More outdoor pet areas have been added to BC Ferries routes connecting the mainland to Vancouver Island. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

sailing pets

BC Ferries adds more outdoor deck space for pets

Apr 22, 2024 | 11:46 AM

NANAIMO — Furry friends will now have more space to sail on select BC Ferries routes to and from Vancouver Island.

Larger, upper deck outdoor pet areas for leashed dogs and cats in carriers have been added to the Queen of Surrey and Queen of Coquitlam, sailing from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay and Langdale.

This brings the total number of vessels with upper deck pet friendly areas to six, along with a number of indoor facilities for pets and their owners.

According to a release, providing a better way for pets to travel was seen as a high priority, according to vice-president of customer experience at BC Ferries, Melanie Lucia.

“This is great news for customers preparing to travel with pets in the busy spring and summer seasons. Thanks to feedback we received from pet owners and other customers, we plan to continue building on that momentum and make our vessels more pet-friendly.”

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In the new pet areas, “dogs keep their owners on a one-metre leash at all times” and cats must be in a travel carrier while on the outer decks.

Pet areas and designated stair cases are marked with paw prints, with waste bags and water bowls provided and cleaned regularly.

Despite the expansion, pets are still not permitted in terminal lounges, on passenger walkways, or inside the passenger lounge areas of the ferry, with exceptions given to certified guide and service animals.

BC Ferries said a recent survey showed an average of 93 per cent of respondents supported expanded pet areas in the upper decks, while additional outdoor pet spaces are being considered on other routes, including Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay.

Pet areas are only available on routes from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay, Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, Earls Cove to Saltery Bay and Powell River to Comox.

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