13 Best Kayaks for Dogs [+What to Look for in a Dog-Friendly Kayak]

TL;DR: The best kayak for dogs is the Perception Hi Life because of its special swim-up deck where your dog can sit. We also love that it’s very stable, even with a pup on board, and has a hybrid standup paddleboard and kayak design. Just note that it only works for small to medium dogs.

I’m seeing an increasing number of Insta posts of outdoorsy people enjoying nature with their dog at their side. As a wildlife biologist, this gives me pause. 

I’m someone with wilderness ethics at my core. I swear, in another life, I was the Lorax. Many dog owners don’t realize this, but your dog can contract diseases from wildlife (and vice vs.!).  

There are responsible and safe ways to recreate outdoors with dogs, however. 

So, rather than telling you that you shouldn’t kayak with your dog, I want to give you the best, safest kayak options and help you make kind choices for wildlife as you venture forth with your pupper by your side. 

Below I’ve rounded up the best dog kayaks on the market–regardless of whether you have a large or small dog. Plus, I’ve given you tips for keeping both your dog AND wildlife safe on your adventures.  Read on to find the right kayak for you.

Love experiencing nature with your dog? Check out our article on the best dog backpack carriers for hiking with your pup.

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

#1 Intex Excursion Pro

Best Budget Dog Kayak

Our Rating: 4.7/5
Length: 12.6 ft
Weight: 43.64 lbs
Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
Tandem or Solo: Tandem
Recommended dog size: Medium-Large

Intex brand almost always makes my list when I’m recommending budget kayaks. 

The Intex Excursion Pro is an inflatable kayak, and Intex’s premier model. It has durable, three-ply PVC-coated polyester material (i.e., resistant to abrasion, sun, and dog claws). 

The Intex Excursion Pro kayak has a weight limit of 400 lbs, making it suitable for medium to large dogs. 

The max air pressure is .08 bars, so it’s pretty rigid for a budget inflatable kayak.

I love that the Intex Excursion Pro kayak has a shallow and deep water skeg. However, I’ve noticed that the skeg attachment doesn’t always have straight seams, which could make tracking an issue.

#2 Ocean Kayak Malibu II

Best Ocean Kayak

Our Rating: 4.8/5
Length: 12 ft
Weight: 57 lbs
Weight Capacity: 425 lbs
Tandem or Solo: Tandem
Recommended dog size: Medium-Large

The Ocean Kayak Malibu II is an excellent, stable, all-around, tandem hard shell kayak. In general, I like tandem sit-on-top kayaks for paddling with dogs, and the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two comes with adjustable seats. 

Because of the open middle space, you can paddle the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two solo or with up to three people. 

The Malibu II is a broad, stable kayak with a width of 34’’ and a length of 12 feet, meaning it should track well on open water. 

Finally, the weight limit of 425 pounds makes it perfect for bigger dogs (or two medium-sized dogs).

#3 Lifetime Sport Fisher

Best Fishing Kayak

Our Rating: 4.8/5
Length: 10 ft
Weight: 60 lbs
Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
Tandem or Solo: Tandem
Recommended dog size: Small-Large

The Lifetime Sport Fisher is my pick for the best fishing kayak for dogs because it has everything you need for kayak fishing, plus the option for the Lifetime Power Mate Motor Mount accessory. 

The Sport Fisher features a classic, wide-hulled design (36’’) and is short enough for one person to power easily. 

This camouflage kayak is made of a single piece of low-density polyethylene and has a 5-year limited warranty. 

There is plenty of room for a dog to sit with you on this kayak. Plus, with a 500-pound weight limit, you can fit even a large dog onboard.

#4 Sea Eagle 3 Person Inflatable

Best Kayak for Big Dogs

Our Rating: 4.6/5
Length: 12.5 ft
Weight: 44.25 lbs
Weight Capacity: 650 lbs
Tandem or Solo: Tandem
Recommended dog size: Large

Sea Eagle is a line of sturdy inflatable kayaks that often make my “best of” lists. Dog owners with large dogs will love the Sea Eagle 3-Person Kayak because it has a massive weight limit (650 lbs) and a drain plug to remove unwanted water. 

The Sea Eagle 3 Person is a lightweight, sit-in kayak with a foot pump for speedy inflation. 

The Sea Eagle 3 Person comes with paddles and two skegs, but it may need a third skeg for better tracking. 

This lightweight kayak comes with inflatable seats, which I also noticed weren’t the best quality. You’d want to deflate the seat for your doggo anyway.

