FOLLOWUP: Washington State Ferries finalizes new pet policy

| Pets | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSF file photo)

After a nine-month trial, Washington State Ferries‘ revised pet policy is about to be finalized. WSF announced the details and timeline today:

Updated pet policy

Just ahead of the holiday weekend, WSF will begin a six-week education and transition period to help people learn the new rules before they take effect on July 1. By that date, onboard signs will be installed showing where pets are allowed and not allowed. Pet waste stations also will be added, as owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.

Under the updated policy, pets are allowed in three areas:

-On vehicle decks
-In outdoor passenger areas
-In marked areas inside cabins on the opposite end from the galley

Pets are not allowed in the galley or on passenger seating and tables. They also cannot stay inside the cabin on the galley end of the vessel. Pet owners may pass through this restricted area but must take the most direct route and not stop.

If a pet is not under control or is not cleaned up after, a crew member may ask the owner to move the pet to the vehicle deck or an outdoor area. Service animals are allowed in all areas, as required by law. Livestock must stay in proper enclosures at all times.

“Our updated pet policy builds on a trial that began last summer, when pets were allowed in most passenger areas except galleys and on indoor seats,” said WSDOT Deputy Secretary for WSF Steve Nevey. “We heard from employees and customers. Some supported the trial, while others had concerns about cleanliness, safety and enforcement. This updated policy strikes a balance by allowing pets in certain areas while addressing those concerns.”

Got questions? The systemwide online community meetings next Tuesday would be a good time to ask.

Mellow Kitty May 21, 2026 (6:15 am)

“If a pet is not under control or is not cleaned up after, a crew member may ask the owner to move the pet to the vehicle deck or an outdoor area.” Translation: watch your step. We’re not really going to enforce the “poop scoop” rule. Also notice, there’s no mention of fines or consequences other than a polite suggestion to maybe move.

Lauren May 21, 2026 (8:05 am)

Keep dogs off the seats. Sure, that’ll happen.

Blbl May 21, 2026 (8:14 am)

Ugh. Guess that frees up a few ferry spots from us. Sad that employees will now have to be dog wranglers, poop & pee cleaners, and deal with horrible dog “parents” on top of keeping ferry riders safe.

Foop May 21, 2026 (1:38 pm)

You’re going to stop using the ferry because dogs will be allowed in the cabins? I assure you this is not as big a deal as you think it is.

Question Authority May 21, 2026 (9:07 am)

There should be a fee imposed on any pet that enters the passenger areas to offset these costs. Signage, labor and other associated expenses due to this all come out of the overall budget so why not supplement it.

Jake May 21, 2026 (1:19 pm)

Question Authority always wants more authority. Ironic. You can pay for it, I’m good.
- WS Person May 21, 2026 (3:48 pm)
  
  Pretty funny, the irony of it…I don’t understand how so many are defaulting to there is so much extra work with a pet/dog on board. Sure maybe a dog has an accident. But people get sick and make messes. People bring water, dirt, etc into the cabins. As somebody above said- it’s not that big of a deal.

Julia May 21, 2026 (9:28 am)

I think it’s great. And I don’t even have a dog.

Barry G Uhde May 21, 2026 (12:47 pm)

This “pet policy” leaves the door wide open for pet owners to call their pet a “service animal”. There should be a price to bring your “pet” onto the state ferry system just like there is for people.

CJ May 25, 2026 (9:52 am)

I agree.

anonyme May 21, 2026 (2:43 pm)

Because Seattle dog owners ALWAYS follow the rules, right? And in true Seattle fashion, there are no consequences for not following them. The rest of us just have to eat it – or step in it.

KinesthesiaAmnesia May 21, 2026 (4:35 pm)

I can’t wait to see leashed kitties on the ferries! When I commuted to work on the ferry there was another commuter with a cat. She took her cat into the cabin in a cat carrier. This isn’t just for dogs!

