According to BC Ferries, dogs on leashes and cats in carriers will now be able to catch some fresh air on the upper decks of all four vessels servicing the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay route.
Currently, the upper outer decks of the Spirit of British Columbia and the Spirit of Vancouver Island have both been outfitted with pet friendly areas, but the Coastal Celebration and Queen of New Westminster will have to wait until later this summer to have their pet areas installed.
By the end of summer, all vessels sailing between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen will have pet-friendly areas.
This latest run of pet-friendly upper outer decks comes after the successful and popular implementation of these zones aboard other smaller capacity routes along BC’s coast.
“We’ve been preparing our vessels and crew for what promises to be one of our busiest summers yet. These new pet areas mean extra comfort for canine and feline friends and family members – and their people – through the peak season and beyond,” said Melanie Lucia, Vice-President of Customer Experience at BC Ferries.
“Transport Canada regulations are clear that our customers can’t stay in their vehicles when they’re parked on an enclosed car deck. By growing the number of safe, accessible pet spaces on our biggest ships, we are also providing a better experience for pet parents parked on our lower car decks so they have the choice to get outside with their animals.”
With the new pet-friendly areas also come new rules for animals and their owners.
BC Ferries says that while on the outer decks, dogs must be kept on a one-metre leash at all times and cats must be in a travel carrier.
All pets must stay in the designated pet area, which is marked with yellow lines.
They added that waste bags and water bowls are provided and the area will be cleaned regularly between sailings.
Additionally, pets and their people may only access these areas via one specific, designated stairwell, which is marked with paw prints.
There is also a paw-print designated elevator for pet owners with diverse accessibility needs.
BC Ferries says that pets are not to be permitted in terminal lounges, on passenger walkways, or inside the passenger lounge areas of the ferry, except for guide and service dogs.
They added there will be a limit of two pets per owner.
