Although I have no pets living aboard right now, I may get one eventually. I have floating neighbors nearby who have either dogs or cats. Particularly for solo sailors, having a pet aboard can serve as a source of protection and loving companionship.
Having a pet wherever you are brings a new set of responsibilities that may interfere with your life at times. Pets need to be fed and cared for, so living aboard with pets means keeping plenty of pet food aboard. Going ashore frequently just to care for your pet may be difficult at times. With frequent travel on your vessel having a trusted veterinarian nearby is not doable, so you have to visit the nearest one wherever you are.
Depending on what type of pet you have, they need exercise. Cats may be content with roaming around your vessel, but dogs usually need a long walk on a leash. Going ashore to walk the dog may be difficult in bad weather. Some people prefer sedentary dog breeds. Dogs that don’t need much walking are satisfied with little steps around the cabin.
Keeping exotic pets when living aboard might not work out. Rare pets may need specialized food and more frequent health care visits. Keeping a common dog or cat that are known for not needing much care would be better for a liveaboard sailor.
Planning to take a long vacation away from the vessel? you may need to find a caring neighbor. You need someone to look after your pets or leave them at a pet boarding facility. Staying at a marina would make things easier, but when being anchored away from shore you may have to board your pet.
Beware when doing minor repairs in the deck or cabin, you could make your pet sick. Even when cleaning aboard you have to be careful not to use anything that might be harmful to pets.