Dogs are now allowed inside passenger areas.
Good news for dog owners in Washington State. The Washington State Department of Transportation has updated its policy to allow dogs inside ferry passenger areas.
This means dog owners will no longer be forced to take their dogs to outdoor decks or stay in their cars. Dogs can now walk inside all passenger areas except the food galleys.
As of August 20th, 2025, a trial has begun with the new updated pet policy. It will run through February 2026. Assuming pet owners are responsible and it goes well, it could extend past the trial.
Dogs will no longer have to stay on the outside deck.
To be clear, dogs on leashes are now allowed in all passenger areas, except onboard food galleys. Other pets must be in a crate or carrier. Service animals are welcome everywhere, as required by law. Livestock must stay in appropriate enclosures at all times.
Additional rules:
- Big dogs must stay on the floor, not on seats.
- Small dogs should be on their owner’s lap or in a carrier.
- Owners must control their pets and clean up after them.
- Crews may direct owners to move pets to a motor vehicle or outside deck if needed for safety or bad behavior.
- All other pets must stay in a crate or carrier, except service animals.
This is a trial, and there will be a review in February 2026. During this time, Ferry staff encourage feedback from customers to help decide if the change should become permanent.
August 22, 2025
Beyond Everett, Everett Government