The Brief
- Washington State Ferries now allows leashed pets in indoor areas under a six-month pilot program.
- The change follows positive passenger feedback and aligns with other transit agencies’ policies.
- Concerns include allergies and unruly pets; the trial runs until February 2026 for further evaluation.
SEATTLE, Wash. – Washington State Ferries is letting the dogs in. For the first time, leashed pets are now allowed in indoor passenger areas under a new six-month pilot program launched at the end of August. Your four-legged best friends can now sit next to you – on the floor – almost anywhere on board.
“It’s a change from our old policy, where dogs were restricted to the outer decks, the car deck, or vehicles,” Callie Meleedy, a spokesperson for Washington State Ferries said. “So now leashed dogs can be anywhere their owners can be.”
The shift comes after years of passenger feedback and an effort to align with other transit agencies that already allow pets onboard. Ferry officials say early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.…