Traveling by state ferry with your pet? WSDOT has rolled out new rules
Pets are now allowed to ride Washington State Ferries from inside ferry cabins, per the agency’s updated pet policy.
Spokesperson Justin Fujioka said that until now, Washington State Ferries only allowed pets to ride on the deck — not inside the cabin. Fujioka said the change is the result of feedback the agency received from riders who wanted an option to ride with their pets in the cabin in the event of extreme hot or cold weather.
The agency last summer started exploring various pet policies, experimenting with allowing them in various parts of the ferries. Now, pets are allowed to ride the ferry in marked portions of the cabin away from the galley, he said. They’re not allowed on passenger seating and tables. Service animals are allowed in all areas.
“We heard from employees and customers,” deputy secretary for Washington State Ferries Steve Nevey said in a release. “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.”
The agency is rolling out the policy during Memorial Day weekend, starting with a six-week transition period before the policy officially goes into effect on July 1, the release states.
This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Traveling by state ferry with your pet? WSDOT has rolled out new rules."
