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OUTDOOR PET AREAS ADDED TO TWO MORE MAJOR VESSELS

Approximately 54 per cent of millennials viewed themselves as “pet parents.”
An estimated 38 per cent of Canadian households own a cat, while 35 per cent own a dog.
The number of passengers travelling on BC Ferries with pets nearly doubled between 2018 and 2023, from 5.5 per cent to 9.9 per cent.

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This spring, as part of an ongoing pilot project, dogs on leashes and cats in carriers travelling with their owners on the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay, Comox – Powell River and Earls Cove – Saltery Bay routes will be allowed on the upper outside decks on select vessels.

‘You barked, we listened:’ BC Ferries’ pet pilot project expanded

May 24, 2023 // by Jennifer Blyth

Dogs – and cats – are getting their day on BC Ferries … at least on some routes as part of an ongoing pilot project.

This spring, dogs on leashes and cats in carriers travelling with their owners on the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay, Comox – Powell River and Earls Cove – Saltery Bay routes, will be allowed on the upper outside decks on select vessels. A 60-day survey will be available onboard for both customers and employees to gain feedback on the new pet area, BC Ferries said in a release.

The pilot project expansion follows last fall’s successful implementation on the vessel Malaspina Sky , between Earls Cove and Saltery Bay on the Sunshine Coast. BC Ferries said it received “pawsitive” feedback from pet owners and their furry friends, and with approximately 1,000 pets travelling on the ship during the pilot, 90 per cent of survey respondents were in favour of expanding the pet areas to the outer decks of other ferries.

With the number of passengers travelling on BC Ferries with pets increasing to 13.7 per cent in 2020, from 5.5 per cent in 2018, here’s what pet owners can expect on the designated ferries:

Owners must keep their dogs on a one-metre leash at all times and cats must be in a travel carrier while on the outer decks.
Access to the area will be via a designated stairwell, with restricted elevator entry for those with accessibility needs. Paw prints on the deck mark access points.
Pets must stay in the designated pet area when on the outer passenger decks. Waste bags and water bowls will be provided and the area will be routinely cleaned.
While BC Ferries loves all animals, only on-leash dogs (with a limit of two dogs per owner) and cats in carriers are safe on the upper outer decks.

As a reminder, BC Ferries asks drivers to turn off their car alarms while parked on the decks of vessels. Motion can set them off and the noise alarms pets on the vehicle decks.

For more information on travelling with pets or on the pet pilot, visit bcferries.com .

READ MORE: BC Ferries launches app for quicker booking, check-in and trip management

READ MORE: Island Coast Salish artist’s colourful design selected for new BC Ferries vessel

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BC Ferries allows pets on more outside decks in new pilot program

BC Ferries is letting pet owners bring their dogs and cats to the outside upper decks of vessels along three routes this summer under its expanded pet pilot program.

Starting today, May 15, cats and dogs are allowed on select areas of outside upper decks on ferries travelling between Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay, Comox-Powell River and Earls Cove- Saltery Bay.

Dogs must be on a one-metre leash, and cats must be in a travel carrier while on the outer decks.

To access the outer decks, pet owners must use designated stairwells and entrances that are marked by paw prints on the ground. Limited elevator access is allowed for people with accessibility needs.

"BC Ferries loves all animals but only dogs on leash and cats in carriers are safe on the upper outer decks," said the ferry operator in a release Monday.

There's also a limit of two dogs per owner, and waste bags and water bowls will be set up in the designated upper deck pet areas.

A 60-day survey can be filled out on these three routes, wherein travellers and BC Ferries workers can provide feedback on the pilot project.

This year's pilot project follows a similar policy test along the Earls Cove – Saltery Bay route, which launched last year .

BC Ferries says approximately 1,000 pets travelled on this route during the 2022 pilot project, and that 90 per cent of survey respondents approved the new policy.

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Wag & Wildflowers A West Coast Dog Mom's Blog

Feb 13, 2023

Cruising The Coast and Taking Fido: The Definitive Travel Guide For BC Ferries

Updated: Apr 19, 2023

Having a dog can be a great companion and an enjoyable part of your life, but it also comes with special considerations, especially when living in British Columbia. One of these considerations is ensuring that your dog is kept safe and comfortable when travelling on BC Ferries.

BC Ferries is one of Canada's largest ferry operators, with routes that connect Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Haida Gwaii, and the Sunshine Coast. It's an iconic part of Canada's history and has been providing transport to British Columbians for over 65 years.

