Pet Friendly
A UK Canal Boating Article
Category : General
We know how important your dog is to you and your family and that is why we welcome pets at the majority our Marinas.
A charge may be payable for your pet(s). Please see the booking form for more details. If the boat does not allow pets, it will state this on the booking form.
Your dog will love a Canal Boat Holiday and with miles and miles of traffic free walking it's no wonder. A canal boat is the perfect way of taking a holiday with your dog and the towpath is perfect for dog walking.
Because our canal boats only travel at 3 miles per hour it is not difficult to keep up if you and your dog feel like a stroll. Most canal side pubs welcome dogs and what better way to enjoy the end of a walk with a nice pint and a cool bowl of water.
We respectfully ask that you keep them off the furnishings. It is very important to be a considerate dog owner when walking along side the waterways and vital that you keep your dog under control at all times. A lot of wildlife make their homes on the canal banks and on many parts of the waterways the towpath will back onto farm land.
If you do take a walk along a path field make sure that you close the gates and never let your dog run loose as there may be livestock close by. Your dog may love to swim but the canals can be a dangerous place for your pet so keep you dog out of the water. Always clear up after your dog as the tow paths are used by fishermen, walkers, cyclists and families.
What to bring
Your dog's usual basket may be too big to fit on the canal boat but please bring some bedding – If you pack their usual blankets they will be quite happy.
Some dogs are used to cages and there is usually room for these in the saloon, however if it is a big cage this will make it impossible to put the table up.
Don't forget to pack their bowls, toys, leads and most important their favourite food and treats. You may want to pack an old towel just in case your dog gets wet.
Poo bags, they are a must, make sure you have a good supply both on and off the canal boat.
You can if you wish invest in a dog life jacket in case your dog accidentally goes overboard. Most marine stores sell these or buy one online. River and canal banks are often sheer and most dog life jackets have a handle, so it is easier to get hold of him and lift him out safely.
Most dogs do not mind wearing one but if you buy it in advance your dog will have plenty of time to get used to the idea.
Things to be aware of things to a aware of:
Please keep pets off the upholstery.
Try not to let your dog from drink from the river or the canal, make sure clean drinking water is available at all times on board and off.
When working locks one person will be steering the canal boat and one person will be concentrating on the lock. This means that if you have a crew of two, neither of you can keep an eye on your dog. It is not advisable to let your dog run loose at locks as they can be dangerous places.
Make sure you dog is wearing a collar and has some form of ID including your mobile number, don't forget you are away from home so your land line number will be no good.
The Dog Blog – What Bella said - Pet Friendly Canal Boat Holidays
I love my canal boat holidays as there are lots of walks along the towpath and new people and other dogs to meet.
The back end of the boat was much easier for me to get on and off but just remind your humans to watch out as you jump on and off.
I was not so keen on the tunnels and I was better off in side the cabin with the light on.
My humans had to be careful that I did not run about at the locks and I must admit it did look like it could be dangerous, especially if I jumped into the lock when it was being filled or empted.
I love watching the wildlife but I was not allowed to chase the ducks, I thought this was unfair, but my humans explained that the birds could be nesting. Or even worse if I rang to far away I might loose them.
Most of the canal side pubs were friendly and welcomed me and my humans just so long as they were well behaved.
I cannot wait until my next canal boat holiday – so please book again soon
For more pet related information, check out the Canal and River Trust 'A dogs guide' : https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/walking/dog-walking-on-our-canals-and-rivers
A charge may be payable for your pet(s). Please see the booking form for more details. If the boat does not allow pets, it will state this on the booking form.
Your dog will love a Canal Boat Holiday and with miles and miles of traffic free walking it's no wonder. A canal boat is the perfect way of taking a holiday with your dog and the towpath is perfect for dog walking.
Because our canal boats only travel at 3 miles per hour it is not difficult to keep up if you and your dog feel like a stroll. Most canal side pubs welcome dogs and what better way to enjoy the end of a walk with a nice pint and a cool bowl of water.
We respectfully ask that you keep them off the furnishings. It is very important to be a considerate dog owner when walking along side the waterways and vital that you keep your dog under control at all times. A lot of wildlife make their homes on the canal banks and on many parts of the waterways the towpath will back onto farm land.
If you do take a walk along a path field make sure that you close the gates and never let your dog run loose as there may be livestock close by. Your dog may love to swim but the canals can be a dangerous place for your pet so keep you dog out of the water. Always clear up after your dog as the tow paths are used by fishermen, walkers, cyclists and families.
What to bring
Your dog's usual basket may be too big to fit on the canal boat but please bring some bedding – If you pack their usual blankets they will be quite happy.
Some dogs are used to cages and there is usually room for these in the saloon, however if it is a big cage this will make it impossible to put the table up.
Don't forget to pack their bowls, toys, leads and most important their favourite food and treats. You may want to pack an old towel just in case your dog gets wet.
Poo bags, they are a must, make sure you have a good supply both on and off the canal boat.
You can if you wish invest in a dog life jacket in case your dog accidentally goes overboard. Most marine stores sell these or buy one online. River and canal banks are often sheer and most dog life jackets have a handle, so it is easier to get hold of him and lift him out safely.
Most dogs do not mind wearing one but if you buy it in advance your dog will have plenty of time to get used to the idea.
Things to be aware of things to a aware of:
Please keep pets off the upholstery.
Try not to let your dog from drink from the river or the canal, make sure clean drinking water is available at all times on board and off.
When working locks one person will be steering the canal boat and one person will be concentrating on the lock. This means that if you have a crew of two, neither of you can keep an eye on your dog. It is not advisable to let your dog run loose at locks as they can be dangerous places.
Make sure you dog is wearing a collar and has some form of ID including your mobile number, don't forget you are away from home so your land line number will be no good.
The Dog Blog – What Bella said - Pet Friendly Canal Boat Holidays
I love my canal boat holidays as there are lots of walks along the towpath and new people and other dogs to meet.
The back end of the boat was much easier for me to get on and off but just remind your humans to watch out as you jump on and off.
I was not so keen on the tunnels and I was better off in side the cabin with the light on.
My humans had to be careful that I did not run about at the locks and I must admit it did look like it could be dangerous, especially if I jumped into the lock when it was being filled or empted.
I love watching the wildlife but I was not allowed to chase the ducks, I thought this was unfair, but my humans explained that the birds could be nesting. Or even worse if I rang to far away I might loose them.
Most of the canal side pubs were friendly and welcomed me and my humans just so long as they were well behaved.
I cannot wait until my next canal boat holiday – so please book again soon
For more pet related information, check out the Canal and River Trust 'A dogs guide' : https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/walking/dog-walking-on-our-canals-and-rivers
Holiday Bases
n/a
Canals
n/a
Rivers
n/a
Places to Visit
n/a