#5 Perception Rambler 13.5

Best Sit-On-Top Kayak

Our Rating: 4.7/5
Length: 13.4 ft
Weight: 78 lbs
Weight Capacity: 550 lbs
Tandem or Solo: Tandem
Recommended dog size: Medium-Large

The Perception Rambler 13.5 is another favorite sit-on kayak, a hard-sided plastic kayak that seats up to three people. 

The Perception Rambler is a recreational kayak, but it’s big enough to be suitable for ocean bays, lakes, or slow-moving rivers. 

Dog lovers will appreciate all the storage space on this kayak. A hatch in the back is big enough for a cooler or a small dog bed. 

One of the downsides of this kayak is the weight and the potentially uncomfortable built-in footrests.

#6 Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible

Best Inflatable Kayak

Our Rating: 4.7/5
Length: 10.4 ft
Weight: 36 lbs
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Tandem or Solo: Tandem
Recommended dog size: Small-Medium

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame is a hybrid between an inflatable and rigid kayak. This kayak is unique because it has a triple PVC layer stretching over an aluminum frame. 

I appreciate that the AdvancedFrame comes with a repair kit, although it doesn’t come with an air pump, which is totally annoying. 

Other tandem kayaks with sit-in designs have separate cockpits, but I like that this one has one large cockpit for both seats, so you have more control over your doggo. 

Finally, the weight limit of this boat makes it ideal for small or medium dogs. Remember not to exceed 70% of the max weight limit. For this boat, that would be 210 lbs.

#7 Lifetime Kodiak

Best Canoe for Dogs

Our Rating: 4.7/5
Length: 13 ft
Weight: 96 lbs
Weight Capacity: 600 lbs
Tandem or Solo: Tandem (up to 3)
Recommended dog size: Small-Large

Some people still prefer canoes over kayaks. Frankly, a canoe is a better choice for paddling with a dog because it offers more space and stability than most kayaks. 

The Lifetime Kodiak is an excellent choice for any size dog because it has a considerable weight capacity and is exceedingly broad (39 inches). 

This canoe seats three people and is a whopping 13 feet long. You may find it difficult to paddle this canoe solo, so keep that in mind as you plan your adventures. 

As with any canoe, there’s tons of cargo space, but you’ll need dry bags to keep it dry.

Still pondering the benefits of a canoe vs. a kayak? Read our full article on the subject!

#8 Wilderness Systems Pamlico 135

Best Sit-Inside Kayak

Our Rating: 4.9/5
Length: 13.5 ft
Weight: 72 lbs
Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
Tandem or Solo: Tandem
Recommended dog size: Small-Large

I give the Wilderness Systems Pamlico 135 such a high rating cause it’s super adjustable and comfortable. I also like the joined open cockpit from a dog owner’s perspective. 

The footrests are adjustable, and everyone says the seats are super comfortable too. You can take the seats out to paddle solo or add a dog bed instead of a human seat. 

Not many sit-inside kayaks have padding on the sides so that you don’t bruise your thighs, but this one does. 

The padding serves a dual purpose of being easier for dog paws to grip as they enter and exit the boat.  

This kayak is a little heavy for one person to lift solo, but the high weight capacity at least makes it suitable for a large dog (or several small ones).

#9 Pelican Sentinel 9.5 Ft

Best Kayak for Small Dogs

Our Rating:4.8/5
Length: 9.5 ft
Weight:44 lbs
Weight Capacity: 275
Tandem or Solo: Solo
Recommended dog size: Small-Medium

The Pelican Sentinel 9.5 is one of the best kayaks for smaller dogs. The Pelican Sentinel a fishing kayak for one person. This sit-on model features a multi-chine hull, meaning it’s square (vs. curved) where it hits the water line. 

The multi-chine hull makes the Pelican Sentinel super stable on the water, albeit at the expense of maneuverability. As a fishing kayak, it comes with two-rod holders, too. 

This kayak is relatively lightweight (44 lbs) and has a removable storage hold perfect for cell phones and dog treats.

#10 BKC PK14 Tandem

Best River Kayak

Our Rating: 4.7
Length: 14.1 ft
Weight: 99 lbs
Weight Capacity: 670 lbs
Tandem or Solo: Tandem
Recommended dog size: Large

I chose the BKC PK 14 Tandem as the best river kayak for dogs because of the unique pedaling system, which allows you to go hands-free and turn on a dime. 

