Pet-Friendly Boat Rentals in Kelowna: Tips for Bringing Your Furry Friends

Sail into a pawesome adventure on Okanagan Lake!

If there’s anything that can make a gorgeous day on the lake even better, it’s the company of your furry friends! And, let’s be honest, who can resist puppy-dog eyes just as you’re about to leave home for a day of fun? That’s why we’re here to tell you that bringing along your canine companion on your boating adventure is possible with a bit of planning ahead and preparation.

Here are a few tips that will help you keep your pet safe and happy on your day of boating on the Okanagan Lake:

1. Your dog needs a life vest too!
   The first and most important thing to do is get your dog a life jacket. Even if your dog is a strong swimmer; rough waters, fatigue and nervousness could put your dog in a tough situation, and it is not worth the risk. So, be sure to get a life jacket that fits well and let your pup get used to wearing it a few days before your trip, so they can familiarise themselves. It’s also helpful to choose one that is brightly coloured and has a handle on the back so your furry friend is easy to spot and pick up from the water.
   

2. Don’t forget pet-friendly sunblock
   Just like us, our friends on fours or twos can get sunburnt too. To ensure that they are comfortable and enjoy the day as much as you do, it’s best to apply some sunscreen on your pet before heading out. If you are spending more than a couple hours on one of Downtown Marina’s boat rentals, bring some pet-friendly sunscreen along so you can re-apply often. A simple SPF-15 sunscreen that has safe ingredients will work like a charm. Sunscreen sprays work best for larger parts of your pet’s body, while balms are ideal for their nose and ears.
   

3. Bring plenty of fresh water for your pet
   A sunshine-filled day out on the Okanagan Lake is bound to make your cat or dog feel parched, so don’t forget to bring lots of fresh water so that your pets stay hydrated. Remember to carry a water dish too. If you plan on cruising the lake for more than a couple hours, then carry extra drinking water because though the lake water is stunning, we don’t recommend it as a thirst quencher! (humans included).
   

4. Plan for when Mother Nature calls
   Even when you’re on your boating adventure your pet is going to need bathroom breaks. The best way to tackle this is to train your dog to go on puppy training pads on a specific part of the boat, however, this might not always go as planned (just like when you need your printer to print something urgently, yes, we’ve all been there). So, in order to be prepared for all situations, you should also bring along plenty of paper towels, doggy waste bags and odour-neutralizing trash bags. These items will enable you to take proper care of the boat rental and dispose of the waste in an appropriate manner once you’re back on dry land. If you are planning to off-board and explore other gems along Okanagan Lake’s shoreline, it would be a good idea to schedule times for your pet’s breaks so everyone’s needs are taken care of.
   

5. Let your puppy get comfortable with your boat rental before it leaves the dock
   Your furry friends can feel restless when trying new things or visiting places for the first time, so to ensure that they feel safe and don’t experience anxiety on the boat, it is important to take things slow. While your boat rental is still docked, let your pet check it out and get familiarised with it. If they seem comfortable and take to it well, you can take that as your green light. Since dogs and cats have sensitive hearing, another tip is to turn on the boat’s motor while it is still underway so they can get used to the sound. The last thing you want before setting sail is to startle your pet with sounds they are not accustomed to, as this can make them feel apprehensive.
   

6. Pack a first-aid kit
   Another precaution to take before you glide across Kelowna’s Okanagan Lake is bringing along a first aid kit for you and your furry first mate. In case your pet steps on something sharp or decides to rough it up with a marine animal, you should be prepared. Be sure to pack basic supplies like gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, scissors and tweezers. You should also consider bringing hydrogen peroxide, extra towels, ear cleaning solution, a flashlight and needle-nose pliers because it’s better to be safe than sorry!
   
   

At Kelowna’s Downtown Marina, we want everyone to have the time of their lives, including your little pooches, because they deserve it. Planning on taking the whole family out for a spin on the lake? Reach out to us, and we can help with boat rental bookings and any questions you might have. We can’t wait to see those tails wagging with excitement!