Sloop doggy dog
When our two beagles – Cap’n Jack and Scout – first stepped aboard our 43ft (13.1m) steel ketch Seefalke, they walked around the small vessel and sniffed every corner. Then, tails wagging, they looked up at us, and it was as if they shrugged their shoulders and said: “I guess we live here now.” Then they curled up on the settee in the main saloon and settled in.
After sailing to more than 12 countries on four continents and across eight significant bodies of water, including the Atlantic Ocean, we are convinced that dogs just want to be with their humans.
Having now experienced sailing with dogs in heavy, offshore conditions, we have learned many lessons about how to keep them comfortable, healthy and safe. We have also learned all about the various requirements for entering many countries with dogs on board. Here are our top 10 general tips for sailing the world with your canine companion(s). While our experience is of sailing with dogs, these tips can also apply to other pets.
