Can Dogs Go On Jet Skis? Tips To Stay Safe & Have Fun

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Personal watercraft are a great way to spend time on the water. They’re also a blast to ride fast. 

As with most of your favorite activities, you don’t want your dog to miss out on all the fun. So, can dogs go on jet skis?

Below is everything you need to know about taking your dog on a jet ski.

Table of Contents

Best Types Of Jet Skis For Dogs

Personal watercraft are divided into two categories: stand-up and sit-down.

Stand-up jet skis are not a viable option for dogs. They are simply too small. 

Sit-down jet skis come in all sizes, and some models have more room for dogs than others. The two main brands of sit-down personal watercraft are Jet Ski and Sea-Doo.

Can Dogs Go On Jet Skis

Jet Ski is a more performance-based brand focused on speed and performing tricks.

Sea-Doos are larger and targeted more towards families that simply want an easy way to enjoy the water.

It is possible to take your dog on a Jet Ski, but it will be a much more enjoyable time for both of you if you opt for the more accommodating Sea-Doo. Both brands make a variety of models that come in different sizes.

Do your research online and post in forums about personal watercraft to get recommendations from others on specific models that are good for dogs.

Unfortunately, most Jet Ski and Sea-Doo dealerships will probably not be inclined to let you stop by with your dog, but you could always call in advance and ask.

What To Bring

While your dog doesn’t need to have much gear to enjoy a ride on a jet ski, there are a couple of things to have handy to ensure that you both have a good time.

The packing list for jet skiing with your dog isn’t much different than it would be for taking your dog on a boat.

Life Jacket

Most people assume that all dogs are excellent swimmers, and while this may be true of some dogs, there are plenty who don’t swim very well. 

Regardless of which camp your dog may be in, it is always important to have your dog wear a properly fitted life jacket when out on the water.

This is particularly important if taking your dog on a jet ski. Personal watercraft are fast and accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. 

If your dog falls off your jet ski, it might take a few minutes for you to get turned around and back to them for a pickup.

A life jacket will ensure that your dog doesn’t wear itself out and drown during that time. 

Also, be sure to get a brightly colored one as a dark dog floating in dark waters will be difficult to spot without something to help identify them. 

Lastly, most life jackets come with a handle attached to the back to make lifting your dog out of the water or onto a jet ski or dock a breeze.

Doggie Boots

While dogs usually wear boots for their own protection from either snow or hot pavement, dogs going on jet skis need to wear boots to protect the jet ski, not their paws. 

Dog nails are no match for the fiberglass or carbon-fiber footwell of a jet ski. 

To prevent scratches to your personal watercraft, be sure to invest in a quality pair of dog boots. Amazon carries plenty of options for your pup to choose from. You might also want to swing by a local pet store to try some before deciding on a pair.

Like with anything new, your dog might not seem too happy about wearing boots in the beginning. 

To get them used to the boots, have them wear them around the house or outside for a few minutes every day and gradually increase the length of time until your dog can tolerate them well.

Short Bungee Leash

It’s important to make sure that you have a short bungee leash with you for your jet ski ride. It is dangerous to tie a dog to a watercraft because if the jet ski sinks the dog could drown. 

However, jet skis are very small and your dog could easily fall off if you’re not holding onto them. As such, you need to have them on a short bungee leash at all times. 

The bungee component will allow the leash to stretch more and avoid jerking movements should your dog fall off the jet ski or jump onto a dock or a beach unexpectedly.

Doggles

Most dogs tolerate wind in their faces well, but some dogs can have eye issues or preferences that make it unpleasant for them. To solve this, you can buy your furry friend a pair of goggles specifically designed for dogs.

Many come in tints that also protect against dangerous UV rays that can reflect off the water. All dog goggles come with chin and behind-the-ear straps to ensure a snug fit for your dog.

Doggles is a company with a variety of products to fit most pets, needs, and budgets.

Jack Russel in Snorkel Gear

Where Should Your Dog Sit On A Jet Ski

Now that you have the necessary gear and you’ve checked local laws, it’s time to get on the water.

But where do you put your dog on the jet ski? The answer will depend on the size of your jet ski and your dog.

Smaller dogs can easily ride sitting on the seat in between your legs with their front paws on the cover between the seat and the handlebars. For larger dogs, the best place for a new rider is in the footwell of the jet ski next to one of your legs.

If your dog is riding in the footwell and is new to being on a jet ski, keep your leg draped over them to help them feel more secure. This is also important to do during turns when the jet ski banks as your dog could fall off.

Once your dog has gotten a feel for riding and has been on the jet ski a few times, they can move to the backseat. Rather than laying along the top of the backseat, it’s better if they drape themselves over it so they have better balance.

In the end, it comes down to what is comfortable for your dog and works well for you.

How to Keep Your Dog Comfortable

To ensure that your dog has a good time and wants to go out again in the future, do the following to help them adjust to the jet ski on their first couple of rides.

  • Accelerate slowly
  • Make some slow S-turns to get them used to the balance of the jet ski as it turns
  • Keep a leg or arm over your dog to provide a better sense of security
  • Check on your dog regularly to let them know that you’re still paying attention

Not every dog is going to enjoy riding a jet ski, but incorporating the above on the introductory ride should make the transition to jet ski life a little easier for your pooch.

Safety

Dog safety on jet skis mostly comes down to common sense.

Always have your dog in a life jacket when around water. Make sure your dog can swim confidently before taking them on any type of watercraft, even if you have them in a life jacket. 

Keep your dog on a short bungee leash while riding so you can easily grab them if you need to. Also, hold onto your dog or the leash while docking, so your dog doesn’t try to jump on the dock prematurely and fall between the dock and jet ski.

A Word About Laws

Personal watercraft rules for dogs are similar to dogs on boat rentals.

While there are no federal laws regulating dogs on personal watercraft or any other type of vessel, there might be local laws that apply. 

To keep yourself out of trouble, check with your local Fish and Wildlife or Parks and Recreation departments to make sure taking a dog on a jet ski is allowed and also what, if anything, you might need to have with you to keep you both compliant with local regulations.

Lastly, be sure to not only check local laws regarding having a dog on a jet ski, but also the laws for any local beaches or islands you might visit on your trip.

Unfortunately, not all beaches are dog friendly.

Conclusion

There are plenty of dogs who love riding jet skis with their owners at the beach or lake.

If you think your dog might be one of them, then grab some dog boots and a life jacket and hit the waves on a Sea-Doo.

The adventure just might bring you and your best friend even closer.

Growing up in Florida, I’ve been surrounded by saltwater my entire life…and I love sharing my passion with others.

To learn more about why I started Saltwater Mecca, visit the ABOUT page.

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