Top Rated Kayak for Dogs Reviews

Dogs, affectionately known as “man’s best friend”, are a wonderful companion for anyone that enjoys adventure. Many dogs are quite comfortable on the water, and can make a perfect (and adorable) kayaking buddy!

But before you can set off on your kayaking adventures with your furry friend, you need to find a kayak that is suitable for dogs.

Best Kayaks for Kayaking with Your Dog

Below we have compiled a list of a few kayaks that we believe are the best kayaks available for tandem kayaking with your best, non-human friend!

The kayaks that are most suitable for kayaking with a dog are sit-on-top kayaks, as it much easier for the dogs to get in and out of it. Depending of the size of your dog, your kayak does not always have to be tandem, but in saying that, the tandem kayak is absolutely perfect for kayaking with a pet, as there is ample space for the both of you, as well as for all of your gear.

1. Lifetime 10 Foot Sport Fisher Tandem Kayak

 

Like most of the other kayaks on this list, the Lifetime 10 Foot Sport Fisher Tandem Kayak is a sit-on-top kayak. The weight capacity of this kayak is quite high, making it a good choice if you have a pup of a larger breed. While you are able to seat three people in this kayak, it is better to go just yourself and your dog. This kayak is stable and comfortable.

What we like:

  • The weight capacity for this kayak is an impressive 500 pounds (or 227 kilograms), which means that it can hold the weight of you and a large dog
  • This kayak is incredibly stable, which is perfect for dogs getting into and out of the kayak after a swim
  • This kayak has adjustable seats, which is great when kayaking with your dog as you can adjust the seat to give your dog more or less space
  • This kayak has moulded paddle holders and fishing rod holders, which means that you are securely able to store your things
  • This kayak has moulded foot rests
  • This kayak comes with adjustable and padded backrests

What we didn’t like:

  • This kayak is unfortunately on the more expensive side when it comes to the other kayaks on this list
  • This kayak is a bit more difficult to steer (especially when you are kayaking with a larger, and heavier dog, and it it is not suitable for rough waters
  • There is very little storage space

2. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak

 

The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak is able to accommodate two people and one small dog, or one person and one large dog. This kayak does well on placid lakes, as well as on choppier waters like rivers. This kayak can hold up to 425 pounds (or 193 kilograms), which makes it perfect for those with bigger dogs. This kayak has a large beam so it is incredibly steady.

What we like:

  • This kayak has three seat wells so that more than just you can kayak with your dog
  • This kayak has adjustable seats to create more space if you have a larger pet you want to kayak with
  • This kayak has moulded foot wells for more powerful paddling which is useful if it just you and your pup on the water (as your pup can’t paddle!)

What we didn’t like:

  • This kayak is very heavy, so if it is just you and your dog, you will have no one to help you with getting onto your vehicle, off of your vehicle and onto and out of the water
  • This kayak does not have a lot of storage space

3. Sevylor Coleman Colorado Tandem Inflatable Kayak

 

The Sevylor Coleman Colorado Tandem Inflatable Kayak is the perfect kayak for one adult and a large dog. This inflatable kayak only weighs 37 pounds (or 17 kilograms), but can hold 370 pounds (or 168 kilograms). As well as being able to hold a lot of weight, this kayak is also very stable, a must for dogs.

What we like:

  • This inflatable kayak is constructed of denier nylon and denier tarpaulin, and is puncture resistant, incredibly durable and robust
  • This kayak comes with adjustable seats, making this kayak very comfortable for both you and your dog
  • This inflatable kayak comes with a double threaded Boston valve, as well as a built-in pressure gauge which allows for easy deflation and inflation
  • This kayak has built in handles, which makes the kayak easier to carry, which is good as your dog probably won’t help you with this!

What we didn’t like:

  • This kayak is not made for performance, it is better for lazy or more casual kayaking
  • As far as inflatable kayaks go, this model may not last as long as other inflatable kayaks

4. Old Town Canoes and Kayaks Heron 11XT Recreational Kayak

 

The Old Town Canoes and Kayaks Heron 11XT Recreational Kayak is perfect for you if you and your furry friend are just starting out on your kayaking adventure. This kayak is eleven feet long but weighs only 49 pounds (or 22 kilograms), so it is quite easy to transport by yourself.

What we like:

  • This kayak is built for comfort (for both you and your pup), it includes thigh and knee pads, as well an adjustable seat
  • The cockpit of this kayak is quite large, which is good as both you and your pup will be sharing it!

What we didn’t like:

  • The weight capacity of this kayak is only 325 pounds (or 147 kilograms), so this kayak is not suitable for an adult and a larger dog
  • There is no cover for the storage area, meaning that you should probably purchase some waterproof storage bags or cases to keep your valuable gear inside of for safety

5. Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 Foot Sit-On-Top Kayak

 

The Sun Dolphin Bali SS Sit-On-Top Kayak is really easy to get in and out of for both you and your dog, meaning that if anything was to ever go wrong, you are your best friend can get out safely and quickly.

