BC Ferries: “You Barked, We Listened” Pet Pilot

BY JANE MUNDY

BC FERRIES LAUNCHED a three-month trial last September allowing dogs and cats on upper outside decks of the Malaspina Sky on the Sunshine Coast (Earls Cove) to Powell River (Saltery Bay) route. The “You Barked, We Listened” pet pilot launched due to repeated requests from pet owners, and it’s been a long time coming. In a press release, the corporation said, “plans to expand to other routes will depend on ‘pawsitive’ customer feedback.” BC Ferries “loves all animals” according to its September press release, so how could there be negative feedback?

Paul Kamon, Tourism Recovery Specialist with Sunshine Coast Tourism, thinks the pet pilot on this route is a great idea. “There are lots of dogs on the coast and the Langdale ferry has as much traffic as other island routes, so this is a good test market before the Vancouver-Victoria run,” he said, optimistically. “BC Ferries has dealt with a lot of negative press recently so making the experience easier for people with pets is a good step forward. It is slowly changing from a bare bones boat to more like a cruise experience.”

Robert Head is thrilled that Finn, his 11-year-old duck tolling retriever, doesn’t have to stay in the car during the fivehour trip that includes two ferry rides and a 90-minute drive from the Earls Cove terminal to Powell River. “I’m a bit nervous if Finn has to pee or poop because there isn’t a grassy area. A strip of Astro Turf would have been a welcome addition instead of just providing bags that I already have.

We travelled mid-October and it was cold outside, but we did a few laps on the top deck, just like we did with our kids to get the energy out,” said Head.

“The other passengers seemed happy to see Finn. I hope the option to sit outside continues, especially in warmer weather.”

Granted, a few bucks have been spent on the project, but perhaps a few blades of Astro turf wasn’t in the budget. Paw prints on the deck mark access points and “water bowls and waste bags will be provided and the area will be routinely cleaned.” Dogs must be leashed at all times and cats must be contained in a travel carrier while on the outer decks. Even in a torrential downpour, most pet parents agree that it would be a huge improvement over the dungeon. On every other route, all animals, with the exception of guide, service or emotional support dogs, must remain in your vehicle or in a designated Pet Area, which many dog parents (including this reporter) refer to as “‘doggie dungeon” and “the cell”.

On its website, BC Ferries says, “To help you and your pet feel comfortable and at home, Pet Areas on board are equipped with…” believe me, no equipment could make the pet area comfy. There is definitely no room to bring your pet’s favourite blanket or toy. And it too is stressful: During a 90-minute trip from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Vancouver Island (Swartz Bay), your pooch could be sidling up to several canines, some of which may not be in the best of moods.

Back in October 2017, BC Ferries’ announced its new rules. Passengers were not allowed to access their vehicles on enclosed decks during the voyage. They can request a spot on the upper car deck, but there are no guarantees if they will be accommodated. Like many dog parents we opt to stay in the vehicle, unless directed to the dreaded lower (enclosed) deck. You could either go to the designated pet area or leave your stressed-out fur baby alone to chew your seatbelts and shred upholstery.

“The rooms in there seem to be just metal benches,” said Omid Manoucheri, travelling with his dog Sierra. “It’s almost like a jail cell... It’s not super gross, but I don’t know how often they clean it. I’m sure they hose it down once in a while.”

BC Ferries explained that it can’t allow dogs to pass through the passenger cabin because of the food services aboard the boats. A spokesperson said it comes down to a Health Canada regulation. But neighbouring Washington State Ferries spokesperson Ian Sterling said, “We are happy to see our four-footed friends on our ferry boats here in Washington State, however they’re not allowed in the passenger cabin, unless they’re a service dog.” Fair enough.

We asked a BC Ferries spokesperson if and when pets will be allowed outside on other routes anytime soon.

“If the pilot is successful on this route, we will plan to expand the program to other ferries on other routes. It will take some time to assess all ferries and prepare designated areas to ensure it’s safe to allow for cats and dogs. We will keep customers up-to-date about this travel enhancement.” Asked why the Malaspina Sky was chosen, spokesperson Astrid Cheng said the layout “was ideal for the trial as the ship has two outdoor areas and close access to waters for the designated pet areas.” (“Waters” means access to water hoses nearby for both water bowls and cleaning.)

“Overall, the pilot was positive. We are reviewing the feedback and we will provide customers with more information when it becomes available,” said Cheng.

Boaters Are Likely

to view many more whales in 2023 after a record number of sightings this past year in the Salish Sea. In 2022, Bigg’s orcas, who travel between Mexico and Alaska, were seen by whale watching companies on 278 days, while humpbacks were sighted on 274 days between Campbell River and Puget Sound. Alert Bay-based Bay Cetology, a non-profit that studies cetacean populations, reported that the Bigg’s orca count had increased to 370, with 10 new calves born in 2022.

Bigg’s orcas were formerly known as transient orcas, or transient killer whales; their new name honours Dr. Michael Bigg, the Vancouver Island pioneering marine biologist whose research started the study of the different orca species.

Bigg’s orcas feed on seals, sea lions, other marine mammals and squid and there seem to be enough of these animals for the orcas to hunt and eat.