A dog found floating on an unmanned kayak has sparked a missing person search of Gold Coast canals.

Broadbeach Waters residents noticed the kayak and dog just after 8:00am and notified authorities, concerned the dog's owner had gone missing.

Police said they have been searching for a possible missing kayaker but have not released any further details.

One Broadbeach Waters resident told the ABC a man aged in his 20s was often seen paddling a kayak with his pet terrier.

The search is still underway involving a police helicopter and jetskis.