Best Kayak for Dogs in 2022: 7 Top Dog-Friendly Kayaks

If you love water adventures, but feel guilty about leaving your dog behind when you go on your nature excursions, we may have a solution for you: kayaking with your dog. Many dogs love the water and would give anything to be out there in nature having fun with their owner. So the next time you go on a nice water excursion, take your dog along and share the kayaking adventure with your furry best friend.

Of course, before you can do that, you have to choose the right kayak for you and your pet canine. As the market is really oversaturated with kayaks and canoes, we have put together a list of the best kayaks for dogs to help you find the perfect boat for you and your dog. Read on to find your favorite and start your aquatic adventure as soon as possible.

Best dog kayak comparison table

What is the best kayak for a dog?

Kayaks come in a variety of designs and sizes, so choose the one that is comfortable for you and your dog for the best kayaking experience.

You will need a kayak made of strong, durable materials with a high load capacity to support your weight and fog, as well as the weight of any gear you bring on board.

You’ll also need a kayak with a large, wide cockpit so there’s enough room for you and the dog to sit comfortably.

Sit-on-top kayaks are designed with open cockpits so there is plenty of room for a large dog to lie down. They have wider bars that provide more stability in case your dog likes to move. They are also easy to remove from the water in case of capsizing.

Sit-on kayaks, on the other hand, are generally not ideal for dogs, as they are designed with enclosed cabins. However, the cabin can be large enough to carry a small between the legs or you can also opt for a tandem model with an additional seat for your dog.

Inflatable kayaks can also be a good option as they are made of a durable material that can resist dog claws and some are designed with higher walls that can act as a barrier to prevent dogs from jumping into the water. They also come with a simple repair kit in case the kayak leaks.

Top 7 Kayaks for Dogs Reviews

Kayaking has dominated the water sports market for years and is an activity that anyone can enjoy. From sea kayaking and fishing to long lake paddles and camping trips, people are pushing the boundaries of this fun summer activity. 

It may seem complicated to bring your dog, but in most cases it is quite easy to train him, especially if he likes water. Finding the best kayak for dogs is easier than ever. To help you find the perfect kayak, we’ve scoured the market and created a list of the best kayaks for dogs.

Lifetime Two Person 10ft Fishing Kayak

The Lifetime Kayak is big, sturdy and stable, everything you need for your first kayaking experience with your dog. And although the name suggests otherwise, this kayak actually fits three people, so you and your dog will have plenty of space, so much so that you can take another person, or even another dog.

The hull is designed to provide maximum stability, so even if you have a particularly rambunctious dog, this kayak is sure to keep you grounded and stable. It is made of high-density polyethylene and carries a 5-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.

Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak Sevylor

Inflatable, comfortable and durable, the Sevylor kayak is a perfect option for two people or one person and a dog. Speaking of durability, the bottom of the kayak is made from 1000D canvas, while the 840D nylon deck provides excellent puncture protection.

There are two adjustable seats, which is great news not only for your comfort, but also that of your canine pet, as you can move the seat closer or further away from you as needed. And if you get tired of paddling, you can store the oars in the convenient holders, and add the Sevylor trolling motor.

Explorer K2 Kayak for Intex dogs

If you’re looking for a kayak that provides comfort and space for you and your pet, then the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak might be just what you need. The inflatable kayak is designed for smaller bodies of water, including calm rivers and lakes. It is made with puncture resistant vinyl, perfect for resisting your dog’s claws.

Inflation and deflation are fast thanks to the Boston valves and the two separate air chambers ensure you have time to get to safety in case one of the chambers leaks. Includes adjustable inflatable seats with backrests and a removable skeg that provides directional stability.

The bright yellow color helps you be seen in an emergency, while the inflatable I-bar floor provides rigidity.

Journey Sun Dolphin 10′ Seat Fishing Kayak

If you are a complete beginner to kayaking with a pet, you need a boat that is stable, affordable and easy to use. That’s what the Sun Dolphin Bali SS offers. With a spacious and comfortable seating area, adjustable foot rests and paddle holders, this kayak is ideal for beginner kayakers, human and canine alike.

