Top 5 Best kayaks for dogs (2023 Review)

If you’re searching for the best kayak for dogs, you’ve come to the right place!

In this Digdoggy.com guide, you’ll learn:

  • The top 5 kayaks for dogs
  • How to choose the right kayak
  • The different types of dog kayaks to choose from 

And much more!

image of woman and dog on kayak

Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose the best dog kayak!

ImageProduct
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Perception Hi Life 11
  • Elevated seat
  • Deck cushioning throughout
  • Max Capacity 280 lbs
  • Elevated seat
  • Deck cushioning throughout
  • Max Capacity 280 lbs
View on Amazon
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Sevylor Coleman Colorado
  • 18-gauge PVC construction
  • 1000D tarpaulin bottom
  • Max Capacity 450 lbs
  • 18-gauge PVC construction
  • 1000D tarpaulin bottom
  • Max Capacity 450 lbs
View on Amazon
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Lifetime 10-Foot Sport Fisher
  • 10-Foot
  • High Density polythene
  • Max Capacity 500 lbs
  • 10-Foot
  • High Density polythene
  • Max Capacity 500 lbs
View on Amazon
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Perception Pescador Pro 12
  • 12-Foot
  • Removable Pro Seat
  • Max Capacity 375 lbs
  • 12-Foot
  • Removable Pro Seat
  • Max Capacity 375 lbs
View on Amazon
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Sea Eagle 2 Person Inflatable Sport Kayak
  • Skegs on bottom
  • Inflatable
  • Max Capacity 500 lbs
  • Skegs on bottom
  • Inflatable
  • Max Capacity 500 lbs
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On April 16, 2021

Our top choice is the Perception Kayak High Life 11 Kayak.

I can’t decide if I like the thick padding, the reclining backrest, or the elevated seat the most.

There are swimming decks on both the back and the front for my dog and getting in and out of the water seems to be a breeze to him at this point in time.

The sit-ontop design allows you to use it as a kayak or paddleboard with a built-in cooler and grippy deck cushioning throughout. 

By far, this is the most versatile kayak on the list offering a strong build and great carry-on features for pets. 

What's In This Guide?

      Our Top 5 Best Kayaks For Dogs 

      In a hurry? Check out our top 5 dog kayaks! Keep reading to discover more about our top picks.

      1. Perception Kayak High Life 11 Kayak
      2. Sevylor Coleman Colorado Tandem Inflatable
      3. Lifetime 10-Foot Sport Fisher
      4. Perception Pescador Pro
      5. Sea Eagle SE370K_P Inflatable Kayak

      What Are The Different Types of Kayaks For Dogs? 

      Choosing the right kayak can be overwhelming, I mean there are a lot of kayaks to choose from. 

      The first question to answer is “what type of kayak is best for you?” 

      The options include: 

      Fishing Kayaks

      Fishing kayaks are wider than the usual kayak and thus more stable. I find these types to be very dog-friendly and most are the sit-on-top kind.

      This means my fishing companion can get very comfortable right on top.

      Tandem Or Single

      Tandem Kayaks

      Tandem kayaks, also known as double kayaks are designed for two people to paddle at once. Often they are used for beginners and to make it easier for newbies to learn alongside others. 

      This type of kayak will also offer more storage space that comes with the cost of additional overall weight.

      Single kayaks

      A single kayak has room for my food supplies, gear, and a myself. There is barely enough room for my oversized dog. However, single kayaks allow you to learn faster from being alone and weigh less making them easier to control.

      Sit-In or Sit On Top

      As each of the names suggests, a sit ontop kayak means to sit on and sit in is the seated type and both have pros and cons. 

      Sit on top Kayaks

      Sit-on-tops contain scupper holes, have increased stability, and give you a much easier time getting on and off the boat.

      Sit-In Kayaks  

      Sit-in kayaks provide you shelter from the elements in cold climates but are difficult to recover if you flip (as it fills up with water).

      Photo of me Kayaking with my dog

      What Should You Look For In A high-Quality Kayak For Dogs?

      Before buying it’s best to measure the weight of your dog and waistline, then compare that with the weight and size capacity of the kayak.

      Be sure to factor in additional room for your dog to move around in the boat too. 

      Durability

      Look for a kayak durable enough to withstand the weight of your dog and survive. 

      Materials such as Plastic (polyethylene), ABS plastic, or poly-based fabric inflatables are all good options to use with a dog. 

      Stronger materials often come with a cost, but after kayaking for the last 8 years myself I would recommend you look at this as a long-term investment. 

      Safety Features

      Safety features such as stability, having more than enough room to move around plus room to spare is important. I also look for a hard bottom because I find these to be more stable and easier to stand up in.

      Puncture-Resistant

      Dogs have nails and know how to use them. And even when they are not using them there’s a high chance of accidentally puncturing an inflatable type kayak. 

