7 Best Kayaks for Dogs: Everything You Need To Know

Are you looking for the best kayaks for dogs?

There’re many dog-friendly kayaks on the market, which can make choosing the right one a challenge.

And that’s what I’m here for today. I want to make your decision as easy as possible so you can find the perfect kayak for you and your dog.

In this article, I will be walking you through the 7 of the best kayaks for dogs. Plus, later on in the article, I’ll show you exactly how to choose the right one for you and how to keep your dog safe.

So, without wasting any more time, let’s get straight into it. By the way, these kayaks are not listed in order of rank, but I have classified them for their best use.

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1. Intex Challenger K2 Inflatable Kayak – Best For Large Dogs

Specifications

• Dimensions: 30” x 15” x 138”
• Construction: Rubber
• Style: Inflatable sit-on-top
• Holds: Two people
• Maximum Weight: 400 lb (180 kg)
• Product Weight: 33.53 lb

The Intex Challenger K2 is an excellent inflatable kayak for you and your dog. The K2 kayak can hold two people comfortably. What makes this kayak so special is you can easily remove the seats to make more room for your dog.

Not only can you make more room, but the kayak can support 400 lb of weight, making this an excellent option if you have a large dog.

The kayak features a vibrant graphic design that stands out in the water so you and your dog will always be visible. What makes it even better is the UV-resistant coating which stops the color from fading when you’re out on a sunny day.

One of the problems with inflatable kayaks is having to pump them up. Luckily, the Intex Challenger inflates and deflates quickly and efficiently; it only takes around 8 minutes.

If you’re looking for a kayak with outstanding durability and is easily customizable, look no further. You get a stunning kayak, a high-capacity pump, 86-inch aluminum oars, and a repair patch kit.

Pros

• Affordable
• Lightweight
• Spacious hull
• Very durable

Cons

• 90-day limited warranty from the manufacturer

2. Driftsun Rover 120 – Best For Medium Dogs

Specifications

• Dimensions: 38” x 13” x 102”
• Construction: Reinforced layered PVC
• Style: Inflatable sit-on-top
• Holds: One-person
• Maximum Weight: 300 lb (136 kg)
• Product Weight: 22 lb

The Driftsun Rover is an excellent one-person kayak with enough room between your feet for your dog. Its lightweight design makes it easy to transport back and forth from your car. They also use rugged materials to help withstand damage and increase the quality of life.

Because of its rugged durability, you’re able to take this kayak down class III and class IV rapids without fearing any ruptures. And let’s face it, this is quite exceptional for an inflatable kayak.

Although, I wouldn’t suggest taking your dog down class IV rapids!

The kayak features five self-bailing ports, corrosion-resistant hardware, layered PVC tubes, and a sleek profile design. All of these factors combined are the reason the inflatable kayak can take such a battering.

It also comes with many extras to make it a complete kit, including an ergonomic paddle, a deluxe paddle, and a removable skeg. All of this can be packed down into a travel bag which is also included in the pack.

If you’re looking for a kayak that can go from the bag to the water quickly, this is an outstanding choice; it only takes 5 minutes.

The biggest problem with this kayak is the price range; it can be considered expensive. But what you get is genuinely extraordinary.

Pros

• Heavy-duty
• Sleek design
• Camera mount
• Rigid floor
• Whitewater friendly

Cons

• Not very fast in flat water
• Tie-down storage

3. Pelican Sit-on-Top – Sentinel 100X – For Sharp Claws

Specifications

• Dimensions: 30” x 13.25” x 114”
• Construction: Polyethylene (HMWPE)
• Style: Sit-on-top
• Holds: One-person
• Maximum Weight: 275 lb (124.8 kg)
• Product Weight: 44 lb (20 kg)

If you love fishing and want to take your dog with you for the trip, then this is the perfect kayak for you.

The Pelican Sentinel 100X was designed for fishing on calm waters, but with the bit of extra space at the front, you can easily fit your medium-sized dog. The kayak can hold one person and carry a total weight of 275 lb.

The lightweight of the sit-on-top kayak makes it easy to transport. Although it’s easy to transport, storing the kayak is a little trickier. It can’t fold up like inflatable kayaks, so you need a good amount of space to store it.

It’s made with durable high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE), which helps to protect the kayak against your pets’ paws.

What makes this kayak so great is its adjustability and stability. The kayak features an adjustable padded backrest, seat cushion, and footrests.

As for the fishing side of things, the Sentinel 100X has two-rod holders mounted behind the seat so that you can fish from two rods. It also has space at the rear to hold your fishing gear secured with tie-down bungee cords.

If you catch a bite on the line, you also have a space to secure down your paddle while you concentrate on the fishing.

Finally, you have two cup holders of different sizes and a smartphone holder at the center console.