Here are some tips for travelling safely with your four-legged pal on the BC Ferries:

Whenever possible, book ahead of time to avoid running into any potential complications getting your pup onto the ferry. There are limited spaces available each sailing so it’s important to reserve your spot as early as possible to ensure you're not waiting hours at the terminal. This is especially true during busy summer months. For policies and online booking with BC Ferries, check here .

Plan for Your Pet’s Needs

Before you arrive at the dock, plan ahead for what type of pet supplies such as food, treats, water etc., you will need while travelling across the ferry route. Although many ferries feature concession stands, it’s wise to bring all items needed from home in order to guarantee convenience and minimize hassle over topographical concerns like high seas or bad weather conditions that might interrupt access during transit.

Be Prepared for Restricted Areas Onboard

Restaurants and lounge areas cannot be accessed by pets, so plan accordingly — food and water bowls are allowed on car decks provided they are not left unattended or situated too close to another passenger's area. It is also important to keep your pup on their leash at all times during your travel.

Services: Dog owners will appreciate the dedicated onboard designated pet area specifically tailored for pet companions onboard all BC Ferries vessels, these areas are located in designated spaces outside the inside cabins (weather permitting). The dedicated outdoor waiting area at the terminals comes equipped with humane waste receptacles along picnic tables where pet owners can relax in comfort while waiting for their departure.

Prepare Your Pet for Travel

Before taking your dog on board any vessel, be sure that he or she gets enough exercise beforehand and visit the vet if necessary (especially if travelling long distances). Additionally, give your pet something chewable to keep him or her occupied throughout their travels such as a frozen Kong toy or bones stuffed with peanut butter.

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is a common occurrence among people and animals, however, dogs are especially prone to it. Check out Motion Sickness in Dogs by VCA for a great overview of motion sickness in dogs and advice on how to best prevent and treat it.

For more information on your pets and BC Ferries, check out the BC Ferries website.

Note: in 2020 Transport Canada imposed safety restrictions that required all passengers to exit their vehicles on enclosed car decks while the ship is underway. If you are not comfortable leaving your pup alone in your vehicle for the duration of the voyage, I would verify with BC Ferries as to whether this is still in practice on your desired route as some still enforce this.

Exploring with Dogs

B.C. Ferries pilot project allows pets on outdoor decks

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There’s nothing like being outdoors while travelling with your best friend.

B.C. Ferries is running a three-month pilot project to allow dogs on leashes and cats in travel carriers on the upper outside decks of the Malaspina Sky, serving Earls Cove on the Sunshine Coast and Saltery Bay at Powell River.

If the initiative is a success, passengers could see this option extended to other ferries depending on “pawsitive” feedback, B.C. Ferries said.

“It will take some time to assess all the vessels and identify appropriate space and prepare the areas to ensure it is safe to allow cats and dogs,” Daniel McIntosh, B.C. Ferries spokesman, said Monday.

So far — the program only started on Sept. 28 — everything has gone smoothly.

Animals are well-behaved, as are the owners, who have been cleaning up after their pets.

B.C. Ferries launched the outdoor pet program at the request of passengers.

The B.C.-built Malaspina Sky has its own pet room on board as well.

To reach the pet area on the ferry, passengers and pets must use a designated stairwell. A restricted-entry elevator is available for passengers with have accessibility issues.

Then follow the paw prints on deck. It will be routinely cleaned, B.C. Ferries said, and waste bags and water bowls are available.

There’s a limit of two dogs per owner. Dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers. No other kinds of pets are permitted.

As dog ownership has grown, B.C. Ferries said the number of passengers travelling with pets increased to 13.7 per cent in 2020 from 5.5 per cent in 2018.

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Ferry sailings added for Thanksgiving weekend

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Jun 8, 2023

New Ferry Options and Pet-Friendly Programs for Dog Owners in BC

Updated: Jun 14, 2023

Dog owners rejoice! Two exciting developments in BC's ferry industry are set to make traveling with your furry friends more convenient and enjoyable.

The introduction of the Hullo ferry service and the expanded pet pilot program by BC Ferries offer enticing options for dog owners who wish to explore new destinations. In this article, we will delve into the details of these developments, highlighting the benefits they bring to dog owners and their beloved pets.

Introducing the Hullo Ferry

The Hullo ferry service aims to provide a comfortable and convenient travel experience between Nanaimo and Vancouver. Offering tiered pricing options, including "Comfort, Premium, and Business," Hullo caters to various passenger preferences and budgets. With affordable first-trip fares starting at $29.99, passengers can enjoy a range of amenities onboard. The service operates from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily, with additional late-night sailings scheduled after major concerts and sports events. While the Hullo ferry does not accommodate vehicles, it warmly welcomes pets and bicycles, making it an ideal choice for dog owners seeking pet-friendly transportation.

