BC Ferries has announced the addition of outdoor pet zones on two more significant vessels, with plans for further expansion in the pipeline.
Effective immediately, dogs on leashes and cats in carriers will have access to designated outdoor pet areas on the upper decks of two additional vessels serving routes from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo and the Sunshine Coast.
The initiative follows the successful introduction of outdoor upper deck pet zones on the Earls Cove-Saltrey Bay route in 2022 and on vessels operating between Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay and Powell River – Comox in 2023.
Colin Zaks, spokesperson for BC Ferries, expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing project, stating, “We’re just getting started. We’ve received a lot of positive feedback, and we are, of course, looking at expanding it to some of our other major routes.”
Zaks highlighted the Tsawassen-Swartz Bay route as a potential candidate for future expansion, contingent upon the suitability of the vessels.
Vessel selection for the expansion was based on the availability of space on upper outer decks to accommodate the new pet areas, according to Zaks.
The decision to enhance pet amenities stemmed from extensive public consultation, revealing overwhelming support, with more than 90 per cent of customers in favor of the initiative.
Zaks noted a significant increase in the number of passengers traveling with dogs or cats on BC Ferries, citing a nearly doubled figure since 2018. “There was about 5.5 per cent in 2018, now we are closer to 10 per cent,” he stated.
To ensure the safety and comfort of both pets and passengers, dogs utilizing the new areas must be kept on a one-meter leash, while cats are required to remain inside travel carriers. Additionally, designated stairwells marked with paw prints are to be used by pets and their guardians to access the designated areas.
