Best Kayak For Dogs – Dog Friendly Kayak Adventures, Ahoy!

Best-Kayak-for-Dogs

Kayaking is a wonderful activity, and people who enjoy it as a hobby are certainly healthy and quite happy – beautiful landscapes are yours to behold, you could slowly glide away if you prefer a chill, slower approach, but nothing beats kayaking with a man’s best friend – with your dog.

Contrary to what most people believe, kayaks for dogs aren’t actually operated by dogs themselves – rather, these kayaks are specifically engineered to accommodate your pet, and you’ll be the one who’s doing the hard labor. Even though watching a dog paddling a kayak would be something we’d all like to see, sadly, they haven’t reached that stage of evolution yet.

Jokes aside, dog-friendly kayaks are a fast-growing trend, and in case you’re looking for one, I have prepared a review of top 5 best kayak for dogs models so that you don’t have to look far and wide.

Best Kayak for Dogs Comparison Table

Model NameWhy should you consider it?Notable featuresPrice
Advanced ElementsOutstanding level of performance, sturdy and robust construction, premium-quality features, exceptional back support, ideal for solo and tandem kayakingBuilt-in set of aluminum ribs, three separate material layers, exceptional puncture resistance, pre-assembled construction, total of three padded seats, available in two color variationsCheck Price
LifetimeIdeal for multiple persons (including dogs), exceptional level of durability, comes with a neat set of necessities, backed by 5-year limited warranty, great stability and trackingBlow molded design, high-density polyethylene materials, 500 pounds of supportive strength, fade-resistant design, comes with two double-sided paddles, a set of paddle clips, two padded backrests, three fishing-pole holders, and a 6-inch storage hatchCheck Price
PERCEPTIONExcels in aesthetics, exquisite design, fully adjustable seats, large storage compartment, leak-proof design, substantial value for the moneyTwo-level seat adjustment, breathable mesh materials, leak-proof construction, built-in buoyancyCheck Price
LifetimeLightweight construction, dog-friendly features, decently durable, outstanding price to value ratio, gratis paddles, impeccable performanceSupports up to 500 pounds, two soft backrests, two double-side paddles, 60 pounds of weight, tunnel-hull design, high & dry seating, gratis two-piece sport paddlesCheck Price
Sea EagleVery affordable, lightweight construction, high-quality materials, ideal for dog kayaking, inflates pretty fast, one of the best entry-level kayaksWeighs 26 pounds, supports up to 500 pounds, Polykrylar construction, welded seam design, inflates in 6 minutesCheck Price

Best Kayak for Dogs Reviews

Advanced Elements Kayak

Advanced-Elements-KayakThe first dog-friendly kayak in this review comes from Advanced Elements. Generally, this brand offers some of the finest kayaks out there, including the Lagoon 1 & 2, the infamous “Strait Edge”, and more. The reason why I’ve decided to open up the review of the best kayak for dogs with this model is quite simple – this kayak is simply better than most models in the price range.

First of all, it would be an understatement to say that this kayak is beautiful. It comes in two color variations, both of which you’ll find as captivating, to say the least. The trendy, old-fashioned “red” style is for people who prefer things plain and simple, although the same can’t be said for the “green” style variation.

Namely, the second color option looks fast and urban, and it’s definitely among the most beautiful kayaks you’ll see for the cash. As for the performance, this model features unparalleled speed, comfortability, and, of course, durability.

First of all, this dog-friendly kayak features a set of built-in ribs made of aluminum. These features define the stern and heavily improve tracking – this means that you won’t have any problems navigating the open waters, as well as tight and narrow river pockets.

Advanced Elements have a tendency of making some of the most durable kayaks available for the money, and this model isn’t an exception. Namely, there are three separate material layers which allow for a high level of puncture, abrasion, and impact resistance. This is just one of the many features that contribute to the impeccable level of durability of this kayak.

One of the best things about this particular kayak is that it comes pre-assembled – you don’t have to tinker around with all the little parts, rather you’ll just have to unfold it and inflate afterwards.

The feature that’s responsible for the “dog-friendly” trait of this kayak is the exceptional padded high-seat support. There’s a total of three seats, so you can always use one to sit your dog in while the other two can be used for solo and tandem paddling.

Overall, the only bad thing about Extreme Elements kayak is that it costs just a bit above the average. Namely, it belongs somewhere in between of the “medium-expensive” and the “expensive” price point categories.

Nevertheless, it boasts a massive value for the money, given that it features an unprecedented level of performance, outstanding durability, and exceptionally high level of comfortability. All things considered, this just might be the best kayak for dogs you’ll ever come across.