Pet-Friendly Rules on the Hullo Ferry

Hullo recognizes the importance of including pets in the travel experience and has taken measures to ensure their comfort and safety. Furry friends, including cats and dogs that can safely fit on their owners' laps within a carrier, are permitted onboard at no extra cost.

BC Ferries' Expanded Pet Pilot Program

BC Ferries is also making strides in accommodating pets on their vessels. Under their expanded pet pilot program, dogs and cats can now accompany their owners on the outside upper decks of select ferries along three popular routes: Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay, Comox-Powell River, and Earls Cove-Saltery Bay. Pet owners must ensure their dogs are on a one-metre leash, while cats must be kept in travel carriers while on the outer decks. BC Ferries has designated specific stairwells and entrances, marked by paw prints, for accessing the outer decks. Limited elevator access is available for individuals with accessibility needs.

Benefits and Feedback on BC Ferries' Pet Pilot Program

The new pet-friendly policy implemented by BC Ferries allows dog owners to enjoy the scenic views and fresh air on the upper outer decks while traveling. Each owner is permitted to bring up to two dogs, and designated pet areas feature waste bags and water bowls for their convenience. BC Ferries values passenger feedback and encourages travellers and workers to participate in a 60-day survey on the three routes with the expanded pet pilot program. Last year's pilot project on the Earls Cove-Saltery Bay route saw approximately 1,000 pets traveling, with an overwhelmingly positive response of 90 percent approval from survey respondents.

The introduction of the Hullo ferry service and the expanded pet pilot program by BC Ferries present exciting opportunities for dog owners looking to travel with their furry companions. The Hullo ferry offers tiered pricing options and welcomes pets and bicycles, while BC Ferries' pet-friendly program allows dogs and cats on designated upper outer decks. These developments provide dog owners with more choices and enhanced experiences, ensuring that their beloved pets can join them on their journeys. So, pack your bags, grab your pup's leash, and embark on new adventures together!

More about GoDoggo:

GoDoggo, dog-friendly map app screenshot

GoDoggo is your ultimate dog-friendly city guide, making planning days out with your pup easier than ever. With 18 different categories ranging from restaurants, coffee shops, breweries to shopping, attractions, gyms, hikes and trails, the app helps dog owners discover and explore places based on their location, read and leave reviews from the perspective of dog owners, and learn more about the dog-friendliness of each location. Soon, the app will also have dog-friendly events. Download the app here .

Pet Areas on BC Ferries - British Columbia Forum

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We are travelling this summer with our dog from Tsawwassen-Duke Point. The new rules for BC Ferries don't allow us to remain in the vehicle with her. I'm looking forr feedback on the Pet Areas. As well, does anyone know if you are able to stay in the vehicle if you are on the upper vehicle deck? Thanks.

I can't help you with your question about pet areas, but the BC Ferries website does answer your first question, about upper decks: https://www.bcferries.com/travel_planning/travel-with-pets.html

I've used the pet area once (although it was on a lower deck, so I assume they've been forced to put new spaces in higher up.) It was a small, noisy room. There was water I think, and someone had left a newspaper that I played tug with my dog. Not a great place to sit, but at least we could hang out together. There were a couple of chairs and a bench to sit on. It would not have been a good spot if there were more than a couple of dogs and if any of the dogs did not get along.

I've seen those 'pet areas'-and I've been in better looking jail cells.

Found the dog hater.

When you get to the ticket booth, tell them you have a pet and they'll try to put you on the upper deck where you can stay with the animal(s). Can't remember if it was a Coastal or Spirit ship but the pet area is a small non-ar tight room, kennels of various size if you want to put in big or large dog. A bench or two, and radiant heaters you can turn on or off.

We travel with our dog on BC Ferries all of the time so I will add my 2c.

When the regulations were starting to be enforced, you could request upper decks and were given a card to indicate such a request (ours was handwritten as it was early days); your request was accommodated if possible. As per TforTim's cut and paste info in post 3 from the website (note the link to further info doesn't work): https://www.bcferries.com/travel_planning/travel-with-pets.html

Our success with requesting an upper deck in order to remain with our vehicle/dog has not been great. One of our last trips, we arrived at Tsawwassen 1 hour and 10 minutes prior to sailing time, so not catching a ferry just prior to it's departure. The sailing was maybe 10% full at that point. We politely requested the upper deck, the ticket agent assured us that we were early and were put into a line that would board first....no problem.

