Dogs on bare boat trip

Hello all,

My family is traveling to the BVI next week for our first bare boat trip and we are bringing our Goldendoodle with us. We’ve completed all the necessary paperwork and health inspections. I’m looking for any suggestions or lessons learned for those who have brought dogs with them in the past. Any comments or suggestions are welcome.

Thanks,
Sean

I don't know anything about the sailing portion of the trip, but be EXTREMELY careful with the dog off the boat. Many places in the BVI put out poisons for various pests. If your dog is one that will pick up anything on the ground that seems edible, I would NEVER let him/her off the leash and watch them like a hawk!

I must start this conversation by stating that I am dog owner and lover. Is the dog accustomed to boating and being onboard for prolonged periods? Is she used to being on/in the water? As you are presumably chartering I personally feel you should have express permission form the boat owner, even if she is with a charter company, and if not from the direct owner then permission from the company concerned. As a (former) owner of a charter boat, I would want to know of this and put certain rules of my own into place: you should be prepared to pay for a thorough deep clean at end of charter, dog must never be allowed on beds or cushions. This might sound harsh as no doubt you are very caring owners (but how does anyone know that?) but subsequent charterers might not be dog friendly and could have severe allergies which could lead to a loss of income.

That said, other points to consider might be planning carefully where you are intending to dock/moor as dogs might not be welcome everywhere (Leverick did not welcome dogs other than their own local dogs pre Irma for example) . Take a huge quantity of poop sacks and suppose of them very carefully, enough said, never down boat toilets. Clearly coming from Texas your dog is accustomed to heat but this is most likely not a good idea for all.

Good luck.

How are you getting to Tortola? How are you getting to the charter base? You will find the cab drivers don't like dogs. The airport personnel likely will not be helpful either. Does your charter company know your bringing a dog on board? They likely won't like it either. Everything will take more time. Private cabs, more time at customs at the airport. More time at the airport terminal allow time for long delays on both ends.

By the way I love dogs and I would not dream of doing this. I would not put myself through it or the dog.

Jay

Capt Jay is always a good voice to listen to when it comes to charters.....IMHO

I wouldn't want to be the charter right after...

No recommended for a charter boat, to bring a pet onboard. It is unlikely they would even allow it. Best to check with the charter company before getting too far along with your plans. And as Carol said, many places use poison to control dog problems. Just sayin'.

I would love to take my dog on a bareboat trip but even as a owner it’s not allowed. The other issue is getting there. More and more airlines are refusing to transport pets since conditions are not great on airport ramps and it’s a traumatic experience for the dog. I was aboard a lagoon 440 private boat where the owners had a great lab on board however he had done considerable damage to the flooring. When the boat moves dogs instinctively try and dig their claws in and scratches result.
I don’t think you will get any lessons learned because in over 100 plus weeks sailing in the BVI I have never seen a dog on a charterboat.
G

leave your dog at home for your sake and for his.

I assumed without knowing that they were doing a charter plane to get the dog there. No WAY I would put a dog in cargo to the Caribbean for a pleasure trip.

I can’t imagine adding to the stress of a first time bare boat charter by having a dog onboard. Have you contacted the restaurants/businesses you plan to stop at to find out whether your dog is welcome? Do you plan to leave your dog on the boat while you go ashore? Have you designated someone from your crew to dog sit on your boat so your dog won’t bark and howl disturbing everyone else in the mooring field?

Just flew back from st Thomas recently. Lady across from me had a cocker spaniel on her lap the whole flight. I’m allergic to dogs with fur but not hair. Have a Maltese at home that has hair and zero shedding. Ironically on the flight an anoucement was made that a passenger on the flight had a peanut allergy and that all should refrain from eating anything with peanuts as an ingredient.

Original Poster......I am a little stressed for your dog just thinking about all that can go wrong with bringing your doodle! We own a house in the BVI and have not yet brought our baby because of many of the reasons stated.

Please come back, read through the experience BVI travelers advice and tell us you have rethought your first time bareboat plans.......

