For many of our guests, a family holiday would not feel complete without their dog. A yacht charter can offer a wonderful opportunity to spend time together, from quiet mornings on deck to walks in a new harbour. Bringing a pet aboard does, however, require a little more planning. At The Yacht Collection, we help you explore suitable yachts and establish the arrangements early, so you know what to expect before stepping on board.
Finding the Right Yacht
Not every charter yacht welcomes pets, and those that do may consider each request individually. Your dog’s size, breed, temperament and experience on the water can all influence the owner’s decision. Most yachts may also request a reference from a previous charter or another hospitality provider like a private jet company or a hotel.
Let us know at the beginning of your enquiry that your dog will be joining you. Sharing their details allows us to focus on appropriate options from the beginning.
Additional Costs – Pet supplement, Pet cleaning fee, Refundable Pet security deposit
The cost of bringing a dog varies between yachts. There may be a pet supplement, an additional cleaning charge or a refundable security deposit. These are separate arrangements, and it is important to understand which apply to your charter.
A pet supplement is an agreed charge for accommodating your companion. Additional cleaning may be charged separately, while a security deposit provides protection against potential damage or other agreed liabilities. On some superyachts, this deposit can be substantial.
Before you commit, we can help clarify the proposed charges, what is refundable and the conditions governing any deductions. There is no standard animal fee across the charter fleet, so every arrangement should be reviewed for the individual yacht.
Preparing Your Dog’s Travel Documents
Your itinerary matters as much as your choice of yacht. Each country visited may have its own requirements, and the journey to your embarkation port must also be considered.
For travel between EU countries, dogs generally require a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport. The microchip must be in place before the vaccination for travel purposes, and a primary rabies vaccination normally involves a waiting period of at least 21 days.
Arriving from outside the EU can involve an animal health certificate and further requirements. Some destinations require specific parasite treatments, permits or entry procedures. Discuss your proposed journey with your vet early and check official guidance for every relevant destination, including your return.
Making Life on Board Comfortable
The right yacht should suit your dog’s everyday needs. Boarding arrangements, stairs between decks and transfers by tender deserve particular attention, especially for larger dogs or pets with reduced mobility.
Ask about shaded places to rest, suitable outdoor spaces and any restrictions concerning cabins, seating or interior areas. Bringing familiar bedding, favourite toys and your dog’s usual food can help make the surroundings feel reassuring.
Equipment varies from yacht to yacht. Confirm whether bowls, a suitable buoyancy aid or other pet accessories can be provided, and bring anything essential that has not been expressly arranged.
A properly fitted dog life jacket is strongly recommended, even for confident swimmers, particularly while cruising or transferring by tender. Although it is not universally required by law, the captain or the yacht’s safety policy may require your dog to wear one. Confirm the arrangements before departure and choose a model with a lifting handle to help recover your dog from the water.
Planning Walks and Toilet Breaks
A comfortable routine makes a difference to everyone aboard. Before departure, discuss where your dog will relieve themselves and whether a designated area with artificial grass or a suitable toilet mat can be arranged.
We recommend considering your dog’s routine when discussing the itinerary. Harbour visits and suitable landing places can offer opportunities for walks, but access ashore depends on weather, local rules and safe tender operations. An onboard toilet arrangement remains useful even when regular walks are planned.
Bring waste bags and agree on cleaning and disposal arrangements with the crew.
Explore pet-friendly yacht charter options with The Yacht Collection and let us help you find the right yacht for you and your four-legged companion.
