Can I Take my Dog on a River Float?
Whether you’re on vacation or simply planning a local adventure, for many people no outing is complete unless they can bring their beloved dog along for the ride. With all of its parks and outdoor activities, Calgary is known as a very dog-friendly city, and Lazy Day Raft Rentals is proud to be a part of that, with river floating adventures that you and your furry family member can enjoy together.
Dog-Friendly Waters
If you are considering bringing your dog along with you on your rafting adventure, you want to be sure that it is safe for all involved. Luckily, the section of the Bow River that we raft is a relatively calm, with no whitewater or river rapids to speak of. Our rafting experience is less about excitement and more about relaxation, with an emphasis on the “Lazy” in “Lazy Day Raft Rentals”.
With waters this calm, you can feel safe bringing your furry friend along for the ride. However, under the Bow’s calm exterior, VERY strong currents do exist and it is important to protect your dogs with a PFD and keep it on them at all times when they are on or near the water.
Safety First
Because we value all of our customers, not just the human ones, our floats include personal flotation devices for everyone who will be going on the raft during your rental. That includes your dog (availability permitting)!
To help ensure your dog’s safety, we carry a limited number of life jackets (available on a first-come, first-served basis) for dogs in four sizes, from extra small to large. If you’re planning to raft often with your dog, we recommend investing in a good-quality PFD for your dog to avoid disappointment.
Abide by the Law
As the Bow River runs through the lovely city of Calgary, it is important to make sure that you are following all of the local laws and regulations while enjoying your day on the river. When you are bringing your dog with you aboard the raft, that includes local leash laws.
In Calgary, unless you are on your own private property, dogs must be leashed at all times. That means that if you stop at any of the islands, parks, or beaches along the river throughout the day, you must ensure your dog is properly leashed before you make landfall. This is especially important in crowded park areas where you are likely to run into other dogs and people — for the safety of both your dog and others.
Use Good Judgment
Of course, just because we want our furry friends with us at all times does not always mean it is a good idea. Part of being a responsible pet owner is knowing your pet well enough to know what might or might not be a safe and fun time for them.
One factor to consider is your pet’s temperament and behavior. If they are naturally nervous, shy, or uneasy around other people and animals, bringing them out on the river may not be wise, especially if you have plans to stop at any of the busy parks or beaches along the way. However, it still may be doable if your tweak your plans a bit to accommodate the nervous pup.
Another factor to keep in mind is your dog’s health. Check out the local weather before heading out — is it supposed to be particularly hot or cold? Are these temperatures your dog handles well? If it’s especially hot, you might want to be sure to bring a water bowl for them.
Lazy Pups on the Lazy River
When you’re looking for a way to enjoy the 
great outdoors with your dog, a relaxing float down the Bow is a great option. Call or stop by Lazy Day Raft Rentals today to learn more about our raft rentals and how you and your friends — furry and otherwise — can enjoy a lazy day on the river. With no rafting experience required, rafting down the Bow is guaranteed to be a fun and relaxing time for all.