Out boating with a dog?
Safety tips for pooches and protected islands
As a country blessed with an abundant coastline and a boat-crazy population that also loves its pets, New Zealand is a marine leisure paradise for people and pups alike. From the Bay of Islands to Fiordland, there’s no shortage of fishing, sun-seeking, diving and cruising to keep boaties happy.
And while many of us take our dogs (and sometimes even cats!) on such jaunts, it’s essential that wildlife protection rules are followed, particularly around bringing pets to protected islands.
“Dogs are great companions on board household boats but make sure you know before you go if your pup is welcome on any of the islands you might want to visit,” says Michelle Le Long, Chief Operating Officer at pet insurance specialist PD Insurance.
“Remember, any rules in place are there to protect your pet, look after native species, prevent the spread of pests and preserve the experiences for others. As an animal loving community we need to be across the do’s and do not’s, especially as we quickly move towards summer.”
Protect your pooch
Before hitting the water, ensure you’re set to look after your dog properly while there. Dogs love the water; most are natural swimmers and will relish the adventure of going onboard.
Preparing for the pup’s comfort is essential, with top tips including:
- Get a properly-fitted doggy life jacket.
- Pack drinking water and a bowl.
- Apply sunscreen, especially if your dog has pale or exposed skin.
- Have a plan to deal with Number 1s and 2s in an environmentally friendly way.
Le Long says pet parents should think of their dog as another member of the crew, advising to “Monitor their comfort throughout the trip and take good care of them as you would anywhere else, but with special marine precautions.”
That can extend to specific boat training for your dog.
“Make sure they know how and when it’s safe to get on and off the vessel. Perhaps more importantly, make sure YOU know how to get them on and off, as wind or waves can make things tricky. Also train them to understand the safe and risky parts of your boat,” she says.
Know before you go
Some islands allow dogs to come ashore and others have dog-friendly dedicated areas, but most Department of Conservation (DOC) areas are completely off-limits to dogs, prohibiting them. In fact, the Hauraki Gulf alone has 47 pest-free islands – all home to protected species.
“There are generally good reasons for different rules in different places,” notes Le Long. “For example, Waiheke and Great Barrier are permanently populated, so there are already dogs there. Smaller islands such as Rakino and Rangitoto are not and have become sanctuaries for native flora and fauna that can be disturbed by your dog.”
“Some islands, like Whale Island and the Rurimas off Whakatane, are off-limits to everyone without a permit.”
She points out that canines can easily have an unintended negative impact on native species via predation or disturbance. Flightless birds such as kiwi and weka and beach-nesting birds such as dotterel, blue penguin, godwits and oystercatchers, are particularly vulnerable. DOC says the mere presence of dogs (and sometimes humans) is enough to stress shorebirds.
The differing of rules between islands are exactly why every boatie heading out with their fur kid should first run a quick check to be sure of the rules. “You know where you’re going. Look up ‘DOC’s know before you go website’ and you’ll get the rules straight away,” Le Long adds.
Do your bit for our wildlife
By knowing the rules and looking after your pup the best way possible (which sometimes means leaving them at home or aboard the boat), you’re doing your bit as a responsible pet parent.
Don’t let others ruin it, though: recent times have seen a spike in incidents of dogs on pest-free islands. If you see others breaking the rules, report it to DOC. After all, it’s for the good of native wildlife – and for the good of others. If people don’t follow environmental protection rules, which are there for a good reason, it can ruin taonga for everyone.
Media contact
Leandri Smith – The Mail Room
027 365 9003 | [email protected]