Made from Fortiflex High Density Polyethylene, with a stable hull, the Sun Dolphin Bali SS is durable and quite robust – easy to control, especially when moving slowly. This kayak comes with a portable accessory carrier (PAC), a very handy thing that can be used for extra storage.

370 Pro de Sea Eagle

One of the best rated kayaks today, the Sea Eagle kayak is spacious, comfortable and durable – a perfect boat for sailing with a dog. It can comfortably fit two people (or one person and a dog, of course), but it can even fit three if that’s what you want.

Made from a robust material, K-80 Polykrylar, this kayak is tear-resistant, durable, and designed for stability. Paddling is easy and comfortable too, as the kayak is made of 5 I-beam tubes that help the rider sit stably as their weight is supported by the entire floor, not the side chambers.

Two-seater fishing kayak with paddles Lifetime

With a versatile design, the Lifetime kayak is a great piece of gear for fishing or taking a relaxing trip through the waves. Thanks to its 10-foot size, the kayak can be easily transported and stored, and even has its own storage hatch at the rear of the boat. Although this fishing kayak is a two person model, it is possible to seat a third smaller passenger in the center seat of the product.

Thanks to the design of the kayak, that third space for the passenger is perfect for a dog to accompany you on your way out to sea.

Hi Life 11 Sit on Top Kayak Perception

The Perception Hi Life Kayak is a combination kayak and paddle board. The extra space in the back can be used to carry a cooler, a dog or a small child. The kayak is the perfect piece for water sports, allowing for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or relaxing open water sailing with a passenger.

This kayak is ideal for use in hot weather. It is designed for slow-moving coastal waters, rather than fast waves and harsh weather. The supportive design has thick padding to help protect its wearer, and the rear space is large enough for a dog to lie down while you’re paddling through the waves.

Kayak de recreo Kayak Malibu Sit-On-Top Ocean

A slightly larger kayak with enough room for two passengers, the Ocean Recreational Kayak can support a range of uses, including solo kayaking and tandem paddle boarding. The passenger seats are integrated into the kayak and have been designed with the user’s comfort in mind; they are without a doubt the star feature of the boat, considering that there are four different ways to adjust the seats to get the best fit.

The kayak is advertised as having two seats, but it is possible to add a third passenger who can sit in the center of the boat once the seats have been moved to the optimal position. That space for the third passenger, due to the lack of a third seat, would suit an adventurous pup better!

Perception Tribe 9.5 Vs. Sea Eagle 2 Person Inflatable Sport Kayak

Perception Tribe 9.5

The Perception Tribe 9.5 Kayak is ideal for medium sized dogs. It’s also ideal for paddling on slow-moving rivers, flat-water lakes, or lightly swelled coastal waters.

It is made of high-density polyethylene that is sturdy and has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds.

It offers the most comfort as it comes with a ventilated ergonomic seat with a thick padded cushion and an adjustable backrest. The kayak has molded-in-ground thigh pads and multiple footpegs to increase its stability.

Sea Eagle 2 Person Inflatable Sport Kayak

The Sea Eagle 330 Tandem Kayak is ideal for larger dogs as it has a 500lb weight capacity and comes with two adjustable inflatable seats for you and your dog.

It’s made of durable, puncture-resistant material to protect it from dog claws and is designed with welded seams that increase the kayak’s rigidity and make it more stable. It also comes with a case for easy transport and other accessories, including two paddles, a pump and a repair kit.

Types of kayaks suitable for dogs and which ones to avoid

There may be hundreds of different kayak models on the market, but not all of them are really suitable for dogs. Some kayaks are a real dream for people, but for people and dogs?

Not that much. These types of kayaks are often too small for our furry friends or too unstable to support highly energetic animals.

So which kayaks are dog-friendly? Certainly some kayaks are marketed specifically for dogs (besides owners, of course), and that clears things up a bit, however, that’s not always the case. Many kayaks are perfectly dog-friendly, but are not marketed as such. In fact, none of the kayaks we review here are.

Sure, some may point out that they’re safe for canines, too, but none of the kayaks actually had the noun “Dog” in their name.