What we like:

  • The beam of this kayak is 30 inches (or 76 centimeters), making this kayak very stable, which is good for the more excitable, boisterous pups!
  • Comfort is key in this kayak, as it includes knee and thigh braces, an adjustable seat (meaning you can create comfortable space for your pup), adjustable foot braces and cup holders
  • This kayak has a lot of storage space and also includes a waterproof container which can be towed behind, a dry storage compartment and shock cords which keeps all of your (and your pup’s) gear safely in place

What we didn’t like:

  • The weight capacity of this kayak is only 250 pounds (or 113 kilograms) which means that this kayak is not good for kayaking with larger dogs, as you, your dog and your gear needs to not exceed this weight limit

6. Perception Kayak High Life 11

 

Another sit-on-top, 30 inch beam wide kayak, the Perception Kayak High Life 11 is incredibly stable, which is a really good and safe choice if you have a large dog. This kayak does well on lakes, rivers, and even in the ocean, so if your dog is comfortable in those waters, the sky is the limit!

What we like:

  • This kayak is comfortable for both you and your dog. This kayak is a great choice for the taller kayaker, as the seat sits higher in this kayak than most
  • This kayak has a weight capacity of 350 pounds (or 159 kilograms)
  • This kayak has foot molds and adjustable seats for comfort

What we didn’t like:

  • This kayak is on the more expensive side

What Kind of Kayaks are Best for Kayaking with Dogs

There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when choosing the right kayak for getting onto the water with a dog. Dogs are not as predictable as human kayaking partners, so you need to think about the safety of you as well as your lovable pet!

  • The size and weight of your dog
  • How stable the kayak is (can it accommodate you and your dog, especially if your dog is easily excitable and tends to move around a lot?)
  • How much gear are you bringing along for both your and your dog? Are you bringing a dog bed etc
  • How comfortable do you need the kayak to be? Looking into adjustable seats and the like could make your day on the water with your furry friend a lot more enjoyable for the both of you!

Accessories to Make kayaking with Your Dog as Safe as Possible

Now that you’ve found the perfect kayak for you and your dog, you should look into a few safety accessories. Dogs are very capable and tough creatures, but you want to make sure that they are totally comfortable and that you have the right tools for any situation that may arise!

A Lifejacket; while most dogs are comfortable and able swimmers, dogs will also get tired and choppy waters will be difficult for them to navigate. Make sure your pup is as buoyant as possible! These life jackets also tend to have a handle on the top (or on the part that covers the back of your dog), so if your dog is smaller you can actually lift them out of the water, or if they are larger you can pull them towards you or direct them.

A First Aid Kit for Dogs; first aids kits for dogs are available as is, or you can put together your own. Make sure that your kit includes and emergency blanket, absorbent gauze, scissors, tweezers and an ice pack.

Sunscreen for Dogs; sunscreen may be something you do not equate with dogs, but your dog’s nose could very well become burnt during your day kayaking in the sun.

A Harness and Dog Leash; you do not always have to have your pup on the leash, but it is definitely a great idea to have it in the kayak with you just in case! It may also come in handy when guiding your dog into and out of the kayak.

A Few Tips to Take into Account when Heading Out onto the Water with Your Dog

Below we have compiled a short list of things to consider to ensure that you and your beloved pet have fun out on the water!

  • Check with your vet before you head out; be sure to discuss the area in which you are going to be kayaking, as there may be risks of water-borne parasites. Your vet will also be able to direct you to some dog CPR training and safety courses that will be immensely helpful!
  • Spend some time becoming familiar with the kayak; before heading out onto the water, let you pup get used to the kayak. Allow your dog to walk around in the kayak and get used to sitting in their seat. When your dog is comfortable with this, try getting your dog to just walk around and sit in the kayak in still, shallow water.
  • Begin kayaking with your furry friend on very still waters; when you are starting out tandem kayaking with your dog, do not start on rough or strong waters. Your dog could get spooked and it is potentially very dangerous for you both!
  • Be prepared for your trip; make sure you pack all of your safety gear, that we mentioned above, as well as a water bowl and water, snacks and even toys, so that all of your pup’s needs are taken care of.
  • Training your dog to get into and out of the kayak; while easy for you, getting into and out of the kayak will be very new to your pup! It is advisable to train your dog to jump in and out of the kayak on dry land first, then to move onto getting in and out in calmer waters. It is important to have your dog feel comfortable doing this!
  • Be mindful of when your dog has had enough; Your endurance and the endurance of your pup may be very different. You might be having the time of your life, but your dog may get tired much easier. Make sure that you are listening to the needs of your best friend and quit when they are exhibiting signs of fear or fatigue.