Jones Valley Resort has about forty pet-friendly houseboats lined up on Shasta Lake near Redding, ranging from basic fishing boats to the over-the-top 65-foot Titan with its satellite TV, multiple flat screens, jetted tube slide, and hot tub. If you want something simpler, there are patio boats perfect for cruising with your dog, or aluminum fishing boats at $50 a day for exploring the shoreline.

The variety matters because different trips call for different setups. We rented a mid-size houseboat with a decent galley and two bedrooms, which gave us enough space that our dog wasn’t constantly underfoot while we were cooking or sleeping. The water itself is what you’re really after—Shasta Lake’s coves and inlets are genuinely beautiful, especially early morning when it’s quiet and you might see deer along the banks.

Beyond houseboats, the resort rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards if you want to get out on the water in a different way. Our dog was nervous about the paddleboard at first but warmed up to the kayak once she realized she could just sit in the middle while we paddled. The floating Marina Store is legitimately useful—we forgot sunscreen and were glad to pick some up rather than make the drive back to town.

Dogs need to stay on leash, and you’re expected to clean up after them, which is fair for keeping the lake nice for everyone. The resort’s website has some solid tips about bringing dogs on boats that are worth reading before you go—things like how to prevent overheating and what to watch for if your dog isn’t used to being on the water. The whole experience felt less like a luxury resort situation and more like a working marina where dogs happen to be welcome, which is actually refreshing if you just want to get on the water without pretense.