayaking with your dog is an awesome way to bond, and it will give them a perfect chance to experience something different and new. Take your time, find good kayaks for dogs, go out, and have fun with your furry friend.

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