What I Like about this Kayak
  • Available in two color variations.
  • Premium-quality materials.
  • Outstanding level of durability.
  • Padded seats with high-support.
  • Three seats total.
What I Don’t Like about this Kayak
  • Costs just a bit more than an average kayak.

 

Lifetime 10 Foot Sport Fisher Tandem Kayak

Lifetime-10-Foot-Sport-Fisher-Tandem-Kayak"Lifetime" boasts a wide variety of high-quality kayaks. Even though there are a few things that are lacking in the aesthetics department, Lifetime kayaks are exceptionally plain and easy to use. It's no wonder this model made it into the top 5 list – it's as dog-friendly as can be, but there are also other things why you should at least consider it.

First of all, this particular kayak features a blow-molded construction, featuring high-density polyethylene materials that provide outstanding strength and exquisite durability. Other materials feature UV-protected HDPE materials that resist peeling, fading, or cracking like no other.

In case anything goes awry, though, you'll always be able to call upon the 5-year limited warranty provided by the manufacturer.

It's safe to say that this kayak is very dog-friendly. It can accommodate up to three people, and its supportive strength measures 500 pounds.

Other than that, the hull design allows for remarkable stability and exceptional tracking. You'll navigate any kinds of water with great ease, that much is certain. Even though the footrest can't be used by dogs, this feature boosts the comfortability for people.

The entire set includes two double-sided paddles, a pack of paddle clips, two padded backrests, three fishing-pole holders, and a single 6-inch storage hatch.

Overall, Lifetime's Foot Sport Fisher Tandem kayak is amongst the best kayaks for dogs. It's not exactly cheap, but it doesn't cost a fortune, and it holds quite a value for the price. The only real bad thing is that it weighs quite a lot.

What I Like about this Kayak
  • Superbly durable construction.
  • 5-year manufacturer warranty.
  • Accommodates up to three people or 500 pounds.
  • Fade, crack, and peel resistant design.
  • Comes with a set of complementary features.
What I Don’t Like about this Kayak
  • Weighs more than average.

 

PERCEPTION Pescador Pro 12 Kayak

PERCEPTION-Pescador-Pro-12-KayakPerception's Pescador Pro 12 looks outlandish – it features only one color variations, the so called "Sonic Camo", but you'll be surprised what comes with this package.

First of all, the seats are fully adjustable, so you can rest assured there will be no issues with comfortability whatsoever. Furthermore, they're made of breathable mesh materials, which are considered to be among the gentlest in kayak construction.

On top of that, Pescador features a leak-proof construction combined with premium-quality built-in buoyancy. This feature significantly reduces the chance of your kayak tilting over or upward, as it makes sure that Pescador remains afloat at all times.

Also, there's plenty of space for storage – the manufacturer states that you'll benefit from open cooler storage, tackle, and any other gear you might want to bring along for the ride.

All that being said, I can only tell you that Perception's Pescador Pro 12 is the ultimate, best kayak for dogs I've ever seen, or at least one of the best. It simply looks amazing, performs beyond my expectations, and allows me to do whatever I want to do with it without putting me through too much trouble.

Even though this is not a negative thing per se, Pescador costs a bit more than your average dog-friendly kayak. It belongs to the bottom bracket of the "expensive" price point category, and, even though you'll certainly find more expensive models if you put up an effort, this one doesn't come cheap. Still, it holds a substantial value for the money.

What I Like about this Kayak
  • Fully adjustable breathable mesh seats for long kayaking voyages.
  • Outstanding level of comfortability due to premium-quality materials.
  • Leak-proof design, as well as built-in buoyancy.
  • Exceptionally large storage compartment.
  • Dog-friendly design.
What I Don’t Like about this Kayak
  • Costs quite a lot.

 

Lifetime 10 Foot Manta Tandem Kayak

Lifetime-10-foot-manta-tandem-kayakHere we're looking at yet another model from one of the prime leaders in the kayak industry – Lifetime. This time, we're reviewing Manta Tandem Kayak – a plain, yet highly stylish kayak which boasts an exquisite set of dog-friendly features.

First of all, the Manta Tandem Kayak can accommodate multiple people, as well as your dog, given that it can support up to 500 pounds of weight. This means that this kayak is remarkably strong, despite its cute outward appearance.

The reason for "Tandem" in the name of this remarkable kayak is given rightly. Namely, there are two soft backrests, as well as two double-sided paddles for tandem kayaking, but you should do fine solo as well.

Finding a sturdy, strong kayak isn't so rare, but seldom do we have the opportunity to marvel at a lightweight one with similar qualities. Manta Tandem represents such a case, as it weighs only 60 pounds.

There are molded carry handles which allow for supremely easy transport – you and your mates won't have any troubles carrying it around as you please, given that it's lightweight, as well as compact.