You know some people “love” dogs and others love dogs. If my wife had to choose between me and our dog to go on a trip she would choose the dog. We board our dogs on trips and for both the dog and my wife it is literally traumatic for them. I can understand people bringing their dog with them and see know issues that can be overcome. I would be more concerned with a new born which people frequently bring. This would be up to the charter co. I believe her dog is hyperallogenic, no shedding like my Maltese. I can wrestle with my white colored dog with black pants and black shirt and have not a single hair on me as opposed to my sisters golden retriever which shed so much at a recent barbecue the entire surface of my pool was filled with fur. Good luck Sean! Don’t be discouraged.

Thanks for all the replies folks. I should have mentioned that my doodle is a registered and trained ESA dog that goes everywhere with me. He has traveled with us on multiple vacations by air and car. He's been to Canada, CO, Utah and various parts of Texas. He has spent time on boats at the lake, but residing on a boat will be a first. We have already cleared having him on board with the Moorings and with Foxy's Charters who will bring us to and from from STT. All the paperwork has been filed with the BVI and they are expecting us. I'll be sure to blog next week letting everyone know how we progress. Peace and love...Sean

The Moorings does allow ESA animals. To be legitimate it should meet both the following tests.

1) Does the person seeking to use and live with the animal have a disability — i.e., a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities?

(2) Does the person making the request have a disability-related need for an assistance animal? In other words, does the animal work, provide assistance, perform tasks or services for the benefit of a person with a disability, or provide emotional support that alleviates one or more of the identified symptoms or effects of a person's existing disability?

The ESA classification is heavily abused. As a consequence there are moves in place to require far more documentation. I assume in your case you meet the tests. Keep in mind however that the ESA laws do not apply in the BVI and you may find the dog is not welcome ashore in many areas.
G

As I am just back from the BVI I would wager that all the restaurants will welcome you and your dog laying at your feet. Most restaurants were less than 1/3 full. And if you r not welcome than I’m sure you would be happy having a meal on your boat with your faithful companion. Give me a break.

Hi Five Catmandu! I have spent time in Jamaica, Antigua, BVI 3x at Sunset House, Bahamas 2x, and Turks & Caicos. The people in the Caribbean are the most laid back and accommodating in the world so it would surprise me if they took issue with Barley. I must say I have been pretty surprised at the negative comments on this thread. The BVI Facebook pages were just the opposite.

You may be getting more feedback on this site from folks that are actual charter boat owners. I wonder if Moorings contacted the owner of your boat for approval. I doubt since it's difficult to get them to tell you the name of the boat you'll be on.

I would be very careful bringing the dog ashore. There are many local dogs roaming free that are very territorial. In March, I watched three local dogs attack each other on Cane Garden Bay beach right in front of several freaked out beach goer's that tried to break them up while keeping their hands from getting mangled. One large dog had its ear nearly ripped off.

You may be getting more feedback on this site from folks that are actual charter boat owners. I wonder if Moorings contacted the owner of your boat for approval. I doubt since it's difficult to get them to tell you the name of the boat you'll be on.

I would be very careful bringing the dog ashore. There are many local dogs roaming free that are very territorial. In March, I watched three local dogs attack each other on Cane Garden Bay beach right in front of several freaked out beach goer's that tried to break them up while keeping their hands from getting mangled. One large dog had its ear nearly ripped off.

Well hears your answer as far as Moorings allowing pets on boats. I’m sure it’s reflected as welll in the contract between Moorings and owners.

https://www.moorings.com/faqs

As far as worrying about strays in BVI, well I have encountered strays in my neighborhood as well as parks. Just be diligent.

I thought boaters were a different breed, excuse the pun, liking adventure and the risks and challenges that go along with it. That’s what drew me to it. I’m sure if you asked Barley would he like to participate in the adventure with the risks he would no doubt say yes, bring it on.

