Kayaking has grown in popularity recently, so you may wonder if you can or should take your dog along. While there are many kayaks out there, the best kayak for dogs can keep you and your pet safe.
Whether you want a kayak with a dog seat or open space, you can take your dog kayaking. Consider some of the best kayaks for dogs and their features. Then, you can enjoy a day outdoors with your furry friend.
Which Ones are the Best?
So without further ado, let’s jump directly onto our list of the best kayaks for dogs.
1) Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
The Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is one of many dog-friendly kayaks. While the design is for two people, you can use it with your dog. It is a sit-on kayak, and it doesn’t have the traditional closed top.
Because of that, your dog will be able to move around a bit more. You can also remove or adjust the kayak seats to give your dog enough space. Then, you can turn the K2 into a kayak with a dog seat.
The kayak is inflatable, and it is 10 feet 3 inches by 3 feet by 1 foot 8 inches when you inflate it. You’ll get an inflation pump, so you won’t have to blow it up yourself. The storage bag makes it easy to carry, so you can get your dog to and from the water before inflating the kayak.
It can hold up to 400 pounds, and the vinyl is heavy-duty and resistant to punctures, so your dog’s claws won’t damage it. There are three separate air chambers to keep a leak from affecting the entire kayak.
The kayak has a removable skeg, which makes it the best kayak for dogs to ride for a long distance. This kayak is also bright yellow, so you’ll be easy to see in case something goes wrong.
You can also check our full review here.
- Flexible seating arrangement
- Easy to inflate and set up
- Can support most dogs
- Durable vinyl to protect against claws
- Multiple air chambers
- Included paddles are too short
- Hard to maneuver when windy
- Grab-line mounts could be more robust
Our rating: 
4.6 / 5
2) SUNDOLPHIN Aruba
You may want a dog kayak attachment to use with the SUNDOLPHIN Aruba. It can fit you and a small dog, but you may need to add something to the side for a larger pup. Still, it’s a great option for kayaking with your dog.
The boat has an open cockpit and an adjustable seat, so you can make you and your dog fit. You can use the adjustable foot braces to keep from scaring your dog, and the spray deflector collar will keep water out of the kayak.
The high-density polyethylene is durable and can withstand the heat and UV rays. If you have a lot of gear, you can store it with the shock cord deck rigging. Then, you can make sure you and your dog have what you need for the day.
This kayak is 10 feet long, and it has carrying handles to get it to and from the water easily. You can also use the water bottle holder to keep yourself hydrated.
The maximum weight is 250 pounds, but you may be able to use it if you and your dog are slightly heavier. However, staying under the maximum will keep you and your dog safe. Smaller dogs can fit in the back compartment, but you may need extra space for a larger dog.
- Comfortable
- Great for beginners
- Easy to set up
- Adjustable seat
- Big enough for most people and dogs
- Doesn’t come with a paddle
- Expensive for what you get
Our rating: 
4.5 / 5
3) Wilderness Systems ATAK 120
The Wilderness Systems ATAK 120 kayak may not be a kayak with a dog seat, but it has room for most dogs. It’s a fishing kayak, so it’s great if you want to take your dog on a fishing trip. The kayak is compact and easy to manage, and the open design is customizable.
You can adjust the seat to make it more comfortable. Your dog can sit in front or behind you, and you can add a motor drive for even more control. The deck is stable and can protect your boat from the wind.
A rear tankwell comes with adjustable bungee straps, so you can lock down your supplies. You can use the SlideTrax to access your accessories without having to search for them.
There’s a cover in the center of the kayak to protect your gear, and you can get tackle or food in and out easily. You can also mount your fish finder and other accessories in a removable pod for more flexibility.
The kayak measures 12 feet 3 inches long by 2 feet 11 inches wide by 1 foot 4 inches tall. It weighs 86 pounds, and it can support up to 400 pounds, which is great for you and your dog.
- Adjustable design
- Can support you and a dog of any size
- Storage space for fishing gear and other accessories
- Compatible with motor
- Compact and easy to manage
- More expensive than other kayaks
- Bulky for moving to and from water
Our rating: 4.5 / 5
4) Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
If you want to take your dog fishing on a kayak, the Intex Excursion Pro is worth considering. It has a similar design to the Explorer K2, but it has a few more features. Like the other Intex model, you can swap out one of the seats with a dog kayak attachment to keep your dog safe.
However, you also get two integrated recessed fishing rod holders. The kayak also has two removable skews that you can use in deep or shallow waters.
You can use the adjustable mounting bracket to store a GPS or other supplies, and you can use the included 86-inch aluminum oars. The high-output pump inflates the kayak quickly, so you and your dog can get on the water sooner.
This kayak uses a laminate PVC and polyester core. It can withstand impact from you or your dog, and it won’t tear. The material also helps keep the kayak inflated with a lot of pressure, so it will feel more rigid and secure.
As long as you and your dog don’t weigh over 400 pounds combined, you can use this kayak. It measures 12 feet 7 inches by 3 feet 1 inch by 1 foot 6 inches. The separate air chambers can keep you from sinking, and the inflatable booster pad to elevate a seat for you or your dog.
