Tell WSF To Stop Leaving Dogs Out In The Cold!

The Issue

Temperatures fall below freezing regularly in Washington. Washington State Ferries does not allow dogs (other than service animals) inside the cabin during crossings, some of which are up to an hour. None of the outdoor locations on board have heating of any kind. Dog owners are unfairly expected to dress for inclimate weather, while there is a large, heated, comfortable cabin below.

If it is an issue of sanitation, facilities could easily be provided for cleaning up after the occasional accident. If it is an issue of behavior, problem dogs could easily be identified and their cabin privileges revoked. There is no sensible reason to not allow well behaved, trained companions into the main cabin.

Please help me ask WSF to treat dog owners fairly and let us in from the cold.

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Rob TallonPetition Starter
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This petition had 220 supporters

The Issue

Temperatures fall below freezing regularly in Washington. Washington State Ferries does not allow dogs (other than service animals) inside the cabin during crossings, some of which are up to an hour. None of the outdoor locations on board have heating of any kind. Dog owners are unfairly expected to dress for inclimate weather, while there is a large, heated, comfortable cabin below.

If it is an issue of sanitation, facilities could easily be provided for cleaning up after the occasional accident. If it is an issue of behavior, problem dogs could easily be identified and their cabin privileges revoked. There is no sensible reason to not allow well behaved, trained companions into the main cabin.

Please help me ask WSF to treat dog owners fairly and let us in from the cold.

avatar of the starter
Rob TallonPetition Starter
Media inquiries

The Decision Makers

David Moseley
David Moseley
Director, Washington State Ferries
Responded
“Washington State Ferries' safety policy states that animals are prohibited from the interior cabin spaces on all vessels, except for working service dogs and animals trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability. Many of our customers are allergic to dogs, some to the point of severe illness if they so much as enter a space where a dog has been. Additionally, we have had dog owners allow their pets to disturb other passengers, and there are a number of individuals who have a phobia of dogs, regardless of how well-behaved the dogs are. Our policy benefits all customers by keeping pets safely with their rightful owners. We do allow non-service animals in the exterior spaces on our vessels, and rely on our customers to take appropriate care of their pets with respect to weather conditions. As a dog owner myself and a frequent rider of our ferries with my dog, I consider this policy very understandable and appropriate.”
Susan Harris
Susan Harris
Senior Customer Programs Manager, Washington State Ferries
Brian Lagerberg
Brian Lagerberg
Director of Public Transportation, WSDOT

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Petition created on April 3, 2012