Rivers are dynamic environments. Throw a dog in the mix, and I can easily envision a scenario where you’d need your hands for something other than paddling. 

The BKC PK 14 is a fishing kayak with bicycle-style pedals that allow you to move forward or backward, and the hand-operated rudders will enable you to turn side-to-side. 

This kayak’s weight and capacity make it mainly suitable for large dogs. On the downside, I’ll also note that this kayak is quite expensive.

#11 Kokanee Sit-On-Top

Best Kayak for Beginners with a Dog

Our Rating: 4.7/5
Length: 10.5 ft
Weight: 76 lbs
Weight Capacity: 425 lbs
Tandem or Solo: Tandem
Recommended dog size: Small-Large

I chose the Kokanee Sit-on-Top hard shell kayak as the best kayak for beginners with a dog because this is a simple, no-frills design with maximum stability. 

This kayak is 36 inches wide, which is *hella* wide in the kayaking world. 

The Kokanee comes with two minimalistic backrests, so plan on putting something squashier in for yourself. Its body of standard UV-protective high-density polyethylene is a fine choice for abrasion resistance.

This boat is relatively short at 10’6’’, making it maneuverable as a solo paddler, but the high weight capacity allows you to put almost any sized dog in it.

 #12 Perception Hi Life

Best Lake Kayak

Our Rating: 4.9/5
Length: 11 ft
Weight: 55 lbs
Weight Capacity: 280 lbs
Tandem or Solo: Solo
Recommended dog size: Small-Medium

The Perception Hi Life is one of the most dog-friendly kayaks I’ve seen. The Hi Life is a hybrid kayak/stand-up paddleboard with swim-up decks on the front and back of the boat. 

The low, swim-up decks are perfect platforms for a small or medium dog to sit. If you have a kid on the platform, they can quickly get back on the kayak using the handholds on the edges. 

The Perception Hi Life is a solo sit-on kayak with a 34’’ width (aka, nice and wide) and a single, elevated, padded seat in the middle. There is a built-in cooler under the seat for drinks and a built-in cup holder. 

My only minor gripe about the kayak is that it likely won’t accommodate a big dog.

#13 Perception Pescador Pro 10

Most Durable Kayak

Our Rating: 4.7/5
Length: 10.5 ft
Weight:57 lbs
Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
Tandem or Solo: Solo
Recommended dog size: Small-Large

The Perception Pescador Pro is my choice for the most durable kayak for dogs because of the one-piece leak-proof design and the added buoyancy. 

The Pescador Pro is primarily for fishing trips. But, whether or not you fish, this is a reasonably wide boat (32’’) perfect for calm water. 

The kayak has a lawn-chair style seat and open storage platforms in the front and back where a dog (or cooler) can sit.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Kayak for Dogs

What to Look for in a Dog-Friendly Kayak

Stability

Stability is one of the essential factors when kayaking with a dog. At a minimum, your canine friend may be unstable as he gets in and out of the boat. At a maximum, you need to plan on your dog jumping out of the kayak. 

Sit-on-top recreational kayaks are exceptionally stable; generally speaking, the wider the kayak, the stabler it will be. Anything wider than 34’’ should be pretty safe. 

Deck Size

Pick a kayak with enough room for both you and your pupper to sit comfortably. A tandem kayak is usually plenty big enough; however, remember that it can be challenging to paddle a large kayak solo. 

Weight Capacity

The rule of thumb regarding weight capacity is that you shouldn’t exceed 70% of the max weight limit. So if your kayak has a 200-pound weight limit, try not to go over 140 pounds. 

Kayak Material

Both hard shell kayaks and inflatable kayaks are fine for dogs. I have no qualms about using an inflatable kayak with a dog.

I particularly like them because they’re naturally a little less slippery than rigid kayaks. Make sure it’s a high-quality inflatable, ideally with a few layers of PVC.

Drain Plug  

Tandem paddling with a dog inevitably brings water into the boat, which is why the best kayaks for dogs have drain plugs.

If your dog jumps overboard, you’ll have undesirable water at the bottom of the boat. Even if your dog stays topside, she may track in water as she enters the kayak. 

What to Avoid When Looking for a Good Dog-Friendly Kayak

Specialized Kayaks

Avoid whitewater kayaks and sea kayaks if you want to bring your dog. Whitewater kayaks have closed cockpits for one person, and whitewater is too dangerous for a dog. 

