Traveling by Washington State Ferries with a dog
Photo by stevevoght
We take the ferry from Anacortes to the San Juan Islands frequently (and sometimes on to Sidney, B.C.), but the Washington State Ferries also go from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, Seattle to Bremerton, Seattle to Vashon Island, Edmonds to Kingston, Mukilteo to Clinton (on Whidbey Island), and Keystone (on Whidbey Island) to Port Townsend. There are also ferries from Fauntleroy (in West Seattle) to Vashon Island and on to Southworth (on the Kitsap Peninsula), and from Vashon Island to Port Defiance (near Tacoma).
You may either walk or drive on to all of these ferries. Old hands will often stay in their cars and snooze during the crossing, but all of the trips are gorgeous and worth seeing from the upper levels of the ferry. There is an elevator, if you have a bunch of luggage or don’t want to face the stairs.
Some ferries have a small café, and all of them have vending machines. It is perfectly acceptable to stretch out on the benches and snooze (unless the ferry is crowded and it would be cruel to take up a whole bench). Stroll on the decks, but be prepared: even during the summer you’ll need a jacket. People bring cards and board games to entertain themselves, they read, and a couple of times we’ve been within earshot of a really good guitar player.
Dogs are allowed on board, on the following terms: ”Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier at all times. Pets, except service animals, are not allowed in terminal buildings or above the car decks, unless they are in a pet carrier.” (This is a pretty generous policy, considering that BC Ferries, the neighboring system to the north, requires pets to “remain on vehicle decks for the duration of a voyage.”) Be aware that if you walk on with your dog and don’t have a carrier, you will have to remain with her on the car deck for the crossing, and it will be windy and can be frigid.
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We have been allowed to take our dog (Australian Shepherd, not small) up to the upper outside decks on several of the Washington State ferries this summer. One time we took an elevator directly to the upper deck, another time we had to go up stairs and actually walk through the cabin, but we were told by more than one worker that we could do so if we moved quickly through and outside. It never hurts to ask – and it’s always nice if the dog is very well-behaved when you are doing the asking. (And if they say no, stay on the car deck and no arguing!!)
Thanks so much for the comment, Alanna! That’s excellent information. So often there is a bit of wiggle room in practice — and you’re right, it’s SUCH a help if your dog is looking polite while you’re inquiring!
I posted a picture of him on the ferry on the Friday Travel page, but while the small image is visible, the larger one may not be (Facebook privacy). I was very cold, so on one ferry we stretched the rules a tiny bit and sat inside the shelter on the upper deck; it was a smaller boat and the shelter was connected to the cabin rather than free-standing. One of the workers came over and we were about to get up, apologize, and move back outside when she asked if she could pet him; she made quite a fuss over him. So it really does help if you and your dog are polite – and the dog is incredibly cute!