Pros

• Durable
• Lightweight
• Two rod-holders
• Good storage options

Cons

• Hard to store
• The seat can get uncomfortable

4. Intex Excursion Pro The Best Tandem

Specifications

• Dimensions: 37.2” x 19.2” x 152.4”
• Construction: Laminate PVC with a polyester core
• Style: Inflatable sit-on-top
• Holds: Two people
• Maximum Weight: 400 lb (180 kg)
• Product Weight: 39.01 lb (17 kg)

This is the second edition from Intex on my list and for a good reason. The Excursion Pro is an excellent two-person kayak, which has an ample amount of extra space for your furry friend.

The kayak is made with a 3-ply super-strong construction of high molecular PVC. The material itself is resistant to oil, gasoline, and saltwater. What makes it even better is the constriction is resistant to UV damage.

Not only is the kayak durable, but it can also carry some serious weight. It’s strong enough for two adults and your dog with a combined weight of 400 lb.

The kayak is traditionally used for leisurely paddling around calm lakes. But, to make this kayak even better, you also have room for fishing rods.

At the rear of the boat, you have two fishing rod holders. And at the front, you have a mounting bracket for fishing accessories or an extra rod.

It includes two inflatable/adjustable bucket seats to maximize your comfort, along with two adjustable footrests.

At the bottom of the kayak, they include two removable skegs, which help you stay in a straight line at all times. One of the skegs is short for shallow waters, while the longer one is used for deeper waters.

And that’s not the only extras that come with the Excursion Pro. You also get a pressure gauge, hand pump, two aluminum paddles, an inflatable booster pad, a repair kit, and a carry bag to hold it all.

Overall, this is an excellent kayak for beginners or intermediate kayakers, or people who love fishing with their best friend.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Great load capacity
• 3-ply tough construction protects against dog claws
• It comes with everything you need
• Easy to setup

Cons

• Not great on rough waters
• Paddles not great

5. Bestway Hydro-Force Cove Champion Inflatable – For Small Pets

Specifications

• Dimensions: 31.89” x 17.2” x 108.27”
• Construction: PVC material
• Style: Inflatable semi-closed cockpit
• Holds: One-person
• Maximum Weight: 220 lb (100 kg)
• Product Weight: 19.05 lb (8.6 kg)

If you’re looking for a kayak to share with your small dog in various bodies of water, great you’ve just found the kayak for you.

The kayak is made with a robust PVC which helps to protect the kayak from cuts, tears, and punctures.

Once inflated, the kayak provides a stable base with high walls, which helps stops water seeping over the sides. It can hold one person comfortably and has enough room to store your small dog in between your legs.

The seat is completely adjustable and features a backrest for extra comfort, and helps you remain in the correct paddling position.

At the bottom of the boat, you have removable fins that help you glide through the water efficiently. It will also give you excellent directional stability, so you don’t go off course with each stroke.

Inside the kayak, you get plenty of storage compartments for your convenience. This allows you to tuck all your possessions away neatly without worrying about them.

So, what do you get with your purchase?

The kayak comes with several additional extras which can come in handy. These include an air hammer pump, which gives maximum airflow and also helps with deflation. You also get an adjustable aluminum oar, a quick-release valve, and a PSI tool.

Overall the kayak is very comfortable and glides through the water nicely. It’s recommended to use the fin wherever possible to ensure the kayak tracks correctly.

Pros

• Easy to transport
• Comfortable ride
• Easy to store
• It comes with everything you need
• Very durable

Cons

• The sides are separate chambers (can make it unstable if one has more air)
• Not the best tracking

6. Intex K1 Challenger Inflatable Set – For People On A Budget

Specifications

• Dimensions: 30” x 15” x 108”
• Construction: PVC material
• Style: Semi-closed cockpit
• Holds: One-person
• Maximum Weight: 220 lb (100 kg)
• Product Weight: 27.2 lb (11 kg)

Earlier in the article, we spoke about the challenger K2, but how does the K1 fair up? Well, this is what we’re about to find out.

If you’re on a tight budget, this might be the kayak you’re looking for; it is very reasonably priced.

The kayak is made with a welded vinyl construction, which gives a bit of protection. But it would be susceptible to punctures and scrapes due to it not being PVC. I’d try to avoid any sharp surfaces to ensure you and your dog don’t start to sink.

Inside the cockpit, you have plenty of room for your legs and even a bit extra for your dog. And behind the seat, you’ve got some extra space to help store any other equipment you may need.

One thing to note is that you won’t be able to access your equipment from behind the seat without removing it.

This isn’t the type of kayak you can take a lot of stuff with you; it only holds 220 lbs, so once you and your dog are inside, you’ll be approaching the limit.

One of the standout features is how comfortable the inflatable seat is. It gives you excellent back support at all times. The seat velcros onto the floor, which makes it simple to secure and detach.

Inside the pack, you have everything you need to get yourself started; this includes the pump, paddle, seat, footrest, and a puncture repair kit.

Overall this is an excellent kayak for you and your small dog. Just be aware it could puncture easier than other inflatable kayaks, so you need to be careful.

