Thinking of bringing your furry friend along on a yacht vacation? A pet-friendly yacht charter sounds like a dream come true, but before you set sail, there are some important things to know. From legal paperwork to the practicalities of life at sea, planning ahead ensures smooth sailing for both you and your pet.

Legal Requirements for Pets in the Caribbean

The first step in booking a yacht charter with pets is navigating the legalities of bringing your pet into another country. Pet owners need to secure permits, health certificates, and test results before arrival.

• The Bahamas & St. Maarten/St. Martin: Import permits are typically issued via e-mail and presented at your port of entry.
• The British Virgin Islands (BVI): An e-mail permit is required, and a veterinary exam is performed upon entry. The official comes directly to your port of arrival, making the process seamless.
• Costs: Importation fees are modest—around $10 in both the Bahamas and the BVI.

Key Questions to Ask Before You Go

Before you commit to a yacht charter with pets, ask yourself:

• Will my pet get seasick? Motion can be unsettling for animals unfamiliar with the water.
• Where will my pet go potty? Daily routines are different at sea. You will likely be on a mooring ball or anchor – not docked at a marina so thinking through your pets potty routine is key.
• Wet dogs can’t come in! When the dog goes in the water, how will you dry them off before coming back on board?
• How will confinement affect him? Yachts, no matter how luxurious, have limited space.
• Where will the dog sleep? While many of us love having pets snuggle up in bed, yachts are furnished with high-end linens, and most owners prefer that pets have their own designated sleeping space. Having to replace them can leave you with a hefty bill!
• Is airline travel realistic? Some pets may not be allowed in the cabin. Caribbean heat makes cargo transport risky.

For most pets, especially larger dogs, doggie daycare or a sitter staying in your home is often the safer choice. But if your pet is small enough to travel comfortably in your carry-on or is already a seasoned sailor, they may be a great sea companion.

Finding a Pet-Friendly Yacht Charter

This is the biggest challenge. Yacht owners are protective of their vessels: sharp claws can damage varnish, wet bellies can stain luxury rugs, and future guests may have allergies. Because of this, most owners say no to pets.

But in our 25+ years of arranging charters, we’ve always found a solution for determined clients. Typically, yachts that are pet-friendly are more open to pocket pets (toy breeds or small animals) vs large pets over 20 lbs.

Even when pets are allowed:

• Expect a hefty security deposit—often several thousand dollars.
• Refunds are granted if the pet is a “super guest.”
• Exceptional “sea dogs” can build a reputation, which helps with future charters. One beloved pup we know now has reference letters from three different captains and no longer requires a deposit!

Final Thoughts

A pet-friendly yacht charter in the Caribbean is possible, but it takes planning, paperwork, and the right yacht. If your four-legged friend is adaptable, small, and happy at sea, you can absolutely make it happen. If your pet is more than 20 lbs, it can be challenging to find a yacht that will accommodate. In most cases, yachts remain a better vacation for humans than pets.

Looking for a yacht that might welcome your furry companion? With thousands of yachts worldwide, we’ll help you explore the rare but possible options to make your luxury yacht vacation a trip the whole family, paws included, can enjoy.