Are life jackets provided for dogs on boating holidays?

Life jackets are provided on all hire boats for human passengers. Dog buoyancy aids are not routinely provided by hire operators, although some Norfolk Broads boatyards offer dog life jackets for a small deposit. Waterways Holidays recommends purchasing your own dog buoyancy aid before your holiday — choose one with a strong handle on the back for ease of lifting your dog from the water if needed.

Pet Friendly Boating Holidays

Q: Can I bring pets other than dogs on a boating holiday?

Yes — we have welcomed a variety of different pets on board hire boats over the years, from cats to guinea pigs and even parrots. If bringing small furry animals, please ensure they are kept securely in their cage at all times on board. If you are unsure whether your pet would be suitable for a boating holiday, call the Waterways Holidays team on 01252 796400 for friendly, personalised advice.

Waterways Holidays offers the largest choice of pet friendly boating holidays across the UK canals and on the Norfolk Broads. Whether you are planning a canal boat holiday with your dog, or hiring a boat to take the family on the Norfolk Broads, exploring the UK Waterways on a boat is the perfect way to holiday with your four-legged companion.

Dogs love being with the 'family pack' and enjoy the ever changing surroundings. And there is plenty of wildlife for them to watch!

Most boats are pet friendly and many waterside pubs will allow dogs in the bar area or garden. The canals typically follow alongside the towpath, so plenty of opportunities to stop and stretch your legs. For those choosing to hire a boat on the Broads, there is a great selection of walks available from designated moorings.

All boats are thoroughly cleaned before each handover, but if you'd prefer a pet free boat, please tick the appropriate box in the advanced search options.

Not just for dogs

We have welcomed a variety of different pets aboard, so if you don't want to leave your hamster or guinea pig behind, you can still bring them along. Just make sure they are kept securely in their cage as there are plenty of nooks and crannies on-board a boat for them to hide in and they could cause damage to furnishings and wiring!

African grey parrots, cockatiels, a minor bird and budgies are some of the feathered varieties who have come along, but please don't put them too close to the curtains, as they are a popular form of bedding!

One special pet was 'Crispy' the Peking duck. He wore a smart bow tie and a nappy with frilly pants. Of course, he took them off when he went in for a swim.

Is there a cost?

Some of the pet friendly boats permit one pet free of charge, and others ask for a small charge of between £25 to £55 per pet. This small cost is much better value than finding a pet sitter or kennels and your pet probably prefers it too! On some of our narrowboats, the boatyards will happily accept up to 4 pets without charge, depending on the size of the boat.

Please be aware that some of our smaller 'sports style' cruisers on the Norfolk Broads only have room for one small dog, so you may need to choose your boat with your pet in mind.

Please remember it's your pet and therefore your responsibility. If he or she causes any damage to the boat, the boat operator would expect this to be paid for, as they cannot insure their boats against pet damage.

Narrowboat, cruiser or yacht?

If you choose a narrowboat holiday on the canals, it's so easy to get on and off the boat with your four legged friend at a lock or in a bridge-hole and take a leisurely stroll along the towpath while comfortably keeping pace with the boat.

Take a lock key with you and then you're ready to set the next lock for your crew as you will probably reach it before them.

On the Norfolk Broads, nearly all our cruisers and all of our yachts welcome pets. We tend to suggest the forward steering cruisers for larger dogs, or older pets that might struggle with steps, as they are generally all one level inside.

You have plenty of opportunities to hop off your hire boat and take a lovely walk in the surrounding villages and countryside.

The forward steering cruisers and yachts should be able to pass under the lowest bridge at Potter Heigham; we recommend you cruise or sail to Horsey Mere and moor in the dyke by Horsey windpump. From here it's a very pleasant 30 minute walk across fields (mind out for the cows and keep your dog on a lead) to the gap in the sea defences (Horsey Gap), which leads onto a magnificent beach.

In the late autumn and early spring there may be seals on the beach, but if there aren't any you can let your dog have the run of the sands. Return via the pub, the Nelson Head, for a well deserved pint and bite to eat.

Safety first!

Buoyancy aids are offered on arrival for all the crew and some boatyards, particularly those on the Broads, will provide a doggy life jacket for a small deposit. Alternatively you can purchase your own doggy lifejacket online. We suggest you choose one with a good handle along the top which will be useful for pulling Fido out of the water.

If you are not sure how to start looking for your perfect pet friendly boating holiday, why not give us a call on 01252 796400?

As well as being keen boaters, we all have pets and would be happy to help and offer inspiration.

Pet Friendly Boating Holidays - Frequently asked Questions

Absolutely. Pets are permitted on the majority of the hire boats available on Waterways Holidays, with a limited number of boats kept pet free for those with allergies. Whether you are looking to hire a boat on the Norfolk Broads, or opting for a traditional narrowboat holiday on the UK canals, boating is an ideal option for dog owners. Offering miles of towpaths and open countryside for walking, and a relaxed pace that dogs love. When searching the Waterways Holidays website, you can tick to show pet friendly boats.

It depends on the boat you pick, extra costs including pet charges are shown under the full boat details on a search results page. Some of our boats permit pets free of charge, while others are subject to a small fee, typically between £25 and £55 per pet for the duration of the holiday. A small number of boatyards accept up to four pets on larger boats.

Yes — the majority of motor cruisers and yachts on the Broads welcome pets on board. The Norfolk Broads is a wonderful destination for dog owners, offering a variety of beautiful walks.

Yes, although limited on space, the traditional narrowboats are great for taking pets onboard. The towpaths running alongside the canals are great for stopping for dog walking and the slow pace of canal boating is ideal for dogs of all ages and sizes.

Generally there is a maximum of two pets permitted on board, although terms do vary. Some operators will accept up to four pets on larger boats. Full details are listed within our search results. If you have a specific requirement regarding the number of pets, one of our friendly team will be happy to advise, just call 01252 796400 and we can help find a suitable option.

Although some boatyards will permit a cat on-board, we do advise that your cat might not be very comfortable on a hire boat as the boat’s engine noise can be disconcerting. There is also a risk of them escaping when moored. We are more than happy to advise if you would still like to bring a cat, just give us a call and we can let you know if it is possible depending on the boat or location you have in mind.

Life jackets are provided on all hire boats for human passengers. Dog buoyancy aids are not routinely provided by hire operators, although some Norfolk Broads boatyards offer dog life jackets for a small deposit. We recommend purchasing your own dog buoyancy aid before your holiday — choose one with a strong handle on the back for ease of lifting your dog from the water if needed.

On the UK canals, a narrowboat with a cruiser stern is the best choice for dog owners, as the open rear deck provides the most space and makes it easiest to get on and off the boat with your dog. On the Norfolk Broads, forward steering motor cruisers are recommended for larger dogs or older pets, as they are all on one level throughout, making access easier.

Canal boat holidays are exceptional for dog walking. The towpaths running alongside the UK's canals provide safe, traffic-free walking for dogs throughout your entire holiday. On the Norfolk Broads, there are beautiful riverside walks, nature reserves, and open countryside accessible directly from your hire boat moorings. Many waterside pubs along both the canals and the Norfolk Broads welcome well-behaved dogs.

Yes — Waterways Holidays has welcomed a variety of different pets on board hire boats over the years, from cats to guinea pigs and even parrots. If bringing small furry animals, please ensure they are kept securely in their cage at all times on board.