Does that mean they are not safe? Not at all: dog-friendly kayaks don’t have to be marketed as such to be suitable for our four-legged friends. However, they do need to possess certain things, to be the right size and the right type of material. We’ll talk about that in more detail later, but for now, let’s focus on the types of kayaks best suited for our furry friends: recreational kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks.

Recreational kayaks

Recreational kayaks are primarily enclosed boats. They are best suited for occasional (recreational) paddlers and should be used on calmer waters such as lakes or small, calm rivers. They have larger cabins than sit-on-top kayaks, as well as wider hulls, which makes them quite stable, but they are not good for cruising as they cannot keep a straight line very well. Recreational kayaks also slower than sit-on kayaks and have less storage space.

Speaking of space, recreational kayaks will fit small to medium sized dogs, but larger canines won’t fit at all, unless of course you buy a tandem recreational kayak that has an extra seat; in that case, even your big dog could fit.

Sit-on Kayaks

Sit-on kayaks are completely open boats, with plenty of room and stability. And while the recreational kayak is fairly dog-friendly, it’s mostly made for people with smaller dogs, who just want to keep their pets between their legs, which is why we’ve chosen to review open-top kayaks only.

These types of boats are super easy to get on and off and are perfect for various sizes of dogs, including the really big hounds. They usually accommodate two or three people with no problem, so your dog(s) will have plenty of room. There’s also usually enough storage space, so you’ll be able to carry your gear and lots of other useful things.

Sit-on-top kayaks are also mostly stable, which is a crucial thing to keep in mind when kayaking with a dog; trust us, the last thing you want is to capsize in the water with a scared dog.

So, recreational or sit-on-top kayaks? There is no right or wrong: depending on the size of your dog, as well as your needs and preferences, choose the kayak that you think you and your faithful furry friend will like.

Speaking of right and wrong, are there certain types of kayaks you should avoid when planning to go kayaking with your dog? There are, actually: sea kayaks and whitewater kayaks.

Sea Kayaks

Sea kayaks are great if you are an adventurer who likes to explore uncharted waters as these boats are built for water sports (paddling). They are small and fast deck boats, and usually have capacity for one or two people. The reason they are not ideal for dogs is that they are quite narrow, so narrow that perhaps only a small sized dog could fit . Even so, you and your dog would probably be a bit uncomfortable.

Whitewater kayaks

Whitewater kayaks are even smaller than sea kayaks: built to help the user steer the entire kayak with their body, these boats provide a tight fit, meaning there’s basically no room for anything but the person. who uses the kayak. For this reason, whitewater kayaks are a clear impediment to boating with a dog.

Aspects to consider when buying a kayak for dogs

Regardless of which kayak you choose to buy, whether it’s a leisure or sit-on kayak, there are certain things that all dog-friendly kayaks should have.

Kayaks in general need to be sturdy and made of a durable material, but even more so if dogs are going to be frequent visitors. No matter how well-trained your dog is, you can bet he’ll scratch the boat with his claws (unintentionally, but sometimes even on purpose) and may even try to bite certain things, depending on the breed and the situation. Therefore, it is crucial to choose only very durable kayaks.

Sure you can take your dog on a water trip by putting him between your legs, but is it really the most comfortable position for you and your dog? Most large dogs prefer to ride in their own seat, so always look for kayaks with two seats.

Of course, there are always pets that love to be with their owner at all times, and if that’s your dog, don’t hesitate to put it in the boat, between your legs. This, however, is only recommended if you have a small, shy or overly excited dog.

Also take into account the weight of your dog: if you have a particularly large and heavy dog, make sure that your kayak will be able to support you and your pet, as well as the equipment that you will bring with you.

Kayaking with your four-legged friend can be a lot of fun, especially if your dog loves the water and is adventurous. However, even if you don’t mind being knocked out of the kayak from time to time, your dog probably does. Being thrown from the boat can be a disorienting and therefore traumatic experience for a dog, especially if he is not particularly fond of the water.

The first thing your pet will do when thrown is head to shore. No matter how good a swimmer that dog is, if he faces some serious rapids, he is unlikely to make it to shore. So please, before buying a kayak and setting off with your faithful friend by your side, make sure that it is as stable as a kayak can be. Look for thicker, wider kayaks with stable hulls that make it easier to float.

