Two dogs in stars-and-stripes life jackets riding a paddleboard on Shasta Lake with the Silverthorn Resort houseboat marina behind them
Pet-Friendly Resort

Pet Policy — Shasta Lake Houseboats & Cabins

We love pets! Here's everything you need to know about bringing your furry family members aboard at Silverthorn Resort.

Dogs per houseboat
Maximum 2
Dogs only — no cats or exotics
Pet fees
1st free · 2nd $50
Non-refundable, paid before boarding
Excessive cleaning
$95 / hour
Damages at replacement cost

Yes — Pets Are Allowed

Silverthorn Resort and our sister marina, Jones Valley Resort, are pet-friendly. We allow a maximum of 2 dogs per houseboat — the 1st dog stays free, and the 2nd dog is a $50.00 non-refundable fee paid prior to occupancy/boarding.

Any excessive cleaning required upon departure (pet hair, urine, etc.) will be charged to the credit card on file at $95.00 per hour. Any damages will be charged at replacement cost.

Pet Policy Guidelines

  • Dogs are welcome on houseboats and in cabins (no cats or exotic pets)
  • Maximum 2 dogs per houseboat — 1st dog stays free, 2nd dog is $50.00 (non-refundable)
  • Pets must be declared at the time of booking
  • All dogs must be well-behaved and house-trained

Important Rules

  • Pet owners are responsible for all damage — charged at replacement cost
  • Pets must not be left unattended on the houseboat
  • Clean up after your pet at all times — on the boat and on shore
  • Aggressive breeds or dogs with a bite history are not permitted
  • Excessive cleaning of pet hair, urine, etc. is charged at $95.00 per hour
  • Health ordinances do not allow pets inside the marina store

Tips for Houseboating With Your Dog

Bring a pet life jacket

Even strong swimmers tire quickly in open water. A bright doggie life vest keeps your pet safe and easy to spot.

Pack familiar items

Bed, toys, food, bowls, leash and any medications. Familiar things help pets settle into a new environment.

Shade and fresh water

Shasta Lake summers are hot. Make sure your dog always has shade and plenty of cool drinking water.

Plan bathroom breaks

Set up a spot on the lower deck (a pee pad works well) or plan regular shore stops.

Watch for wildlife

Keep your dog leashed on shore to avoid porcupines, skunks and other Shasta Lake locals.

Bring paperwork

Carry up-to-date vaccination records in case of an emergency at the vet.

Hot Surface Warning

In peak season the dock and parking area get extremely hot for paws. Plan accordingly — consider booties, carry your dog across hot surfaces, and try to schedule arrivals and departures during cooler hours.

A Few Other Things You'll Need

Food & water. Bring more water than you think you'll need. You and your dog will both be in the sun more than usual.

Newspapers or a doggie toilet. Your dog probably won't get it right every time. Watch for their usual warning signs, accompany them as you would on a walk, and clean up any messes.

Doggie snacks. Always keep treats handy to reward good behavior on board.

A carrier, harness or leash. Local leash laws apply even at the dock, and health ordinances do not allow pets in marina stores.

A dog ladder or ramp. You'll need an easy way for your dog to get out of the water and back on board. A collapsible floating ramp mimics the shoreline and is easier for older or heavier dogs.

Proper paperwork. Up-to-date papers and vaccination records, just in case.

Boating with pets takes patience and preparation, but when you and your best friend are out on the water, you'll be glad you did it.

Pet Policy FAQ

Are pets allowed on Shasta Lake houseboats?

Yes. Silverthorn Resort is a pet-friendly resort. Dogs are welcome on our houseboats and in our cabins — no cats or exotic pets.

How much does it cost to bring a pet?

The 1st dog stays free. The 2nd dog is a $50.00 non-refundable fee, paid prior to occupancy or boarding.

Are there size or breed limits?

There is no size limit, but a maximum of 2 dogs per houseboat. Aggressive breeds and dogs with a bite history are not permitted.

What rules apply on board?

Dogs must be well-behaved and house-trained, must never be left unattended on the houseboat, must be leashed on shore and at the dock, and you must clean up after them at all times.

Do I need to declare my pet at booking?

Yes. All pets must be declared at the time of booking so we can note them on your reservation.

What pet damages or cleaning fees apply?

Any excessive cleaning required on departure (pet hair, urine, etc.) is charged to the credit card on file at $95.00 per hour. Any damages are charged at replacement cost.

Good boys & girls

Pets of Silverthorn

A few of the four-legged guests who have joined their families on Shasta Lake with us.

Small white poodle mix in a pink harness by a lakeside campfire next to a Silverthorn houseboat on Shasta Lake
Goldendoodle wearing sunglasses being carried along the Silverthorn Resort dock at sunset on Shasta Lake
Sheltie mix in a red harness sitting on a rental pontoon boat near the Shasta Dam bridge on Shasta Lake
Dalmatian on a leash walking the boarding ramp at the Silverthorn Resort houseboat marina
Black and white French bulldog resting in the sun on the shaded dock walkway at Silverthorn Resort
Tan French bulldog posing on a stone wall at a Shasta Lake overlook above the Silverthorn Resort marina

Questions about bringing your dog?

Our reservation team is happy to help you plan a pet-friendly trip.