Washington State Ferries Now Dog Friendly

The Washington State Department of Transportation has updated its ferry policy to allow dogs in passenger areas starting August 20, 2025. This trial period will run through February 2026, during which feedback from pet owners will help assess the policy's success. Dogs must be leashed and can access almost all passenger areas, excluding food galleys. Owners are responsible for controlling their pets and cleaning up after them to ensure safety and comfort for all passengers. Larger dogs must remain on the floor, while smaller dogs may sit on their owners' laps or in carriers.

Service animals are permitted everywhere, adhering to legal requirements, while other pets must be in crates or carriers. If the policy proves effective, it could become a permanent fixture on ferries. The ferry staff encourages customer feedback to make informed decisions about future pet policies.