Embarking with Furry Friends: A Yacht Charter Guide
A yacht charter is one of the best opportunities to spend quality time with your friends and family. And for many of us, this includes our beloved pets. Happily, thanks to relaxed international regulations, it has become much easier to travel with the four-legged members of your household in recent years and yachting is no different.
Many yachts have historically been reluctant to welcome pets on board for fear of damage to the incredible vessels and customs complications. However, obedient furry friends (and their rule-abiding owners) are allowed on some charter vessels.
Just as first-time charter guests will learn about the nuances and safety regulations of life on a yacht – no high-heeled shoes on the deck, for example – it’s vital that any four-legged friends behave while on board. At the minimum, pets should be toilet trained, friendly, and accustomed to being on a leash before they start their charter journey.
Pets on Board: What to know before you go
As with people, pets need to have documentation to travel around the world. Permits, passports, and veterinary certificates may be required ahead of a charter and it’s important to understand what your furry friend needs before embarking on a trip.
To safeguard against the spread of disease, a European pet passport requires blood tests and proof of up-to-date vaccinations. In the Caribbean, pet permits need to be issued in advance of arrival and The United States requires a rabies certificate for any foreign pets visiting its shores. Some destinations (such as the British Virgin Islands) will have a vet examine your pet upon arrival at the port. Australia is one of the strictest places to visit with a pet, as well as providing vaccinations and veterinary certificates, all animals will need to be quarantined upon arrival.
In addition to all the relevant paperwork for traveling with your pet, it is recommended that you bring medication and emergency supplies – just in case. Pet-friendly accessories such as portable potties are a good idea to make life easier for you, your pet, and the crew. And for ultimate peace of mind, we would also suggest purchasing an appropriately sized life jacket and GPS tracker for your furry friend.
Traveling to sunny climes is one of the most attractive features of a yacht charter. However, it is important to think about the health and comfort of your pet in warmer weather. Although they can relax and sit in the air-conditioned comfort of the yacht’s interior, it’s well worth considering that some destinations in the heat of the summer (such as Greece or Turkey) may not be the best option for you and your charter group if you have a pet on board. Remember that dogs can suffer from heat stroke and sunburn, so it’s important to keep them hydrated and cool while on board.
Finally, if possible, make sure your pet will adjust well to life at sea ahead of time. Your charter experience may be marred if your dog is worried or stressed out by life on a vessel. Ensure that they have some experience on the water (even if it’s just a lake or river) so staying on a yacht is an easy transition.
Your charter manager will be equipped with all the knowledge and necessary information you need to travel with your pet. If you’re planning to bring your four-legged family member on the trip, make sure to let us know ahead of time to ensure a smooth process for all.
