Drift Away With Your Dog on a Pet-Friendly Houseboat

Posted by Billy Francis

This article was updated in July 2021.

Waking up to water outside your window is great, unless you have a leak. Houseboats have kept people and pups afloat for more than 5,000 years. From pirate ships on dry land to tiny homes that can only be accessed by kayak, you’ll find a boat vacay for salty sea dogs and “land-puppers” alike on this list.

Do you have a houseboat that welcomes canine guests, too? Apply to become an Airbnb host today.

Secluded Boathouse

Robbinsville, NC
Fido, your floating palace awaits. Photo by VRBO

The only way to reach this secluded boathouse is by kayak. Fortunately, one is provided by your host if you haven’t got your own. Paddle half an hour from shore to your temporary home on the water and enjoy lake life away from the crowds. Grill out on the deck and dine out on the picnic bench in the sun, then explore the water with your pooch.

The secluded boathouse accommodates four guests. Nightly rates start at $105.

The Hangout

Accord, NY
“I get seasick, so this boat is perfect for me!” Photo by Airbnb

Love boats, but hate water? The Hangout is for you. Located next to a creek, guests can still enjoy the sound of water without having to deal with carrying your pooch back to dry land for toilet breaks. This unique vacation rental is connected to your host’s farm, which is home to friendly horses, chickens, pigs, a goat, puppies and kittens (sorry, Fido). Guests staying in the tiny home and sailboat also have access to the farm’s hot tub.

The Hangout sleeps 16. Nightly rates start at $106.

All aboard! Photo by Airbnb

The last place you would expect to find a houseboat is in the middle of the desert, but Hicksville Trailer Palace is full of surprises. The Skipper is a Mississippi Riverboat in the Mojave. Chill on the shady front deck during the day and head to the rooftop deck at night to sail the night away underneath the stunning starscape. If you want to drop anchor and explore the shore, Fido can feel the sand underneath his paws on his own private beach, run freely in Hicksville’s dog park and hang out while you enjoy a long list of super fun shared amenities like a heated salt water pool, hot tub, mini golf, giant ball pit and much more.

The Skipper sleeps five guests. Two dogs are accepted for an additional fee of $25. Nightly rates start at $344.

The Passing Wind

Wisconsin Dells, WI
Shiver me timbers, Fido! Photo by VRBO

The Passing Wind might not float, but she will still take you places you’ve never been before. This crazy craft’s unique features include a slide instead of a plank, a skeleton at the helm and an interior to rival the Black Pearl. Depart the ship in search of gold in nearby Wisconsin Dells. Tour the river with your pooch on Dells Boat Tours, and watch in admiration as a specially trained dog leaps between two cliffs at Stand Rock.

The Passing Wind accommodates six. Nightly rates start at $185.

Boston Harbor Yacht

Boston, MA
Lil yacht-see. Photo by Airbnb

Europeans first dropped anchor at Boston Harbor in 1614. The area has seen a lot over time, including the Boston Tea Party, and you can get a firsthand feel for its maritime history with a stay on a Boston Harbor Yacht. If you can drag yourself away from the skyline views, Fido can stretch his legs at Castle Island Beach and navigate the water with a Boston Water Taxi.

Boston Harbor Yacht sleeps six. Well-behaved pets are considered for an additional fee of $50 per pet. Nightly rates start at $194.

The Cabin

Seattle, WA
A colorful stay in Seattle. Photo by Airbnb

The Cabin offers a picturesque and pet-friendly stay on the water. Bring your best BBQ treats for cookouts using the Big Green Egg on the quaint back deck, and watch the world go by with your best friend for company. Fido won’t have to venture far for a walk. The boat is moored next to Gas Works Park, a unique industrial attraction. Top off your day out with a beer, pretzels and dog treats at nearby Fremont Brewing Company.

The Cabin allows up to three guests. Dogs must be leashed while on the marina. Nightly rates start at $195.

I’m feeling blue. Photo by Airbnb

How do sunsets over the San Sebastian River sound? Blue Oasis is located in downtown St. Augustine and offers a sublime stay for two- and four-legged visitors to the oldest city in America. Guests are invited to indulge in drinks on the deck under the shade of the canopy, take part in day trips to local hotspots like the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and grab a bite to eat at Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille.

Blue Oasis sleeps three guests. Up to two dogs are welcome with prior approval for an additional fee of $50 per pet, to be paid prior to check-in. Nightly rates start at $181.

Rondavous Land Yacht

Terlingua, TX
"Captain Brownbeard reporting for duty.” Photo by Facebook.com/tinvalleyretrorentals

Land ahoy, Fido! Rondavous Land Yacht is one of Tin Valley Retro Rentals' unique pet-friendly stays, offering dogs who don’t have their sea legs the chance to climb aboard a yacht in desert surroundings. Located in a quirky clothing-optional camping resort that includes other unusual lodgings like a 1969 VW that spins, an Airstream with eyes, and a 1972 school bus, you and your pooch will share 90 acres with other campers in the Texas Badlands. Cook dinner on the smoker, hang out around the fire pit and enjoy stargazing together on Rondavous’ deck. If you do want to partake in stripping off your clothes, you’re far enough away from other guests to go unseen.

Rondavous Land Yacht sleeps two. Nightly rates start at $95.

Houseboat in Peaceful Marina

Richmond, VA
Ruffin’ it on the river. Photo by VRBO

Watch your troubles float away with a stay on this houseboat in a peaceful marina. Described as a spacious and cozy riverboat only 10 miles from Richmond, it’s located on a quiet meandering section of the water known for oxbow lakes, calm tides and peaceful vibes. When the sun starts to set, sit out on the deck and watch ancient sturgeons leap out of the water.

This houseboat in peaceful marina accommodates four guests. Nightly rates start at $117.

40-Foot Private Sailing Yacht

Carolina Beach, NC
Furry first mates welcome. Photo by VRBO

Salt life awaits Fido on this 40-foot private sailing yacht in North Carolina. A floating house with two cabins, your pooch will love stretching out below deck after a tiring day in the sun. Moored in the marina, visitors can walk to the beach, rent a kayak and even get out in the ocean by chartering the boat from your hosts for a day on the open waves. Dogs are welcome on a case-by-case basis for an additional fee.

The 40-Foot Private Sailing Yacht sleeps five guests. Nightly rates start at $194.

Which of these houseboats floats Fido’s boat? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Pixabay.