Pros

• Very stable
• Lightweight
• Good budget option
• Strong design

Cons

• Not great for choppy water or high winds
• The paddle could be better

7. Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person – For Fishing With Your Pet

Specifications

• Dimensions: 36” x 36” x 130.8”
• Construction: 840D Nylon 1000D Tarpaulin Bottom
• Style: Sit-on-top
• Holds: Two people
• Maximum Weight: 470 lbs (213 kg)
• Product Weight: 37.61 lb (17 kg)

The Coleman Colorado is a tandem kayak with enough room to hold your dog in the cockpit. The seats are fully adjustable, which gives you plenty of space for a more comfortable ride.

It’s constructed with an 18-gauge PVC material, which makes it feel indestructible. But to make it even more robust, they use a Tarpaulin shield to protect it against abrasions. This helps to protect the kayak from punctures, saltwater, and the sun.

And if you thought the Coleman Colorado kayak couldn’t get any stronger, it can; the kayak features a double-ended drop stitch and I-bean construction.

Not only can you use this kayak for leisurely excursions with your best friend, but it also doubles as a fishing kayak.

It features movable Berkely Quick Set Rod Holders for easy no hands fishing. Overall you can hold four rods comfortably.

When a fish has bit the line, you have a place on the side of the boat to clip your ores into. Now you never have to worry about losing your paddle in the excitement of catching a fish.

You have mesh stockpiling pockets at the sides, which are great for holding snacks, water, and much more.

The kayak uses a double-threaded valve which helps inflate the kayak quickly; it only takes around 10 minutes. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with the pump included, so you’ll have to purchase one before taking it out.

To make things worse:

It doesn’t come with a paddle either; the saving grace is the kayak is ridiculously strong.

Pros

• Super strong
• Very stable in the water
• Plenty of rod holders
• It comes with a pressure gauge
• Very roomy

Cons

• No paddles or pump
• Rod holders can get in the way of paddling

My Top Pick

When it comes down to it, I can only pick one as a top pick. Choices may vary depending on what size dog you have, but the Sevylor Coleman Colorado is the top pick for me.

This may seem strange, considering it doesn’t come with a pump or paddles. But the strength and size of the kayak are what really stand out for me.

No matter how big your dog is, you’re sure to have enough space, and you can be sure the kayak can handle all the extra weight.

With this kayak, you won’t ‘have to worry about the claws of your dog piercing the bottom of the boat. Overall it’s an excellent kayak for you and your dogs; it’s just a shame it doesn’t come with paddles.

Saying that some of the paddles you get given with kayaks are below par when it comes to quality, so maybe it’s a good thing you need to buy your own.

What To Look For When Choosing

So, I’ve given you a list of the best kayaks for dogs, but how do you identify the best one for you? Use this quick guide below will help you make an informed decision:

Type

Choosing the right kayak is the first place you need to start. Understanding what each style brings will push you in the right direction. Make sure you keep reading to see my rundown of the different kayak styles.

Length & Width

The length and width of the kayak determine how easy it’s to handle and how steady it is. Understanding your kayak level will figure out if you need a wider kayak or not.

Wider kayaks have more stability, and narrow kayaks are easier to maneuver.

Weight Capacity

Another thing you need to keep an eye on is the weight capacity. You need to think about the combined weight of you and your dog. This will give you peace of mind for your dog’s safety.

Types Of Picks For Your Canine

One of the hardest parts of choosing the right type of kayak for you and your dogs is knowing what style to go for.

If you’re planning to buy a kayak to take your waggy-tailed friend out on some adventures, make sure you check this section out.

Check out these kayak designs to see which one suits you the best:

Sit-On-Top

Sit-on-tops are probably the style of kayak you should be looking for. They have plenty of space for you and your furry friend. Your dog will have no problem sitting at the front of the kayak with its paws laying over the foredeck.

Another great thing about sit-on-top kayaks is they often have a cooler at the rear of the boat to store some doggy treats.

Sit-In

Unless you have a pretty small puppy dog, it’s doubtful this style of kayak is the right option.

They can be quite restrictive due to the closed-in space. The only way this could work is if you have a massive cockpit so your dog can comfortably sit between your legs.

Fishing

The best thing about fishing kayaks is they have plenty of room for your dog. But to make things better, they are often very wide, which increases stability. They also have a better weight capacity than other kayaks.

Tandem

Not only can tandem kayaks hold a lot of weight, but they also have an extra seat to hold your dog. The main problem is tandem kayaks don’t always handle very well when one person is paddling.

Tips For Staying Safe With Your Canine

Keeping your dog safe while you are out kayaking should be one of your primary concerns. Make sure you follow these simple safety tips, so you never put your dog in danger:

• Make sure your dog is wearing a life vest
• Attach the life vest to the kayak so you can pull your dog back if it panics
• Take it slow, so your dog doesn’t freak out
• Know the flow of the river and the climate

Conclusion

Well, I hope these suggestions help you make the right choice with the best kayak for you and your dog.

Depending on your needs, you may find some more suitable than others.

If you’re looking for more activities to do, I also wrote an article on 20 fun things to do with your dog outside.