      It’s best when buying for dogs to ensure the product is labeled “puncture-resistant” in order to avoid unwanted accidents. 

      Performance/Propulsion

      The performance of a boat is dependant on its type of propulsion. 

      For a paddleboat to be effective it must paddle well and the same goes for pedal boats too. 

      Pedal boats provide provide better performance over paddle boats when both fitted with motors as they are manufacture designed to work with another type of propulsion than a common paddle. 

      Our Reviews Of The Top 5 Kayaks For Dogs

      Pick #1: Perception Kayak High Life 11 Kayak

      At first, I thought this was just a paddleboard alone until shortly after discovering that it’s a paddleboard and kayak in one. 

      The no-slip padded deck was a plus and the stability makes it okay to take my fur child along with me.

      The storage cooler area and the fold-down seating make it easy to bring dogs on board and store some beverages at the same time. 

      I love the fact that the kayak’s back end has a swim deck which either my pooch or my kid can use. 

      Pros

      Cons

      Pick #2: Sevylor Coleman Colorado

      What I like about this kayak the most is that it is puncture-resistant.

      The reason is that sometimes I do forget to cut my furball’s nails and we have gone through a few less-durable kayaks because of it.

      Okay, so I am a bad mother.

      The cover is 840 deniers and the bottom is 1000 denier tarp to provide additional comfort.  

      Each side has a holder for the paddles when I need my hands free so that is a definite plus. This boat also works with a trolling motor sold separately by Sevylor. 

      Pros

      Cons

      Pick #3: Lifetime 10-Foot Sport Fisher

      This sit-on-top kayak comfortably fits two people or one person and one dog. 

      Made with a tough polyethylene plastic body you can expect to last a lifetime. 

      The boat easily handles over 300 lbs of human along with an 8 foot cast net and still remains stable. 

      You can also add a trolling motor with a lifetime mount that allows you to add a rudder but is a little expensive and available from the manufacturer. 

      If you’re prepared to squeeze, you can fit two adults and a child and still safely maneuver. 

      Pros

      Cons

      Pick #4: Perception Pescador Pro

      I love all three-hundred seventy-five pound capacity of this kayak.

      Designed just for one person, it is actually stable enough for dogs. It doesn’t hurt that it is twelve feet long, either.

      Made of high density, durable polyethylene, the seat can even be positioned either reclined or upright depending on my mood.

      I rigged a fish finder electronic gadget right near the cup holder and liked that the storage included a bungee tank well. 

      Pros

      Cons

      Pick #5: Sea Eagle SE370K_P Inflatable Kayak

      The standout feature of this product has to be the surprisingly large amount of space it provides.

      As we were able to fit, me, my partner, and our dog into this kayak with ease. 

      An inflatable, tear-resistant boat, this kayak by Sea Eagle was something I’d wished I had found earlier. There are tons of kayaks in the market but not many that could fit our somewhat hefty frames like this did. 

      There is a skeg I can remove and the floor is more rigid than other inflatables I’ve seen.

      The foot pump and the paddles take up a bit of space but the kayak itself folds with ease.

      Pros

      Cons

      Our Top Pick: Perception Kayak High Life 11 Kayak

      This particular kayak won the 2018 excellence award for the International Design bronze medal.

      Likely because of it’s two-in-one feature consisting of a paddling board and kayak in one. 

      Designed for coastal water that moves slowly, this kayak always gives me the calm ride I need on a weekend. 

      Conclusion

      Do not shortchange yourself trying to buy a kayak that’s cheap or less expensive than your safest options, as this may come at a pricey cost.

      It’s not worth it!

      You might not be able to afford the kayak you want right now which is totally ok!

      What did we cover?

      1. Figure out what our intended use is for the boat
      2. Do you want to paddle or pedal to motor?
      3. What additional comaprtments willyou need? (i.e. food, drinks, equipment)
      4. How much weight will you need?

      These are the questions you need to be asking that you should now clearly have answers to from reading this post.

      Happy kayaking!

      Leon Angus

      Leon Angus

      Leon Angus is a London, UK-based blogger with a plan to improve the pet industry one post at a time. He is the senior editor at Dig Doggy and oversees every piece of content before publish to ensure the highest quality and most thorough research has been carried out.

      Learn More About Pet Care

      Raising a pup shouldn’t at all be hard. Check out some of these other helpful guides to help you become an even better pet parent! 

      Leon Angus

      Leon Angus

      Leon Angus is a London, UK-based blogger with a plan to improve the pet industry one post at a time. He is the senior editor at Dig Doggy and oversees every piece of content before publish to ensure the highest quality and most thorough research has been carried out.

      About Dig Doggy

      DigDoggy® is a free resource for dog owners, with everything from expert product reviews to trusted pet care advice.

      All of our reviews and recommendations are based on unbiased research by our editorial team. Read more about us.

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