Can My Pet Go Rafting? Here’s What You Need to Know

You experience the best trips with loved ones by your side. That could mean your family, friends, significant other, or even your pets. At River Drifters, we welcome all groups and loved ones. However, we ask that you leave your pet at home. If you’re already traveling with your pet, then we recommend finding a day care for your furry friend.

We turn away pets for five reasons, and we keep their comfort and safety in mind with each decision.

(1) Safety Instructions Matter

Our guides give instructions on the dos and don’ts of rafting to ensure your comfort and safety. The instructions also include what to do in potentially stressful situations, like if you fall out of the raft or the raft flips. As smart as pets are, they can’t understand these directions—not yet anyway.

(2) River Hazards Pose Real Dangers

We understand that most pets can swim, but rivers, especially those with whitewater sections, contain potential hazards. If your pet swims, they could be injured by river hazards they can’t avoid. The current and rapids might also prove too decisive for them to navigate. Your pet can sustain injuries while riding in the raft, as they may struggle to maintain balance or stay in one place.

(3) Insurance and Logistics Create Barriers

Our insurance companies prohibit us from allowing dogs on any raft trips. We also don’t offer on-site pet sitting, so your dog must stay in your car, which creates issues. The heat builds up even on spring and fall days, so please plan accordingly and arrange pet care.

(4) Extreme Temperatures Threaten Pet Health

Can my pet go rafting safely in our climate conditions? Unfortunately, no. River Drifters operates in two states and nine different rivers in Oregon and Washington, where we experience triple-digit temperatures. Hours of heat exposure are challenging even for well-hydrated people and inhumane for pets. This is why you cannot leave them in your car while you raft as well. Our water temperatures also present extreme conditions for your pet, since, for example, they only reach highs of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit on the Deschutes River, even during peak summer.

We Love Your Pets Too Much to Risk Their Safety

We love animals of all shapes and sizes, and because we care about them as much as you do, we request that you keep them at home or with a pet daycare. We would love to see pictures and hear stories of your beloved companions, though!