First off, I’m both a dog and catamaran owner. Though I’d enjoy having our therapy dog with us in the BVI it won’t happen. Unless the dog is use to being on a boat it won’t be fun. Most boat owners with dogs have wisely placed netting all around the railings. There’s no way I’d have my dog on our boat without netting. Netting is an option I’ve never known any charter to offer. One other point, dogs have been known to die from salt water, by drinking too much ( mostly by accident)

OY! So much with the advice from people with no knowledge. You're going to be just fine. Just understand that the locals don't regard dogs as members of their family...more like livestock. So PLEASE keep him on a leash on Tortola, VG, and JVD. Poison is common, particularly on JVD.
It will be a great experience for all of you! Just be sure that you give him a freshwater rinse EVERY night, whether he's been swimming or not. And dry him with towels. The salt interferes with his natural ability to cool.
You will be well-received by all ex-pat establishments. You will be well tolerated by local establishments.
EVERYONE will be anxious to welcome a well-behaved, friendly pup.
In an abundance of caution, you might touch base with Dr. Sarah, just in case there's a need.
Have fun! Please report back on your experience!

What kind of boat did you charter from the Moorings and what are your cruising dates? We will be down 28th-4th. We will be on a 514PC and love dogs!

no knowledge, bless your heart YachtReprise! And an expert on JVD to boot! Impressive.

The original poster asked for suggestions and tips, he got well thought out responses. I am a lover of animals and especially dogs. We take our golden boating on the regular in the 1000 Islands, NY., with that being said, even though our dog is an experienced boater, I wouldn’t subject him to a plane ride, in the summer heat, especially on my [b] first [b] bareboat experience in the BVI.

To each his own......Have a lovely day.

The original poster asked for suggestions and tips from those that HAVE brought dogs with them in the past. All of the negative posts have come from those that have not. That being said I do believe that some of the comments have merit but it all comes down to the legitimate risks/rewards which are relative to the person assessing them.

I'll just chime in on the dog living aboard. I imagine if the dog does fine on a boat then spending a week on it shouldn't be a problem. We have our boat up in Rhode Island now and have brought our dog 3 times with us and he did great. Our stays were only over a weekend, but we spent 2 nights each time and he did fine. He had a number of day sails prior on a smaller boat.

As far as the comments regarding the dog flying, being an ESA, the dog would fly in the cabin so there's no issues there.

My last dog spent weeks at a time on the boat and loved it. I would never bring a dog to the BVIs.

I have seen dogs on private boats, never on a charte boat

Awww shucks, not an expert. Just a casual visitor for 35 years, business operator, resident, whose daughter was born in the BVI. But by no means an expert. And thanks for your blessings. Now my day...no my LIFE...is complete!

Anywho, Sean, before Godwin's Rule comes to pass, if I can help with any advice, please PM me. I'd be happy to share my local knowledge...although, again, I'm not an expert. (Wait, am I? I'm so confused now!)

If the original poster is disabled and requires the dog to function as required under ESA rules I don’t think anyone would ever have a problem with that.
I deal however with the fake ESA issue all the time at work. It’s a giant pain and because the level of fraud is so high new restrictions more than likely will make it far more difficult for those who truly need a ESA to function.
I am not implying anything about the OP. I have no knowledge of what her disability might be. This is a observation of the can of worms the ESA program has become.
G

Thanks for all the comments, feedback, and suggestions folks. Yes, AA has already approved Barley to ride in the cabin with us so he won't have to be in the bottom of the plane. I would never subject him to riding down there even though I believe they put live animals in a pressurized part of the belly of the plane. I have heard about salt water poisoning but I wasn't aware that it interferes with a dogs ability to cool herself. Barley is used to the heat and loves to swim, but I will be sure to limit his time in the ocean. We are bringing potty pads for him to use on the boat since this boat does not have netting (at least the pix don't show any). I am planning to keep in on the lease and will be on the lookout for strays when we are on shore.

Steve~We are chartering a PC 433. We pick up our boat on the 27th. We're planning to stay on dock that night then head to JVD-after that we'll see where the wind blows us. Would love to meet up with you guys!!!

YachtReprise~Thanks for you comments and support! It's great to know the different ways the expats and native islanders view dogs. I'm sure that will be helpful. We will definitely keep an eye out for the poison. Do they tend to place it in specific locations on or around the beaches?