Sea kayaks, or touring kayaks, are incredibly narrow, and likewise, I don’t love the idea of a dog in the open ocean, for the dog’s sake.  

Cheap Inflatable Kayaks

Everyone wants an affordable kayak but avoid the super bargain inflatable kayaks from non-reputable buyers. 

When I see a deal on Amazon, I see if the company has a website–lots of them don’t–and from there, I can gauge how respected the brand is. 

Types of Dog-Friendly Kayaks

Sit-on-top kayaks vs. Sit-in kayaks

I like sit-on kayaks for paddling with the pup because they tend to be wide, stable boats, but sit-in kayaks have their benefits too. 

Sit-in kayaks benefit from an enclosed cockpit, which can help nervous dogs.

Tandem kayaks

There are a million versions of tandem-style kayaks–sit inside, sit on, touring, recreational, etc. 

Generally, a recreational tandem kayak will be a good choice because they have dedicated space and weight limit for two beings. 

Fishing kayaks

Fishing while your dog is present may be especially challenging (unless your dog is a literal angel), but I mention fishing kayaks because they tend to be wide and stable with lots of storage space. 

Most fishing kayaks I’ve seen have many gear attachment points too, which would be excellent for storing doggy accessories and can turn your kayak into a portable accessory carrier. 

Recreational kayaks

I’ve got to mention recreational boats, too–these can be hardshell kayaks, inflatable kayaks, tandem kayaks, or solo kayaks. 

Generally, these are flat-ish water kayaks for beginners, which makes them good dog kayaks too. 

FAQs About Dog-Friendly Kayaks

What kind of kayak is best for dogs?

A tandem, sit-on-top kayak is the ideal kayak type for dogs. Tandem kayaks have room for both you and your canine companion, providing ample space for you to paddle comfortably. 

The sit-on-top design is easy to get into and out of, plus sit-on kayaks tend to be broader and more stable than sit-in kayaks. 

Other kayaks can undoubtedly work for kayaking with your dog; it all depends on your doggo’s size, temperament, and skill level. 

Is it safe to take a dog on a kayak?

Kayaking with your dog can be safe, but it entirely depends on your dog, your boat, and the type of water you’re paddling. 

The American Kennel Club says taking a dog on the water is unsafe if it can’t obey commands like “sit” and “stay.” Likewise, if your dog can’t ignore distractions like ducks, seals, floating sticks, swimmers, or other boats, your dog shouldn’t be on the water. 

If your dog can obey commands and you take him on a kayaking adventure, be sure to acclimate him to the boat on dry land first. 

Finally, always be sure your dog has a life jacket that fits him snugly and that he can tolerate wearing and swimming in it. 

Can a dog fit in a one-person kayak?

Some dog owners can fit their small dogs in a one-person kayak. However, the dog may have to sit in your lap, which can impede your paddling stroke. 

The best kayaks for dogs are usually tandem, which offers ample room for you and your canine friend, regardless of the dog’s size.

Is there such a thing as a “dog” kayak?

No. Currently, the best kayaks for dogs are all-purpose kayaks. 

You can make a kayak dog-friendly by adding non-slip padding (i.e., a yoga mat) on their “spot” and non-slip marine tape on the edges to assist them in getting in and out. 

Is a kayak or paddleboard better for a dog?

A kayak is better for a dog than a paddleboard because kayaks are bigger and more stable. It’s easier to carve out a weight-balanced spot for your doggy to chill in a kayak than on a paddleboard.

How do I train my dog to stay in a kayak?

Kayaking and canoeing with *most* dogs require some specialized training. I’ve lived with dogs my whole life. 

The feel of hard plastic, the hollow sound of the kayak, and the rocking of the waves take some getting used to. 

If your dog decides to jump from the kayak, it can capsize the boat and endanger the dog and paddler. Dog owners should dedicate some time to familiarize their dogs with their boat. 

1. Get your kayak out and start by having your dog approach, smell, and get into and out of the boat. Encourage them with dog treats the entire time to make the experience fun. 
2. Once your dog can follow a command to get in and out of the boat, get in and have your dog sit with you. 
3. Incrementally increase the stimulus by rocking the boat and using the paddle.
4. Acclimatize your dog to its life jacket by having them wear it during walks, eating, and (ideally) swimming. 
5. Give treats liberally during this process to associate the kayak with good times.
6. Stay in shallow water near shore the first time you launch with your pupper. You can venture into deeper or more complex waterways if that goes well.  

Where does a dog sit in a kayak?

