Fido can get a better look at you as you enjoy a bowl of the famous chili, or a BC Burger on board a BC Ferries trip to or from Nanaimo. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

free fido

BC Ferries expanding pet pilot project to Nanaimo

May 16, 2023 | 4:36 PM

NANAIMO — No longer will Fido have to wait in the car, or be limited to the sometimes restrictive pet areas on board a BC Ferries sailing.

Beginning Monday, May 15, the company extended a pilot project to include sailings between Nanaimo’s Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver, which allows access for dogs on leash to the upper, outside passenger decks.

The program began last fall and also applies to cats in carriers. It was overwhelmingly successful, according to BC Ferries, on the Earls Cove-Saltery Bay route on the upper Sunshine Coast.

“Leaving the dog in the car causes considerable stress. This program completely eliminates that stress. Walking on is very challenging with the tiny pet rooms. This is so much more comfortable for me and my pet,” feedback on the initial pilot read.

Ninety per cent of those surveyed during the pilot were supportive of seeing it expand.

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Access to the upper passenger deck will be via a designated stairwell, or elevator for those with mobility challenges. They are signed with paw prints on the ground.

BC Ferries noted the additional pet areas will only be available “on selected vessels”, but did not say specifically which ones.

Once on board, pets will be required to stay in a designated pet area. Owners must keep their dogs on a short one-metre (three-foot) leash and only have two dogs at a time.

The move is an expansion of previous pet areas on board the Nanaimo-Vancouver sailings, which ranged from small and cramped pet rooms to outdoor seating areas on the upper vehicle deck.

During the fall pilot near Powell River last fall, around 1,000 pets travelled on the route.

BC Ferries will be conducting a survey over the next 60 days to gauge response to the expansion and help inform any future decisions.

The pilot was also expanded to the Comox-Powell River crossings.

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