As people increasingly view their four-legged friends as an integral part of their family, a new breed of pampered pooch is cruising aboard specially equipped yachts that have been customized to enhance safety and comfort.
This article was written by Rachel Ingram. Photography courtesy of Heesen Yachts.
When Dutch superyacht builder Heesen delivered 50-meter Amare II, it paid close attention to the owners’ prized pets: Jessie, a cocker spaniel, and Vidar, a Swiss shepherd. So the yacht was built with several dog-friendly features including mesh nets to keep the dogs off the swim platform, augmented tenders with a grippy custom cushion at the bow that allows both dogs to jump safely into the boat, and specially conceived bathing platforms from which the sizeable Vidar can be lowered into the water and then lifted back out easily. There are also special dog beds in the primary cabin as well as in the owners’ son’s room.
For Ultra G, a full-custom 50-meter delivered in 2024, the shipyard went a step further with a dedicated area for canine guests and a smart “dog relief” patch with a self-flushing synthetic grass area—the innovative feature is controlled by sensors and cameras and is automatically cleaned by sprinklers.
German superyacht builder Lürssen faced a particular challenge for one superyacht owner’s dog that refuses to relieve itself on anything but real grass. Lennart Pundt, head of project development for Lürssen, revealed that the shipyard tackled this issue by creating an irrigation system in a recess on the deck featuring real grass that, with the aid of fertilizers, grows year-round, even in hot climates.
Safety for pets onboard is a primary concern for several yachts—including Heesen’s Rocket and Ocean Z—that have been adjusted with small furry friends in mind and include special features such as safety rails and extra-small staircase gates. Accessibility is another key consideration. Looking at Dutch shipyard Feadship’s Aquarius, the owner’s office features a dog door panel behind the desk, while on Lady Christine, another Feadship, door sensors are positioned at dog height so four-legged friends can get around easily.
As superyacht owners enjoy extended stays aboard, accommodating pets has become a primary demand and crew often require special training to take care of the precious pets. But as Captain Nick Powell of Amare II says, this is often a welcome challenge: “The crew like having dogs on board—it’s good for their mental health, and their routines help to give a focus to the day.”
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