Are you considering going on a luxury sailing holiday but are worried about leaving your four-legged friend behind? Fortunately, you don’t have to! Sailing with a pet is not as daunting as one might think, and so long as you’re prepared with our safety tips, you’ll quickly realize your furry friend can explore the best of the Adriatic Sea by your side.
First, let’s talk about the essentials before you set sail
If you’re thinking about traveling with your pet, there are some things you’ll need to prepare before you take off. And just like you’d need to ensure you have a valid passport to travel abroad, so does your pet. But your pet needs more than a valid European passport to cross borders, as some countries have other requirements, too. Croatia, for example, requires your pet to be microchipped and have an up-to-date rabies vaccination to enter the country. The vaccination’s validity should also be clearly stated, as well as a stamp that guarantees your pet's health for travel. You can find more detailed requirements here.
Once you have the documents secured and can begin realizing your Croatian sailing holiday with your pet, it’s time to start thinking about the other essentials. As you go through the checklist of things you’ll need to pack with you for a holiday, from sunscreen to your must-need medications, you can’t forget about the same for your furry friend. Make sure you travel prepared with all the medicines your pet may need on holiday, as vets are not as easy to reach when traveling the Croatian coast. Keep in mind that Croatian islands especially lack vet facilities, and you may not be sailing to the mainland for days on your itinerary should something urgent be needed. This means it’s also wise to pack a pet first-aid kit.
If your pet may need something to relax, it’s also wise to get that ahead of your travels, and in case your pet gets seasick? Don’t forget the doggy Dramamine! It’s best to consult your vet at home to see your options for motion sickness in pets.
What about when you’re on board?
You can do many things onboard to ensure your pet's safety, and choosing the right yacht for your luxury charter is a great start. When choosing your home at sea, it’s good to be mindful of things like staircases, especially if you’re sailing with larger animals, as it's more difficult for them to maneuver above and below decks. If you’re traveling with smaller pets that can easily be carried around, you have slightly more freedom when choosing your yacht.
Essential, no matter the size of your pet, is that you have a railing net for your yacht. This is crucial for sailing with pets as it’s a protective net that wraps around your yacht, ensuring there won't be any mishaps overboard. It may be difficult to completely protect your yacht with a railing net as some areas will be challenging to secure, but guaranteeing your pet's safety in at least one area of your yacht is better than none - and we’re confident this will calm your nerves, too. So make sure to comunicate this trough your preference list or with your agent before embarkation. And if you want extra protection? It’s also wise to have a harness on your pet to control their movement, especially for more timid pets that may squirm.
Don’t forget to have high-quality dog lifejackets on board that won’t get caught on things when your pet is moving around. You’ll also want to ensure they’re fitted well to your pet so they have no issue when swimming should a situation overboard arise.
How do pets use the toilets on board?
An obvious concern is where your pets will go to the toilet while sailing with you, but it’s not much different than when they’re home. If you’re sailing with cats, bringing a litter box and sand is all you need to worry about. But if you’re sailing with a dog? This is where things can get a bit tricky. Understanding that you may be cruising for hours before reaching a dock where you can take your dog onto the mainland, they will likely need to release while on board. And the best way to do that? Bringing a square of astroturf onboard. You can even train your dog to do their business on the astroturf at home to avoid issues once you finally set sail.
What else should you know?
We know that a change in environment can be uncomfortable for your pet, but there are a handful of things you can do on board to ensure their comfort and safety. Since you’ll likely be sailing in the summer when the temperatures are high on the Croatian coast (traditionally over 30 degrees Celsius), it’s crucial that you protect your pet from UV rays with plenty of shade on the boat. Designating a shaded area for your animals so they become used to their new territory is a great start, as you’ll want them to find comfort in a place they trust. This will keep them tame should unexpected wind gusts or choppy seas rock the boat.
If you notice your pet overheating (sure signs are panting uncontrollably and possibly vomiting), look into grabbing cooling pads for your pets to lay on or wet towels as an easy alternative. The best areas of focus to cool your pets are their legs and groin area. And if you’re worried about a sunburn - do you know you could even use hypo-allergenic sunblock on your pets, too?
Sailing with pets doesn’t have to be complicated. When planning your next trip, speak to your yacht charter consultant to explore all options, from shorter sailing days and quieter marinas and bays to any extra charges that come with bringing your furry friend along.
Embark on an unforgettable Croatian sailing adventure with your pet. Ensure their safety and comfort onboard. Contact us and book your yacht charter today for a journey you both will cherish.