Even though this particular model doesn't come with built-in buoyancy features, this small flaw is easily compensated for. As you can see, this kayak features a "tunnel-hull" design, which provides a substantial level of tracking and stability. It's virtually impossible to roll or tip over, and you can rest assured that your safety (as well as your dog's) is guaranteed.

The special "high and dry" seats are designed to keep kayak riders away from the kayak floor – this significantly improves the level of comfort you can benefit from, as well as the way this kayak was meant to be used.

On top of all, you'll get two paddles as gratis features. Most kayak manufacturers provide complementary features, but it's a rarity to see a brand that offers both the gratis features and the warranty in the same bucket.

Note that Manta Tandem costs a bit less when compared to the models we've seen so far. Still, it's not a bargain per se, but it's definitely cheaper than Perception's Pescador and Advanced Elements' Kayak.

I handpicked this kayak and labeled it as a "dog friendly" kayak as it's pretty fun to use while you're floating or paddling at a controlled pace. Using it in, for example, a lake can prove to be inconvenient, to say the least, as this kayak is quite bulky, perhaps even heavy once submerged.

Anyhow, it holds a massive value for the cash due to premium-quality features and an exceptional level of performance.

What I Like about this Kayak
  • Supports up to 500 pounds of weight.
  • Two soft backrests and two double-side paddles.
  • Lightweight construction.
  • Molded carry handles.
  • Tunnel-hull design.
  • High & Dry seats.
  • Complementary paddles.
What I Don’t Like about this Kayak
  • Not suitable for still waters.

 

Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sports Kayak Pro Solo Package

Sea-Eagle-SE330-Inflatable-Sports-Kayak-Pro-Solo-PackageThe last dog friendly kayak in this review comes from Sea Eagle and it's called SE300 Pro. Generally, this is the cheapest kayak we've seen so far, but it shouldn't be underestimated – it holds a promise of high-quality performance, as well as an exquisite feature outfit.

First of all, you'll notice that this kayak is significantly lighter than most – namely, it weighs only 26 pounds, but it can easily support up to 500 pounds. This leads us to conclusion that up to two adults, as well as their pet can easily use it at the same time without fretting of tipping over.

The Polykrylar construction is decently sturdy and durable – at least as much as lightweight materials can be. The welded seams are pretty tough, so you won't find any issues here either. The floor's inflatable, and it takes approximately 6 minutes to get it up and running.

There are no major flaws concerning Sea Eagle's SE300, apart from the fact that it's an entry-level dog friendly kayak. It can't compare to higher-end models, but it's certainly among the best in the price range.

What I Like about this Kayak
  • Lightweight construction.
  • Supports up to 500 pounds.
  • Polykrylar construction.
  • Welded seam design.
  • Takes approximately 6 minutes to inflate.
  • Class III whitewater rafting rating.
What I Don’t Like about this Kayak
  • No major flaws.

 

How to choose a dog-friendly kayak – comprehensive buying guide

There are only three factors you need to include in the calculus before you make the final verdict. The price, the durability of your kayak, and how much it weighs.

The Price

A solid kayak for dogs seldom costs below $200. However, the best dog friendly kayaks rarely cost below $500, and that's a fact. That's the reason why I've handpicked different models throughout the plethora of price point categories.

The reason for diversity throughout the price point categories is quite simple – better kayaks are made of more exquisite materials, so they cost more in turn.

The Durability

Leisurely floating in your kayak might seem like a relaxing experience at first, but that could easily turn to panic if the water starts seeping from the cracks. The factor that will determine whether you'll ever face this issue or not is the "durability" of your kayak.

The durability is measured by your kayak's ability to withstand external contact – impact, scratches, and punctures. The higher the durability rating is, the better your chances of staying afloat are.

The Weight

The heavier your kayak is, the "less-compact" its qualities are. On the other hand, heavier kayaks are usually more stable, but it will be one hell of a job to transport them from one location to the other, not to mention the extra strength you'll have to invest during paddling.

It's up to you to determine what kind of a dog-friendly kayak you want – a heavy one, knowing that your dog and you will be safer with it, or a lighter one which will be more convenient to carry around?

Conclusion

A good dog-friendly kayak should be sturdy, durable, and lightweight. If you want to take your little buddy up for the ride, you want to make sure that such experience is a pleasurable one. You should note that most dogs are afraid of water, and your pet might appear to be reluctant to enter your kayak at first.

That's all the more reason why you should get the best dog friendly kayak possible. Hopefully, you'll be able to do just that with the help of our top picks – we wish you all the luck in choosing your best kayak for you and your pet!

John Howes
 

Pet lover & passionate blogger. I love to write about pet. I started this blog to provide advance materials for choosing the right products for your dog.

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