Yeah, it was a problem as the lane she put us in boarded exactly last...to the lowest deck of the boat we went. So, there we were scrambling to take the dog with us and find the pet area. The new enclosed pet area was full. So we spent the sailing sitting on a bench, wandering around the deck, etc.

We also met up with a BC Ferries employee and were chatting about how we ended up as deck wanderers w/dog despite 1. arriving early and 2. requesting the upper car deck. The employee then had the Chief Steward talk with us regarding what had transpired. We all agreed that the system of request didn't work out at all despite our best efforts.

Fast forward to another recent ferry trip and we were told that the only way to guarantee the upper car decks is to make a reservation. (I don't know how this will work on Route 9 Southern Gulf Islands as mostly everyone makes a reservation due to capacity issues with the new boats)

There is confusion amongst the BCFerries employees regarding special requests. Requests sometimes aren't handled according to policy.

I would suggest that if you want to end up on an upper car deck and stay with your pet during the sailing that you contact BCFerries and ask if you must make a reservation to do so. See what the call centre says. There seems to be a disconnect between written policy and reality!!

This refers to the car decks. Dogs are not allowed on the passengers decks, inside or outside.

Happy travels.

Some of the smaller ferries, which sail inter-island, have a bench on the car decks in an open space called a "pet area". The bigger, and also the newer ferries, have pet rooms on the upper car decks; in those pet rooms are kennels that can be locked with your own lock if you want to leave your dog (if there is kennel space) and go to the upper passenger-only decks. That may be an option if your plan A doesn't work, bring a lock ---our dog, however, would not do well in that scenario.

Just for the record: I do understand the loading difficulties that BC Ferries has for sailings.... between the requests for handicapped spots by the elevators, the vehicle sizes, the loading sequence, the offloading sequence, weight and balance presumably, and on and on. Its complicated!!

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Taking your dog to the U.S.? New requirements go into effect Aug. 1

If you get Global News from Instagram or Facebook - that will be changing. Find out how you can still connect with us .

B.C. residents who want to take their dogs across the border to the U.S. will have to meet additional requirements starting Aug. 1.

The Center for Disease Control is implementing these changes to make sure any dog arriving in the U.S. is healthy and doesn’t present a risk to any community.

Starting on Aug. 1, all dogs entering the U.S. must:

Appear healthy upon arrival;
Be at least six months of age;
Be microchipped; and
Be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt .

The CDC says additional requirements may be needed if the dog has been to different locations in the last six months and whether the dog was vaccinated in the U.S.

Dr. Adrian Walton, a veterinarian in Maple Ridge told Global News that these new rules are “going to make life very challenging for anybody who wants to cross the border with their pets.”

He said the problem is that there is a lot of information for people to know and it is confusing.

“There’s a whole range of different requirements that vary depending on each individual animal, where it’s from, when it was vaccinated, the age at the moment,” he said.

“What we think people are going to need is some preplanning to apply for the import permit, a valid microchip and current rabies, and making sure that their veterinarian has signed a form stating that the animals are healthy and you need to have that within 30 days of any attempt to travel across the border.”

Walton said he hopes that by Aug. 1 there are going to be more details about the requirements as even veterinarians are confused by the process.

Dogs arriving from countries with a high risk of dog rabies must be protected against rabies, the CDC states on its website.

The rabies virus variant that dogs carry was eliminated in the U.S. in 2007 and the CDC says it wants it to stay that way.

The temporary suspension on the importation of dogs from countries with a high risk of rabies , enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, will also lift on Aug. 1, bringing the regulation to align with the World Organization for Animal Health’s standards for the international movement of dogs from countries with a high risk of dog rabies.

“We had a case in Toronto just a couple of years ago where dozens of people were exposed to a dog that was tested positive for rabies, and they all had to receive treatment,” Walton said.

“Because the thing about canine rabies is if at any point you develop clinical signs and you don’t know that you’ve been exposed to rabies, it’s a death sentence. We’re not talking you just get really sick. We’re talking, you die.”

The CDC says travellers should plan for future travel to ensure requirements for dog importations will be met at the time their dogs will enter the United States.

A tool named DogBot is available to help travellers.

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Travelling with a pet

The United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced changes to the import requirements for dogs entering the United States . These changes will come into effect on August 1, 2024 and will impact dogs travelling from Canada to the United States. The CFIA is currently in the process of reviewing these requirements. Further information and guidance will be provided as soon as possible.

New import conditions for personal pet dogs and assistance dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabies starting September 28, 2023

Personal pet dogs and assistance dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabies will require an import permit issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency before travelling to Canada.

If you're planning on bringing your dog into Canada from September 28, 2023 onwards, prepare in advance and learn more about the import process .