Few tips:

Be considerate of the fact that many people in the BVI dislike/are afraid of dogs
I assume you have a lifejacket for your dog, if not, get one
Your dog will probably be much thirstier than usual, so watch the water bowl
Second the freshwater rinse as suggested above, or they will be uncomfortable and itchy
Make sure you bring a blanket or something for your dog to sleep on
Bring chew treats etc with you, they aren't always easily available here
Don't ever leave the dog on the deck if you leave the boat. Shut them in the galley with ventilation, cabin doors shut
Check with any business before you take the dog ashore. Personally, I don't take mine ashore at Jost
For your peace of mind, buy a poison kit from Canines Cats and Critters opposite Nanny Cay before you start

Ime most dogs love sailing and are pretty easy shipmates. Have fun!

Talk to Moorings. I've seen netting on their boats before. I don't know if it is something they do or if the charter guests did it though. This was done for boats with kids on them.

I don’t think netting is needed if the dog is well behaved. I have not seen a issue with dogs accidentally falling overboard. I have personal experience however with dogs jumping off the boat on purpose. Our Golden Retriever jumps from the boat anytime she thinks it would be fun. Speed is irrelevant to her jumping habit. She tucks and rolls like a navy seal! She also retrieves anything going overboard including children!

Ha ha agreed. Mine have never fallen but they will certainly jump (and swim a long way to shore if they feel like it). They are now confined to the cockpit when underway and in the salon/galley if left on the boat.

Thank you for the tips especially for the poison kit and not bringing him on JVD! I will follow your lead! I am very concerned about him getting poisoned and would be devastated if that happened. I have been so concerned about poisoning that I was thinking about leaving him home.

Also, I'll ask the Moorings about the netting. Thanks for that tip. He does have a life jacket that I plan to make him wear at all times just in case.

Poisoning is a very real risk in the BVI, especially if the dog is not 100% trained NOT to pick up anything on the ground.

One other tip regarding the boat. I would not leave him alone on the boat (at least during the day) to make sure the generator or AC does not develop an issue and stop cooling the cabin. Those salons get hot fast in the sun without working AC.

Is he a Wheaten? We had two. This question has nothing to do with the topic.
JW

Goldendoodle.

He is not . He’s an F1B Goldendoodle

Thanks to everyone who gave helpful tips. We are very responsible pet owners and have done our homework and have cleared Barley’s travel with the airline, cab company, water taxi and boat charter. We’ll definitely post about our experience in case anyone is interested or want to know for the future. Looking forward to our island time!!

Just read that you are flying commercial and that you are going to be able to have your dog, which I assume is over 20 lbs in the cabin! What airline is that that allows that all the way through to BVI?
On a different note...being a dog lover and having seen the roaming dogs of the BVI, the ticks, the fleas, etc, and the heat of July /August, I wouldn't subject my dog to BVI .
All the posts here are so informed and knowledge is the key!

Just read that you are flying commercial and that you are going to be able to have your dog, which I assume is over 20 lbs in the cabin! What airline is that that allows that all the way through to BVI?
On a different note...being a dog lover and having seen the roaming dogs of the BVI, the ticks, the fleas, etc, and the heat of July /August, I wouldn't subject my dog to BVI .
All the posts here are so informed and knowledge is the key!

Sean Stacy....Steve~We are chartering a PC 433. We pick up our boat on the 27th. We're planning to stay on dock that night then head to JVD-after that we'll see where the wind blows us. smile Would love to meet up with you guys!!!

We will be on the dock Friday night and pushing off Saturday morning to Cooper. We will look for you Friday. There are 8 of us (4 couples) and will be flying this flag..../Users/steve/Desktop/27500598_10215146188877751_5792803279769037860_o.jpg

"Living Like A Pirate"

Steve & Tiffany

A dogs life, a climate controlled bubble. Not! Left rural Jersey with high population of deer hence ticks, fleas etc. Temp when I left for BVI was high 90’s, was able to cooled down in BVI as it was in low 80’s.

The dog is an emotional support animal, thus can fly in the regular cabin.

The FAA and airlines have modified and are in the process of eliminating the status of an "emotional support animal" flying in a regular cabin. That status may no longer be available. Best to check with the airlines.

That's the first I've heard of that. I know that they were going to require more documentation, but this is the first I've heard that they are going to eliminate it completely. Do you have a link for that??