Just as it’s important to focus on your safety, it’s extremely important for you to make sure your dog is safe too. Even dogs that are the best swimmers can get tired. That’s why it’s important to buy a life jacket for your dog. Even if they don’t like wearing a life jacket, this one can provide great safety for your dog. It is important to consider the heat of the water.

You will need to make sure your pup has food and plenty of water close at hand. Your dog can be heat exhausted just like you, and it’s extremely important to avoid it. A good kayak umbrella can provide you and your pup with shade that protects you from the scorching sun.

Using an inflatable kayak for dogs might sound like a dumb idea, hear us out. Inflatable dog kayaks aren’t made with the same low-quality plastic material as beach balls. Instead, they are made with sturdy materials that are often much more durable than their hard-shelled counterparts.

These inflatables can be a great option for kayaking with your dog, as their sturdy construction will help keep you stable. Although you don’t have to worry about the construction of inflatable kayaks, hard-shell fishing kayaks are still a superior option.

If you opt for this material, we recommend that you lay down a cover before your dog gets on it. Your dog’s nails will scratch and tear the hard plastic frame of the boat.

The dimensions of your kayak will be influenced by the size of your dog. A small breed like the Maltese, for example, will need less space than a large dog like the German Shepherd. Regardless of size, your dog will need room to move around. Even the best behaved dogs will want to stretch their legs after a while and even come over to greet you as you paddle.

The width of the kayak’s kickstand will play an important role in this. The width of kayaks can vary from 30 to over 40 inches. The width of the kayaks can vary between 30 and 40 inches. You’ll want one in the higher range, regardless of the size of your dog. This will make your craft wider for the dog to turn around in, but also more stable so the kayak won’t tip over and become unstable.

This will allow them to have their own place. Something as simple as this will make your dog much more comfortable on the water, especially when he gets used to it for the first time.

Safety tips for kayaking with your dog

Although kayaking with your canine pet should above all be fun and great exercise for both of you, you can’t forget about safety. You may be very good at taking care of yourself, but your dog, who is his first time out on the water? It’s probably not that good. That’s why you have to think for both when it comes to security.

To help make your kayaking experience with a dog enjoyable and safe, we’ve put together this handy list of things to do/take with you before you get in your kayak.

It goes without saying that the dog you plan to take with you on your kayak trip should be at least somewhat trained. You will need to learn the basic commands such as “enter”, “exit”, “sit”, “stay”, “jump”, “return”, etc., since you never know how a dog will act when placed in the middle of a large body of water.

This is where dog treats can really help: If your furry friend gets too excited or scared, offer a treat as an incentive to calm down or do a certain thing.

In addition to being somewhat trained, the dog that is going to kayak must also be acclimated to that particular kayak. It’s a good idea to start doing it while you’re both on the ground. If your pet seems curious but is a little scared of the new boat, don’t put him in the kayak and expect him to know what to do.

Instead, give your canine companion a chance to explore the kayak a bit and become familiar with the new item. Next, sit in the kayak and invite him to join you. Do this several times, preferably over a few days before going out on the water.

It is important to take it easy and let your dog feel completely comfortable with the kayak. He offers treats, let the pet sleep in the kayak and have fun together, while you are on land. The goal is to have a dog that is not only neutral about the kayak, but actually enjoys spending time in it.

Some dogs love the water and are great swimmers, but others? Not that much. Even if your dog is a water baby, it’s a good idea to equip him with a life jacket to prevent him from drowning in the event your kayak capsizes. This is especially important if your dog:

• not a great swimmer
• It’s very heavy
• He is of advanced age.

However, you should know that there are currently no Coast Guard-approved dog life jackets, which means they are unlikely to keep your pet safe if he is unconscious, simply because they are not designed to keep the dog’s head dog above water Even so, dog life jackets help buoyancy and save the animal’s energy if it has to swim for a long time on its own.

If you don’t have a dog life jacket, a personal flotation device (PFD) of any kind is still better than nothing.

You know that you shouldn’t go out in the sun for long periods of time without sun protection, such as a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, and of course, sunscreen. But did you know that your dog can get sunburned just like you if he doesn’t wear sunscreen? It’s true, and that’s why you should apply sunscreen to your dog when you go kayaking.

