{"id":102037,"date":"2025-09-09T08:01:17","date_gmt":"2025-09-09T15:01:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.seattleschild.com\/?p=102037"},"modified":"2025-09-09T08:39:21","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T15:39:21","slug":"go-upstairs-with-dogs-on-ferries-in-washington","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.seattleschild.com\/go-upstairs-with-dogs-on-ferries-in-washington\/","title":{"rendered":"Pets now allowed in passenger areas on Washington State Ferries"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did you know the whole family is now allowed to road the passenger seating area on Washington State ferries?<\/span><\/p>\n

You heard that right. The <\/span>whole<\/span><\/i> family, including the dog.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Washington State Ferries changed its pet rules<\/h4>\n

For the next six months, through February 2026, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is undergoing a trial of its recently updated pet policy. That means, rather than watching Rover\u2019s sad eyes watch you and your kids as you walk away from your car on the car deck to go up to the ferry passenger lounge, you are invited to snap on a leash and take him with you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the new pet policy, dogs on leashes are allowed in all passenger areas except onboard food galleys.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can also bring other pets into the passenger areas on Washington State Ferries, but they must be in a crate or carrier. The exception is service animals, who are welcome everywhere on the boat by law.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Puppy<\/p>\n
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This pup, shivering here on the deck, is now allowed inside Washington ferries as long as she’s on a leash. (Image: Cheryl Murfin)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Rules for pets on board<\/h4>\n

The department changed its pet policy after hearing from riders and reviewing what other transit agencies do about pets. Here are the basic rules.<\/span><\/p>\n