If you are boarding the Malaspina Sky with BC Ferries, you’re now allowed to bring your cats and dogs on the upper deck with you.
Starting on September 28, 2022 BC Ferries launched a pilot project the company has called “You barked we listened”.
Passengers are no longer required to leave their pets in their vehicles or at a designated pet area when travelling between Powell River (Saltery Bay) and the Sunshine Coast (Earls Cove).
According to BC Ferries, the announcement of the pilot comes in response to pleas from pet owners to provide their canine companions access to outdoor spaces on board. The announcement received praise on social media.
The company notes approximately 58 per cent of Canadian households report having at least one dog or cat and travellers with pets has increased over the years, from 5.5 per cent in 2018 to 13.7 per cent in 2020.
“Paw prints on the deck mark access points. Waste bags and water bowls will be provided, and the area will be routinely cleaned,” the company added.
“BC Ferries loves all animals but only dogs on leash and cats in carriers are safe on the upper outer decks. There will be a limit of two dogs per owner.”