Pets must meet specific requirements when travelling to Canada or another country. It is your responsibility to review all the requirements for your situation.

Some requirements must be completed at specific times and if not completed correctly or on time your pet may not be eligible to travel and be refused entry.

As soon as you know your travel details, contact your local veterinarian to assist with the pet travel process. Requirements could include obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, testing, or administering medications.

Only dogs, cats and ferrets qualify as pets by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Check requirements for other animals if you're travelling with a non-traditional pet.

Travelling to Canada from another country (import requirements)

Requirements for bringing an animal into Canada apply to the following situation:

animals entering Canada permanently
animals in transit through Canada on their way to a final destination
animals entering Canada for a temporary visit
Canadian animals returning to Canada

Travelling from Canada to another country (export requirements)

The country you're travelling to may have requirements your pet must meet before they can enter the country. Export requirements are determined by each country and can change frequently. Every time you plan to travel with your pet, it is your responsibility to check the requirements and allow enough time to get your pet ready to travel.

Pets (dogs, cats and ferrets)
All other animals

Guide-dog owners say new U.S. rules complicate border crossings

Rules going into effect aug. 1 say all dogs must be microchipped, vaccinated for rabies and 'appear healthy'.

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New entry requirements for dogs travelling from Canada to the United States could make life more difficult for people who use service or guide dogs, advocates fear.

Under updated guidelines to reduce the spread of rabies announced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there's a slew of new requirements for dogs crossing the border that vary based on a dog's age, country of origin and travel history.

The rules apply to service dogs as well as pets.

Dogs that live in Canada and haven't been to a "high-risk" country in the past six months must be microchipped and have comprehensive proof of rabies vaccination. The dog's owner or guardian must also fill out an entry application form that includes two photos of the dog, and the dog must "appear healthy on arrival."

The new rules, announced in early May, come into effect on Aug. 1.

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Darryl Stickel, a consultant who is legally blind, says travelling internationally for his work is already challenging for him and his guide dog Drake, and these requirements create new opportunities for things to go wrong.

"As someone with a disability, the more hurdles and steps you put in place, the more opportunities there are for me to make a mistake," he said.

Stickle also said the language in the requirements about whether a dog appears to be healthy is vague, creating room for border guards to deny a person and their dog entry.

Guide dogs are not pets: advocate

B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs CEO William Thornton said his organization has been scrambling to gain a full understanding of the new requirements.

While Thornton said he understands preventing the spread of rabies is important, he doesn't think service dogs should be lumped in with pet dogs.

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As a rule, service dogs are vaccinated, microchipped and receive yearly health checks, he said.

But of particular concern to Thornton is the requirement, under certain circumstances, for dogs to have a blood test that checks for disease immunity in the 30 days prior to travel.

"The impact on service dogs would appear, at this stage ... it's going to be a little bit dramatic and a bit of a setback," he said.

"A guide dog or a service dog is really an extension of an individual, and it needs to be able to go wherever and whenever an individual wishes to travel."

Two black dogs wearing yellow future guide dogs vests

Thornton is also the chair of the International Guide Dog Federation, which has 100 organizations in 37 different countries and represents 25,000 working dogs globally. As far as Thornton is aware, the CDC did not reach out to the federation when drafting the new measures or after publication.

"I think that you're going to see a lot of pushback by the [guide dog] industry. ... We have to represent our guide dog users because the whole idea of getting a guide or a service dog is freedom of access, freedom of travel," he said.

CBC News asked the CDC whether it consulted service-dog groups over the rule changes, but has yet to receive a reply.

A mysterious respiratory illness is affecting dogs, but tests show no new pathogens: U.S. officials

According to the CDC, the rabies virus carried by dogs was eliminated in the U.S. in 2007 and the new measures aim to prevent its reintroduction.

The regulation, it says, builds on what it learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, when the centre temporarily banned the importation of dogs from countries with a high risk of rabies.

The CDC told CBC News that service dogs are subject to the same requirements as all other dogs entering the country, but accommodations and exceptions can be made.

For dogs arriving by air, the CDC-registered animal care facility where the passenger's dog has a reservation should transport passengers and their dogs to the facility for the dog's examination and revaccination — which would, in theory, expedite the process. The CDC says these requests need to be made during the reservation process.

There is also an exception for foreign-vaccinated service dogs that arrive at a sea port if the dog meets all other requirements, including having a valid rabies test from a CDC-approved lab before arrival.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tessa Vikander is a CBC News reporter covering local and national news. Previously she reported for Toronto Star, Reuters, IndigiNews and CTV News. You can contact her at [email protected].