Mellow Kitty May 22, 2026 (8:00 am)

I bet all of those well behaved dogs will simply ignore the cats on leashes. And all those responsible dog owners will keep retractable leashes locked. And there won’t be any off-leash dogs running around.
bill May 22, 2026 (8:11 am)

Boop May 21, 2026 (6:59 pm)

Wow there are some miserable people on here! You don’t like it, go to the area dogs aren’t allowed! It’s really quite simple. They’re not allowed everywhere, whereas you are…what’s the issue?I can guarantee you that the majority of pet owners are way more responsible than those with kids. The number of times you have to put up with screaming/crying kids compared to the number of times you’ve heard a dog misbehave…really, is it close?! And to the person who won’t use the ferry anymore…seriously?! That’s ridiculous and you know it. Same as whoever said it’s going to open it up to people claiming their dogs are service animals…how?! Wouldn’t there be more people doing that if this wasn’t in place? Makes no sense.Also, to any of you who think there’s going to be dog mess everywhere…really? You know they’ve been allowed on the outside decks for quite a while right? Are you saying it’s just been littered with dog mess this whole time? Of course not, because it hasn’t been.Of all the things you could be complaining about, this seems like it’s a really low non-issue on the list.

Lauren May 22, 2026 (1:01 pm)

Boop, did you know dogs aren’t allowed on Seattle beaches (to protect marine life)? When I was at low tide I saw 3 dogs on the beach, within an hour. So saying “go to the area dogs aren’t allowed” isn’t actually helpful because people WILL bring their dogs to those areas.
Maccy May 22, 2026 (3:17 pm)

People have a phobia about dogs, right? And for many it’s rightly so, having been bitten by “friendly, well-behaved” dogs. Even walking through an area with dogs can have cause anxiety and panic attacks. But sure allowing people to have their fur babies is way more important than the safety and well-being of actual humans.

SueBrqziñ May 21, 2026 (8:34 pm)

I spent several months in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil . I noticed that dogs were allowed in every shopping mall with their owner. I wish I could take my dog to the mall here in Washington. I could see how stores could worry but from what I observed, the dogs were very welcome there and behaving nicely. ( Maybe It would not work here). It was just normal there to be able to do that, super chill. I think it is nice dogs can ride the ferry too. Cool!

Mellow Kitty May 22, 2026 (2:51 pm)

I’d rather not have dogs, or any animals, around my food.

Shannon Williams May 21, 2026 (9:08 pm)

I ride on the ferry with my dog all the time. She’s never peed or pooped on the boat. I’ve never seen any other dog relieve themselves either. When that happens, the owner needs to clean-up. I’m betting its not a frequent occurrence. I love kids and dogs, but truthfully, kids are noisier and messier.
The whole dogs away from food thing also seems specious to me. People are much more gross and germy.

Justducky May 21, 2026 (11:04 pm)

Perhaps some that are upset by this new rule should look at it in a different way as some bus riders did.https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/10/17/seattle-dog-that-rode-buse-alone-dies/10523673002/

Rhonda May 22, 2026 (12:49 am)

Wonderful! Critters are family members and belong with their owners wherever they go on the vessels.

Anonymous Ferry Worker May 22, 2026 (2:01 am)

Dogs are my favorite passengers and make my job a little more enjoyable. I doubt I’m alone.

Rob May 22, 2026 (10:27 am)

Compared to some of the humans on the ferry I’ll take the dogs any day.

Mary May 22, 2026 (10:51 pm)

This one is so controversial. We all like to travel with our animals. The bremeron route, specifically is a whole hour long. I love that they are more understanding of pets on board. However. As a dog owner, I think being more restrictive is good. Dogs poo and pee and do gross stuff. Owners are not always competent in cleaning up. Lots of people also do not like animals, and this is public transit. Just waiting for a lawsuit for a bit child hand etc, or a biohazard from partially cleaned waste. Ill keep my dog I my car, or on the car deck away from others. Maybe a fee for a pet for walk on as well as a specific staging area would be wise.

22blades May 23, 2026 (3:52 am)

The animals are smart enough to do their animal things. People (pet owners), however, not so much. These regulations should address “pet owners & handlers” for responsible behavior. If you have to explain how your animal “won’t bite” or you can step over them, you need more training than your “pet”. The ferries aren’t a dog park or vacation rides for everyone but a commute to work.

Robert Schmidt May 26, 2026 (4:32 pm)

What could go wrong?

Rolling Eyes May 26, 2026 (10:30 pm)

Everyone here is so negative. I travel ferry daily from Bainbridge for work and no accidents or biting and the dogs are very well behaved and agree with those that say between dogs and people, Ill take the dogs. I am not travelling with a pet and have no concerns. The staff have been strict about pets on seats for a while so its not really news. Seriously people, get a life!

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