Just curious, trained by whom and registered with whom?

https://onemileatatime.boardingarea...irlines-emotional-support-animal-policy/

There are no plans to try and eliminate ESA animals. What they are trying to do is eliminate the fraud in the program. As I posted earlier both of these tests are supposed to be met.

1) Does the person seeking to use and live with the animal have a disability — i.e., a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities?

(2) Does the person making the request have a disability-related need for an assistance animal? In other words, does the animal work, provide assistance, perform tasks or services for the benefit of a person with a disability, or provide emotional support that alleviates one or more of the identified symptoms or effects of a person's existing disability?

I deal with this at work and often issues arise and we have to sort it out. Usually it involves people with a fear of dogs not wanting to be seated near a ESA. Several times I have mentioned to ESA passengers that we were going to accommodate their disability but might have to move them. Twice I have had the person angrily state they were not disabled! Go figure!

George--thanks for the clarification. I knew that the airlines were trying to crack down on fraud, but didn't think there were any plans to eliminate ESA animals flying at all.

The only other thing I've heard is that JetBlue now limits the type of animals. Dogs, Cats and miniature pony are all the JetBlue allows now. I really have a hard time seeing a miniature pony on a plane though..

I fly often, not as often as George, but in the back of the ship with rest of unwashed. For every person that I see with physical or emotional problems that are obvious (keep in mind that everyone you know well have issues they are dealing with about which you have no clue), there are oodles more seeming to be taking advantage of the “free passage” for an inexpensive fee to get a certificate that until recently was an automatic free pass. Indeed until the crackdown you just had to declare why you needed the pet.

A while back I was in an aisle seat, the passenger in the middle seat had a emotional support Yorkie and her husband or male traveling companion in the middle seat in front of us had an emotional support poodle as well.

The center seat had room under for their carriers, the aisle and window did not. Indeed a cute and friendly dog and a talkative owner who chatted with the lady stranger in window seat throughout the flight . I rarely Initiate conversation on a flight and far prefer reading or using the WiFi when not sleeping. But I did learn that they had a place in Scottsdale as well as their home in St. Louis. ...and it was so easy to get the ESA coat and certificate that anyone could do it and save the animal’s ticket. When she went to the restroom she asked if the lady in window seat would like to hold the dog. She did. When she returned, she told the lady..”you can hold her till we land if you like”, she did. The middle seat occupant then pulled out a book and shudup the rest of the flight.

I’ve seen many coming in to the office for heath certificates proudly displaying their new “jackets.” On the other hand I’ve seen a couple severely wounded veterans in wheelchairs with support dogs in their laps waiting to board flights. I am certain there are many that need those dogs that are not so apparent. I understand the human animal bond better than most. It is a huge connectionfor millions of pet owners. Unfortunately there was an economic reason and a waiting “industry” to entice those who just want to save the $ or have their large pet be allowed to ride up front. It got out of hand. Hopefully those in true need won’t lose the right and those that don’t won’t play the system. Keep in mind this is different than seeing eye dogs or bonafide service animals.

Thank you Will_L for the insight!

BINGO!!! It is unregulated and for $49 you are in business. It is abused like crazy.

I agree with Will L. Some bona fide "support animals" but MANY abusing the system. I do hope it will become more regulated, but I expect some will continue to abuse the system.

We brought our labradoodle with us last year and had a wonderful time! Here is a blog I wrote when we returned about the process... let me know if you have any specific questions. Almost everywhere we went was dog friendly from Anegada to JVD, the only place I can recall not allowing dogs was Marina Cay. http://sailwithmoxie.com/dogtothebvi/

I recently read an article talking about the fact that pet owners take fewer trips. Especially out of the country. Even vets agree when the owner is away it is much better for the pet to remain in their own home. Less stress, etc. We love going to the BVI's and have had rescued pets our entire marriage. But we would never bring them with us. We have had single friends stay at our house while gone and have recently use Trusted Housesitters (link below). We have done this 3 times and have had absolutely no issues. Our rescues are our children. There is no way for a multitude of reasons I would take them to the BVI's.

https://www.trustedhousesitters.com...cE9ovENMoRoC6UQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

So far we are having a great trip and Barley is doing great. More updates to come later. BTW...I never asked for people to comment if I should or shouldn’t bring Barley so please those comments to yourself. Peace.