Dogs usually have a couple of seating options during a kayaking trip. Smaller dogs can be lap children or can usually wander from bow to stern without too much issue.

Larger dogs may need a dedicated spot they are trained to stay in. If you have a sit-on-top kayak, your dog can usually sit in front of you on the boat’s deck or in the second seat of a tandem kayak. 

If you have a sit-in kayak, your doggo may need to sit in his own cockpit, and he won’t have as much room to wander. This can be a blessing for nervous dogs who want to feel sheltered but a curse for restless dogs who need to move. 

Some kayaks have a molded center seat or adjustable seats; either one is a great option for your furry one. There are also special kayak dog seats available.

Are inflatable kayaks safe for dogs?

Yes, high-quality inflatable kayaks are perfectly safe for dogs. I have an inflatable kayak, and I wouldn’t hesitate to put a dog in it. High-quality inflatable kayaks have durable PVC plastic, so the dog’s nails aren’t a concern. 

You can always put a yoga mat or non-slip grippy mat on the bottom of your inflatable kayak to protect it from your dog’s claws. 

How do you modify a kayak for a dog?

Most recreational kayaks are pretty dog friendly-as is (especially if you have a sit-on-top), but there are extra things you can do to make the boat more comfortable for your dog. 

1. Remove the extra seat or fold it down. 
2. Put a non-slip pad on the bottom of the kayak. 
3. Add a waterproof bed to the dog seating area.
4. Add an outrigger to give the boat anti-flip stability
5. Build a small deck so the dog can perch. 

What are some good tips to keep in mind when kayaking with a dog?

Alright, ya’ll. Not to be a total bummer, but as a wildlife biologist, I see the ugly side of dogs in nature, and it affects me deeply. I’d be remiss not to share what the *other* side of those cutesy Insta pics looks like. 

Many outdoor spaces are not dog-friendly.

One of the biggest appeals of kayaking is spending time in nature, but remember that most national parks and many state parks do not allow dogs on trails or beaches. 

Privately owned lakes and some Forest Service lakes are usually more dog-friendly than national parks. 

Dogs are predators

It’s easy for dog lovers to forget this, but your dog is, at its core, a predator (domestic cats are, too, for that matter). When you introduce your dog to a natural space, you introduce a new threat to the local wildlife. 

Even if you religiously pick up your dog’s #2, dog urine sends chemical warning messages to wildlife, which can stress them out and keep them from accessing an area they need for survival. 

Lyme disease and parvovirus

Lyme disease is a tickborne illness, and parvovirus is a deadly, highly contagious water-borne illness. Either can make your dog sick and decimate local wildlife. 

Avoid tickborne illnesses with a thorough tick check before and after you recreate outdoors with your pet. 

Only take your dog into the wild if it has had its parvo vaccine. Parvo spreads quickly through shared outdoor water bowls or ponds of water. 

While vaccinated domestic dogs are generally protected, wildlife, including endangered species like fishers and martens, are susceptible to the deadly illness. 

I have dealt with foxes dying of parvo, and it’s incredibly sad to witness. 

Leash your dog

Do not tether your dog to your kayak while paddling–this is a safety issue for your pup. Once on shore, however, always keep your dog leashed. 

A few months ago, a co-worker called me because she brought her dogs to her local beach. While there, a mama bear and her cubs came to the river. 

The dogs immediately barked and chased the bears, separating the mother and cubs (and preventing them from drinking water during the hot summer). 

Despite the reputation “mama bears” have, bears abandon their cubs more often than you would think. I don’t know the outcome of this situation, but a leash could have prevented it all.

Further–lest you think the dog did the humans a favor–unleashed dogs are one of the number one causes of a negative bear encounter for a human. In this instance, the bears ran away, but often, the bear will return the chase, and the scared dog will bring the bear back to the human. 

There are endless stories about the damage unleashed dogs cause–don’t become one of them, please!

Conclusion: Our Pick for the Best Dog Kayak

The best kayak for dogs is the Perception Hi Life. This combination kayak/stand-up paddleboard has two swim-up decks that make perfect spots for your dog to sit. 

Plus, as they’re lower to the water, it should be easier to haul your dog back onto the platform should it jump off. 

This kayak is nice and stable, plus it comes with a cooler platform under the seat. 

The one downside to the Perception Hi Life is the lower weight limit. At 280 pounds, you have about 200 pounds to load. 

Although this won’t accommodate bigger paddlers and dogs, it would still work great for many folks. 

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