Long story short, Excursion Pro is one of the best kayak for dogs.
- Flexible seating options
- Big enough for most dogs
- Durable material
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Ample storage space
- Can leak easily
- Quality control issues
- Quite expensive
Our rating: 
4.4 / 5
5) Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
Consider the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two if you want a larger kayak with a dog seat or room for your dog. It features three seating positions, one of which is for you and a pet. You can adjust the two seats in four ways, so you can get the right fit and prevent slipping.
The open top makes it easy for you and your dog to get in and out of the kayak. This kayak also includes molded-in handles and a skid plate to further help with entry and exit. It’s also self-draining, so you don’t have to worry about too much water getting in.
It is suitable for both lakes and oceans, and it’s easy to handle when the kayak wakes. The kayak has a maximum weight capacity of 425 pounds, so it’s more than durable enough for you and your dog.
It measures 12 feet by 2 feet 10 inches by 1 foot 8 inches, and it weighs about 57 pounds. You can use the gear straps to attach storage bags, but you can also keep a few accessories in the kayak itself.
- Versatile setup
- One of the best kayaks for dogs
- Easy to handle on the water
- Self-draining
- Stable and comfortable
- Doesn’t include paddles
- Water can get in
Our rating: 4.4 / 5
6) Sevylor Coleman Colorado
The Coleman Colorado kayak from Sevylor is one of the best kayaks for dogs and their owners. It uses PVC, so it’s durable for lakes, and it has certification from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
The nylon cover and tarpaulin bottom protect the boat from punctures, so you don’t have to worry about your dog’s claws. If the kayak does have a leak, there are multiple air chambers to keep the leak contained.
This kayak has space for two people, so you can fit in it with your dog. You can keep your paddles and fishing gear out of the way with paddle holders and rod holders. The trolling motor fittings make it so that you can fish more easily with this kayak.
You can adjust the seats to give you and your dog enough room, and the open top gives your dog room to move around. Of the many dog-friendly kayaks, this one is among the most popular.
The kayak can hold up to 470 pounds, so you should have no problem with it. Once you inflate it, the kayak itself weighs about 40 pounds. Before you inflate it, it measures 2 feet 6 inches by 1 foot 7 inches by 11 inches. It inflates to be 10 feet 9 inches long.
- Inflatable so easy to carry
- Adjustable configuration
- One of the best kayaks for dogs in terms of space
- Can hold a lot of weight
- Easy to set up
- Not suitable for tall people
- Won’t hold air very long
- No paddles, no pump included
Our rating: 4.4 / 5
7) Lifetime Tamarack Angler
The Lifetime Tamarack Angler kayak is one of many dog-friendly kayaks out there. It fits one person, and there’s plenty of space for your dog to sit in front of you. You can adjust the padded seat, and you can secure your feet with the footrests to keep your feet out of your dog’s way.
As a fishing kayak, it includes two flush-mounted fishing rod holders and a top-mounted fishing rod holder. You can use the straps at the front or back to connect a dog kayak attachment so that your dog has even more freedom to move.
The kayak uses high-density polyethylene, which is durable, and the chine rails help with stability. There are deep hull tracking channels to keep you on track when moving long distances. You can also use the T-handles on the front or back when carrying the kayak.
It features two 6-inch storage compartments, so you can bring whatever you need while kayaking. Then, you and your dog can enjoy time on the lake or river.
- Adjustable seats
- Durable design
- Open space for most dogs
- Storage compartments
- Plenty of accessories
- Low weight limit (275 pounds)
- Water can get in
Our rating: 
4.3 / 5
8) SUNDOLPHIN Bali SS
If the best kayak for dogs in your family isn’t inflatable, consider the SUNDOLPHIN Bali SS. It has a large seating area that can fit you and a small or medium-sized dog. You can put your feet in the adjustable foot braces so that you don’t accidentally kick your dog.
The open cockpit offers enough room for your dog to sit so that they can get comfortable. It uses high-density polyethylene, so it’s durable enough for you and your pet. The kayak also includes a molded paddle holder, and it’s easy to carry to and from the water.
You can easily paddle and track through the water in a straight line, and the kayak will remain stable. However, the maximum weight is 250 pounds, so you and your dog’s combined weight should be less.
This kayak is suitable for both rivers and lakes, and you can use the portable accessory carrier for extra storage. You can find a compatible dog kayak attachment to give your dog even more room to sit or lay down.
This kayak is 10 feet long, and it’s a sit-on model, so you will sit higher than in some kayaks. It’s also bright green, so others can find you if you need help.
- Easy to get in and out
- Comes with extra storage
- Large seating area
- Tracking is easy
- Durable material
- Weight limit is somewhat low
- Not as stable as some kayaks
Our rating: 
4.2 / 5
The Best Kayak for Dogs – Summary
Kayaking with your dog may seem like a lot of work, but the best kayak for dogs can help. You and your furry friend can sit comfortably while you paddle along the river or lake.
We think the best kayak for dogs is the Intex Explorer K2, but all of the models on this list are great. Consider your budget, the size of your dog and how you plan to use the kayak. Then, you can choose from the many dog-friendly kayaks on the market.