Hey Sean what's the name of the 433pc you are on? Have a great trip!

Painkiller!!!!

Your original post said " I’m looking for any suggestions or lessons learned for those who have brought dogs with them in the past. Any comments or suggestions are welcome. " So, I'm kind of thinking you DID ask for all comments. Regardless, glad it's going well so far..

So glad that it's going well! Post some pics when you get a chance!

But only from those that DID bring their dogs.

Thank you Will.

Good morning all! I am not too swift and couldn't figure out how to post pics directly to the blog so I put some out on by Google Photos page. We have a lot more to come, but here is what I have added so far. We are at Leverick this morning and are about to motor over to Cane Garden Bay for the afternoon then will be headed to JVD for our final two nights. Please come see us on the Painkiller if you are around! Peace and Love...

https://photos.app.goo.gl/iYtgMB9YUcCwNY3G9

That's a happy pup! Cheers!!

Thank you Beerman! Cheers!

I love the pup pix! Keep them coming!! Barley is adorable!!!

So are you..send more pix!

No words needed. The pictures say it all.

So awesome! Thanks for sharing!

Glad to see everyone, including Barley, limin'

Say hi to Mrs. Sean for me Can't wait to get the full trip report.

You're now an official TTOL insider.

To the naysayers .....pets on board:

https://www.marinemax.com/connect/l...H3zakHj0_tDfbMHmjhE3w&_hsmi=64896122

This page is specific to people bringing pets on boats they OWN, not on charter boats that someone else owns.

So whats the difference on whether I bring my OWN boat to BVI or charter assuming they allow dogs. Would bringing a dog on my own boat change your advice on bringing dogs to BVI or elsewhere for that matter?

I think there's potential for a number of issues. And unless you really need your dog, such as a service dog, I don't think it is worth the various potential risks. While I know our dog would have fun, our dog will ultimately be fine at home and safe. I've read of issues with paperwork being incorrect, missing or some other issue and that causing a variety of issues. I just think it isn't worth the risk for a vacation. A service dog is a completely different situation and I imagine treated differently - and certainly from the sounds of it, welcomed, where I think a regular dog might not be as welcome.

Elsewhere is a whole other story since there are even more requirements. I've ready plenty on traveling with dogs to various islands and some are easy, some are not so easy. None seem worth the hassle for a vacation. Living aboard is again another story.

Absolutely!

You can say the same thing for young children and the elderly, they too would be safer at home.

Except they are able to fly in the cabin, are able to enter with just a passport and are able to visit all establishments. Comparing the two doesn't make sense. If it is a small dog, one that can fly in the cabin, then it may be easy and reasonable to bring, but a large dog is a different story.

I know this is a bit of an old thread, but just read that a lady could not get her ESA gerbil on a flight. I thought of this thread. How in need is a person who needs a gerbil as such...She was refused, as she did not meet the standard!

Confession, I don't check the page as often as I did several years ago, please forgive me. We will be chartering down island with friends in December, and haven't been to the BVI/USVI for about four years (spending every year between St. Martin and Grenada.) I have very much enjoyed this thread Sean, as we just brought an Irishdoodle into the family with plans to buy a sailboat this year (2018/19) for retirement in the islands (six months a year.) Pretty neat that you planned all this out Sean, and look forward to hearing more.

We are taking Riley (five months old) this weekend to Dillon Colorado, the highest Yacht Club in the world (in elevation, not with the green leafy substance me thinks) for two days of sailing to see how he does. I checked into sailing charters and could not find any that would accept a pet. I looked at every charter company and found none that wanted to venture into the pet friendly realm. We have chartered with CYOA three times in the past (our favorite charter company by far, way above all the others, over the last nine years ) and was interested to see what Capt. Jay had to say, and happy to see he is still kickin! We wish we could do a charter while we are still looking for a boat, but fully understand an owner not wanting their boat exposed to potential pet problems!

Please give a complete rundown on your trip with the pooch, as we are trying to glean everything we can about sailing with a buddy. Thanks Sean, good job !!