Your guide to a safe and comfortable journey with your furry companions.
We’re happy to welcome your pets aboard! Whether you're traveling on a short sailing or an overnight journey, this page will help you prepare for a smooth and safe experience for everyone, two-legged or four-legged!
Important: All animals (except guide and service animals) must remain in your vehicle or in a designated Pet Area. For more information about travelling with a guide dog or other service animals, visit our accessibility page.
Respect, Responsibly, Pawsitively!
To ensure a safe and enjoyable voyage for all passengers — two-legged and four — we ask pet owners to follow these guidelines when travelling with us.
Pets must not be left unattended and must always be under your control.
Leash and carrier requirements: Dogs be on a leash no longer than 1 metre (3 ft). Cats and small animals must remain in secure carriers.
Pets are only permitted in designated pet areas, which include:
Outer Deck Pet Areas (select vessels during open times)
Indoor Pet Areas (select vessels)
Vehicle Deck (in your vehicle)
Access routes must be followed: Use designated pet stairwells marked with paw prints. Elevators are reserved for accessibility needs.
Stay within Boundaries: Keep pets within the marked pet areas, indicated by yellow lines on the deck.
Maximum of two pets per handler.
Pet cleanliness: Grooming onboard is not permitted, as fur and debris can block drainage systems.
Be Prepared: Owners are responsible for their pets’ well-being. Come prepared for weather conditions.
To maintain a comfortable environment for all passengers, pets are not permitted in:
Indoor passenger lounges
Cafeterias and food service areas
Inside Terminal buildings and indoor waiting areas
Passenger walkways
Passenger cabins
Aggressive Behaviour: Dogs with a bite history or that display aggressive behaviour are prohibited in any of our designated pet areas.
Leashing Requirements: All dogs must be always held on a leash no longer than 1 metre (3 ft), whether in terminal areas, onboard and within all designated pet areas.
Muzzles for Reactive Dogs: If your dog is reactive to other dogs or people, we recommend using a muzzle for everyone’s comfort and safety.
Restricted Access for Reactive Pets: Reactive or unfriendly dogs may be more comfortable staying in your vehicle or in the indoor pet area. If your dog’s behaviour causes a disturbance in shared pet spaces, a crew member may ask you to return to the car deck.
Owners are fully responsible for their pet’s behaviour. Incidents may result in denied access to pet areas or refusal of future travel.
Pet’s in vehicles: If leaving your pet in your vehicle:
Disable alarms
Ensure proper ventilation
Follow all crew instructions
Vehicle Alarms: If you leave your pet in your vehicle, please disable your alarm to prevent unnecessary distress and noise for all onboard.
Weather Considerations: Never leave pets in vehicles without proper ventilation. Use caution during extreme hot or cold weather, and follow crew instructions for safety.
Whether your pet is staying in your vehicle or joining you in one of our designated pet areas, their safety and well-being are a top priority. The following tips will help ensure a smooth and comfortable trip for everyone on board!
Ventilation is key: Make sure there’s enough airflow in your vehicle at all times. Open windows slightly.
Disable your car alarm: Alarms going off can distress pets and other passengers.
Stay aware of temperature extremes: The vehicle deck is not climate-controlled. Avoid leaving pets in vehicles during very hot or cold weather.
Use leashes or carriers: Pets must always be on a leash of 1 metre (3 ft) when not in the vehicle, or in secure carriers while onboard or in terminals.
Keep pets hydrated: Bring water and a collapsible bowl, especially during warmer months.
Use designated areas: For safety and comfort, only access pet designated zones onboard.
Monitor your pet’s comfort: Pay attention to signs of stress, like heavy panting, pacing, or whining.
Weather-permitting access: Outer deck pet areas may be closed due to weather, marine conditions, or operational requirements. Note: Northern vessels have limited access or no outer pet deck areas.
Prepare for the season:
In summer, bring extra water and blankets for your pets to sit on, as decks can become extremely hot.
In winter, indoor pet areas are available with heaters and seats. Outer decks will be closed during heavy weather and are closed for the season on all northern vessels.
Look for these pet-friendly areas on the vessel and route you are travelling on:
Malaspina Sky
Coastal Renaissance, Coastal Inspiration, Coastal Celebration
Spirit of British Columbia, Spirit of Vancouver Island
Queen of Coquitlam, Queen of Cowichan, Queen of Oak Bay, Queen of Surrey
Queen of New Westminster
Queen of Alberni
Salish Orca, Salish Eagle, Salish Raven, Salish Heron
Outdoor pet areas are accessible only at designated times and are closed during the winter season. Access may be further restricted at any time based on operational requirements.
Northern Expedition
Northern Adventure
Northern Sea Wolf
On sailings between Port Hardy, Prince Rupert, and Haida Gwaii there is limited to no access to an outer pet area. Access rules differ to other routes due to longer crossings, vessel design, and closed vehicle deck safety regulations.
We recommend planning ahead to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for both you and your pet. Ensure you bring water and supplies, as access is limited throughout the sailing.
Pets are not permitted in passenger cabins on Northern vessels.
Vehicle deck access is not permitted during northern sailings as per Transport Canada Safety Regulations. Passengers may access the vehicle deck during one of the announced opening times to check on pets.
Limited access to outer Pet Areas – June to September only. Select times are based on sailing schedules. An announcement will indicate when access is open and when pets MUST return to the vehicle deck.
Outer Pet Area – pets must stay within the pet area and cannot return to the closed car deck until the announcement is made to return.
Pet outer areas may be closed due to weather, sea conditions, or operational requirements.
The Northern Sea Wolf does not have an outer deck pet area.
Check out some helpful pet travel tips from BC SPCA Accredited Dog Trainer, Bernadette: