For Immediate Release
24-14
June 18, 2024

OUTDOOR PET AREAS ADDED TO TSAWWASSEN – SWARTZ BAY ROUTE

VICTORIA – Dogs on leashes and cats in carriers travelling with their owners will soon have access to new outdoor pet areas on all four vessels servicing the popular Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay route.

Outdoor pet areas are now available on the upper outer decks of the Spirit of British Columbia and the Spirit of Vancouver Island, and more outdoor pet areas are expected to open later this summer, including the Coastal Celebration and Queen of New Westminster, which also service the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay route. This means a total of eight vessels now have pet areas on upper decks, along with indoor facilities for pets and their owners, in time for the summer travel season.

This builds on the successful rollout of the outdoor upper deck pet areas introduced on the Earls Cove – Saltery Bay route in fall 2022, and the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay and Powell River – Comox routes in spring 2023, followed by further expansion on the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay – Langdale routes in spring 2024.

“We’ve been preparing our vessels and crew for what promises to be one of our busiest summers yet. These new pet areas mean extra comfort for canine and feline friends and family members – and their people – through the peak season and beyond," says Melanie Lucia, Vice-President of Customer Experience at BC Ferries. “Transport Canada regulations are clear that our customers can’t stay in their vehicles when they’re parked on an enclosed car deck. By growing the number of safe, accessible pet spaces on our biggest ships, we are also providing a better experience for pet parents parked on our lower car decks so they have the choice to get outside with their animals.”

While on the outer decks, dogs must be kept on a one-metre leash at all times and cats must be in a travel carrier and must stay in the designated pet are marked with yellow lines. Waste bags and water bowls are provided and the area will be cleaned regularly.

Pets and their people must access the areas via a designated stairwell, marked with paw prints. Pet owners with accessibility needs are able to use a designated elevator.

Pets are not permitted in terminal lounges, on passenger walkways, or inside the passenger lounge areas of the ferry, with exception given to guide and service dogs. Pet owners are kindly asked not to loiter with their pets in hallways beside the elevators and outer exit doors, as these are for transit only.

BC Ferries loves all animals but only dogs on leash and cats in carriers are safe on the upper outer decks. There will be a limit of two pets per owner.

Pet postcards are available at the Chief Steward desks outlining guidelines for pet owners. A pet survey will be available for customers via a QR code to gather feedback on the new outdoor pet areas.

Passengers travelling on vessels that do not have pet areas on the upper outer decks can use pet areas on lower 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 is very alarming to pets on the vehicle decks. For more information on travelling with pets, visit bcferries.com.