Some areas of your pet’s body, especially those not covered by fur, such as the nose and inside the ears, are susceptible to sunburn. Even areas where the fur is less dense, such as the belly and groin, can get sunburned if your pet spends too much time in the sun.

The result is red, irritated and painful skin, and sometimes even hair loss. So be sure to apply sunscreen to your dog before you go out on the water, as well as during your trip (every two hours or so).

If you’re wondering which sunscreen to use for your four-legged companion, PetMD recommends a sunscreen designed specifically for dogs. What if that’s not an option? A broad spectrum sunscreen that is fragrance free and zinc oxide free should be fine.

If your dog is overly excited or rambunctious, you may think it’s a good idea to tie him to the kayak, but it’s not. In fact, it’s one of the worst things you can do for your dog’s safety. In case the boat capsizes, your dog must be able to swim.

With a leash attached to the kayak, he may not be able to: he may get caught under the kayak or the leash may catch on his limbs. Until you figure out what’s going on and untie your dog, it may be too late.

Therefore, never tie your pup to a kayak or any other watercraft. You can take the leash with you for when you and your pet are out of the kayak, but don’t use it while you’re in it.

If this is your first time kayaking with a dog, it’s good to take it easy and stick to calm waters. Your dog’s first time on the water should be fun, enjoyable, and not too long, since you want your canine friend to be with you the next time (and many more) you kayak.

For this reason, avoid rough water and rowing too fast; You don’t want to stress your pup or make him nervous, but let him enjoy his aquatic adventure so that he will be encouraged to continue doing it.

Of course, once both you and your furry friend become kayaking experts with years of experience, you can make your trips longer and more exciting.

Be sure to talk to your dog’s vet before going on a kayaking adventure. This is especially important if your dog has medical issues, such as a weak heart, diabetes, etc., as you want to make sure you have everything you and your pup need on board.

Also, if you and your dog spend a lot of time around water, it’s a good idea to get it checked out. Mosquitoes are known to thrive around large bodies of water and you never know if some of them are infected. You want to protect your four-legged friend from heartworm, so be sure to tell your vet that you’re kayak training the dog.

No one goes kayaking expecting to get hurt, but water sports can be very dangerous for both people and animals. The truth is, no matter how experienced you are, accidents can and do happen. So take out pet insurance before you go kayaking to cover all bases. That way, if your canine companion gets hurt, you won’t have to pay an expensive vet bill, and you and your dog will be a lot happier for it.

What kayak equipment is necessary for your dog?

You know you need a few essentials to keep you safe and sound in the water, but what about your dog? Things aren’t that different here – sure, he may not need to bring a change of clothes, but he also needs to eat, drink, sleep, play, and even have some emergency essentials. Let’s see them.

As we have already said, it is convenient to put a life jacket on your dog, even if he is a good swimmer. You never know what might happen, and just in case your fluffy pet has to swim to shore on his own, make him a life jacket. If you really want to get ahead of the curve, put one on your pet and take another with you. This is useful if you plan to take an overnight trip and forget or lose a dog life jacket along the way.

A dog has to eat, right? He carries food and fresh water, as well as a drinking bowl and a dog water bottle. Dogs that like the water will probably jump in and swim from time to time, and that can tire them out a lot. To revitalize them, bring their favorite food and feed them at the times they normally eat or more often. If you are in salt water, don’t forget to bring fresh water and hydrate your dog regularly.

Also, don’t forget the dog treats! What you really want is to reward your pet’s good behavior so that he learns through positive training and maintains his good habits.

If you want your furry companion to be safe even when you get out of the kayak, bring a leash. In fact, it’s a good idea to carry an extra strap, just in case the first one gets lost (you know how those things easily disappear!).

You can also wear a harness – if your pup falls out of the kayak, you’ll be able to pick him up more easily with a harness than without.

If you’re planning to spend an entire day (or even a couple of days if you’re taking an overnight trip) out on the water, it’s a good idea to bring some medical essentials with you. We’ve already mentioned sun protection for you and your pet, but if your dog has sensitive feet or is prone to injury, you should bring a few extra things, like hydrogen peroxide for those unexpected little cuts, and maybe even some Vaseline for dog’s sore feet.

