Taking Your Dog On An Airboat? Here’s What You Should Know

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Airboats work exceptionally well for accessing shallow, marshy, or swampy areas that conventional boats just cant reach.

But what if you want to bring along your family pet or best bird dog for the airboating adventure?

Below is an overview of what you need to know before taking off to keep you and you pup safe on an airboat.

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Table of Contents

Are Dogs Allowed On Airboats?

There are very few laws regulating airboats, but be sure to check local laws before heading out to ensure that your best friend can join you. 

Most tour boat companies allow small to medium-sized dogs to come along for the ride. It is important to notify the tour company that a dog will be coming onboard when you make the reservation.

Taking Your Dog On An Airboat? Here’s What You Should Know

If you are going on a privately owned airboat, then check with the owner beforehand. It is also important to note that most airboats are fairly small, so there will be limited space for larger breeds.

Are Dogs Afraid Of Airboats?

This depends on the dog. Some dogs are terrified of loud noises and cower during thunderstorms. Other dogs don’t seem to be bothered by anything from sirens to fireworks. 

The best way to know how your dog will do on an airboat is to gauge how they handle noisy environments in their everyday life.

The motion of an airboat should be less of a concern. Most dogs are used to riding in cars and many enjoy spending time on traditional boats.

Of course, make the transition to airboats slowly and be on the lookout for indicators that your dog might not be enjoying themselves.

How To Protect A Dog’s Hearing On An Airboat

Mutt Muffs make dog-specific ear muffs in a variety of sizes to fit all dogs and are available on Amazon. While you might get some resistance from your dog initially, most dogs will adjust to wearing them with practice. 

Airboats are notorious for being loud as they are propelled by either automotive or airplane engines placed directly behind the driver. To protect your dog’s hearing, invest in a quality pair of ear muffs. 

You May Also Like: What To Bring For Dogs On A Boat – The Essential Packing List

How to Protect A Dog’s Vision On An Airboat

Doggles sells dog goggles on Amazon with a chin strap, as well as a strap that goes behind the ears, in a variety of sizes and tints. These are also a good idea to protect your dog’s eyes from damaging UV rays that can reflect off the water.

Most airboats travel at about 40-50mph. Due to the wind speed and the possibility of insects or other debris getting in your dog’s eyes, it is not a bad idea to purchase a pair of goggles for your dog if you plan to take them on airboats regularly. 

Where Should A Dog Sit On An Airboat?

This is debatable. The most common place for a dog, and the safest, is on the foot stand right next to the driver’s or passenger’s feet. This location allows you to easily grab your dog if necessary. It also keeps them away from the propeller.

The other place that most dogs ride is up on the bow of the boat. This can be dangerous as most airboats are flat on the bow and if the boat hits mud and deaccelerates rapidly, a dog could easily be launched off the front of the boat. 

There have been numerous incidents of dogs being run over by an airboat they’ve fallen off of. Play it safe and keep your pup close by your feet.

How To Keep Your Dog Safe On An Airboat

Airboats need to be properly balanced to operate correctly. Dogs need to sit or lay in one place on the boat while it is underway to keep it from capsizing and sinking. A large dog running around on an airboat is a recipe for disaster.

There is great debate as to whether or not a dog should be tied to the boat by a leash or other means. As previously mentioned, dogs can fall off the bow and be run over if not properly secured to the boat. 

On the other hand, there have been several reports of dogs drowning in airboat sinkings when they have been tied to the boat for safety purposes and couldn’t be cut free in time.

The most ideal situation is to have your dog on a leash being held by a passenger on the airboat. The driver will have their hands full with operating the boat, but if you are going out solo, you can place the leash under your foot or sit on it as well.

Other Options For Securing Your Dog

  • Use a J-shaped hook attached to the rigging to hold the leash which can then be slipped off the hook easily in an emergency.
  • Use cross ties for horses that have a quick release for emergency use, but will not come untied if your dog moves or fights against it.

There is no right or wrong answer to the question of whether or not to secure your dog to the boat. 

Just make sure that if you do secure your dog there is a quick release method for the attachment, and that it is brightly colored as most airboats operate in murky water that will limit visibility once underwater in the event the boat sinks.

A Word About Alligators

Unfortunately, most of the environments that are conducive to airboats are also home to alligators. Gators are prehistoric predators that will see your dog only as food and not as your beloved pet. 

Keep an eye on your dog at all times while enjoying time on the water and keep them in the airboat when in fresh or brackish water. Dogs are no match for gators.

Conclusion

An afternoon on an airboat with your dog can be a great way to spend time together, but be smart and go prepared with ear and eye protection.

Be sure to hold on to your dog, but ensure that you can release them quickly in an emergency.

The goal after all is to take them on another adventure. Be safe, and have fun!

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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