Pets on Board

Pets have always been an important part of our life on boats. They have ranged from goldfish to rodents and from a grey wolf to assorted dogs.
 
Currently we live aboard the Dreamcatcherwith Scupper, a rescued Basenji/Chihuahua.  He is not a water dog, but the love and care that bond us allow him to tolerate his liveaboard lifestyle.  He jumps on and off the boat cautiously, so he's never fallen in the water.  

Because we live at a marina, Scupper divides his time between the boat and land. When on the boat he loves spending sun-filled days in the cockpit.  His biggest sacrifice is sharing his popcorn with our three pet mallards (Mr. and Mrs. Duck are pictured in the header.) 

When it's time to go below, Scupper enjoys cuddling in his little bed under our table in the salon (living room).  His food and water bowls are tucked under our boarding ladder, with easy accesss for our small dog.  Twice a day he goes to land to relieve himself.

Although I haven't had any experience with cats on board, our friends have.  One actually trained her cat to relieve himself in the toilet in the ship's head (bathroom)!  Imagine not having to deal with a litter box.

Those of you who plan on cruising with a pet will find innovative ways to care for your cat or dog when you don't have access to land.  Usually books on cruising have a chapter devoted to pets on board.

  
  
  

 Here is Scupper after a long day's sail.  He's thinking, "I can hardly wait to return to land."