And, of course, if your dog has a disease and needs medication to control it, don’t forget to take it with you.

Dog toys may not be essential, but they are good to bring along to make the whole kayaking adventure super fun for your dog. Water toys are a great option if your pup loves to swim, but regular toys are also welcome, especially if you’re taking an overnight trip; when you’re on land, let your dog play. Toys are also a great way to reinforce good behavior.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How to make a platform on the front of the kayak for my dog?

A: This can be done in many ways. There are special waterproof pads you can buy that will ensure your dog has a comfortable space to lie down. At the same time, it will protect your kayak from your nails and make sure you don’t slide around in choppy water.

We do not recommend simply putting a towel on them. They are supposed to absorb water, which means your dog will lay down on a wet towel. Once it soaks up the water, it will also become much heavier, which can weigh down your gear and potentially make paddling more difficult.

Q: How to kayak with your dog?

A: Taking your dog kayaking with you is actually quite easy. Most dogs are happy to be around you, but they do require some training. To help prepare your dogs for the kayak, it is important to introduce them to the kayak so they are comfortable before throwing them in. 

It is also important to make a comfortable place for your dogs to lie down. Be sure to remember that just as heat affects you, it will also affect your dog. Having water and even the best dog kayak holding umbrella on board will help ensure everyone enjoys their day.

Q: Where to go kayaking with your dog?

A: When starting out, we suggest sticking to flat lakes to ensure your pup is comfortable. But once that happens, the world will be his oyster. You can take them on a weekend trip and find the best beach camp you can find. Be sure to always do your research beforehand to make sure your area is dog-friendly.

Q: Do you plan to get quite wet, or do you want to avoid freezing water?

A: There are many different types of dog kayaks. Especially when you’re first starting out with your dog, you’ll want to expect it to get wet. This may mean that you choose to start getting them used to kayaking in the summer months so they don’t get wet in the cold water.

Q: How do I train my dog ​​to sit in a kayak?

A: You must make sure that your dog understands all the basic commands before entering the water. This means that your dog must understand how to sit and stay well before getting into the kayak. Once your dog masters these conditions on dry land, he can think about transferring these skills to the water.

Be sure to start carrying plenty of treats with you to help encourage good behavior from your dog. After sitting on command, be sure to remind your dog to stay by giving plenty of reinforcement. Start paddling slowly to help your dog stay calm and get used to the movement. 

Remember to keep this experience fun and positive for your dog. This means lots of positive reinforcement and patience.

Q: How to get a dog used to a kayak?

A: Getting your dog used to a kayak isn’t as easy as throwing him into the boat with you. There are specific steps you need to take to get your dog used to kayaking. Getting your dog acquainted with your kayak big enough for your dog shouldn’t start when he’s in the water. 

Instead, place the kayak in your yard, allowing your dog the freedom to sniff the kayak. Then you can work on creating positive associations by giving them treats indoors or even feeding them in the best kayak. 

Once your dog is comfortable, you can start sitting inside it with them to practice the skill. Then you can start introducing your dog to still water.

Q: How do I train my dog ​​to get back into the kayak?

A: Unless you’re in the rapids you shouldn’t have to worry about your dog falling out of the kayak. They are able to swim and can tread water until you come to their rescue. You may have to calm them down and reassure them that everything will be okay.

When they swim near the best kayak you will have to help them climb to the top. You can do this by grabbing them from behind their neck and lifting them into the kayak. This may sound harsh, but it really isn’t. This is how their mothers would raise them when they were younger and not get hurt. You just have to lift them up enough so that their front legs get on top of the kayak dog deck so they can climb on. 

But while you’re doing this, you’ll want to shift your weight in the opposite direction so you don’t tip over and capsize your kayak or canoe to make canoes.

Aiden Freeborn

Aiden is a freelance journalist and content writer who writes about the outdoors, the environment, and travel. He is a Survival and Preparedness enthusiast who loves everything outdoors. Aiden has always enjoyed pushing people to step outside their comfort zones. His mission is to help others get out of their homes to have fun and stay active in nature.