PET POLICY
all aboard, with pets
SF Bay Ferry welcomes pets when traveling on vessels. When bringing animals onboard, please follow the below guidelines for a safe and secure trip. San Francisco Bay Ferry’s Passenger Code of Conduct sets out the policy under which pets can be brought aboard the ferry. It is a misdemeanor to knowingly and fraudulently misrepresent oneself as the owner or trainer of a service dog, per California Penal Code 365.7(a).
Learn more about SF Bay Ferry passenger guidelines including:
Pet Policy
All riders using San Francisco Bay Ferry vessels or facilities with pets are expected to follow the below policy, respect posted notices and signs, and follow direction of SF Bay Ferry employees when onboard vessels or at terminals.
- Animals that are not service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act are not permitted onboard, except in a secure and fully enclosed carrier small enough to be held on the passenger’s lap or fit under the seat. Animals posing a direct threat to the health or safety of others, creating a disruptive atmosphere, or not under control may be denied boarding or removed from the vessel. Passengers may be required to disembark if ferry staff determine the presence of a non-compliant animal poses a safety concern. It is a misdemeanor to knowingly and fraudulently misrepresent oneself as the owner or trainer of a service dog under Penal Code Section 365.7(a)).
Pets
Pets including comfort animals and emotional support animals can only be brought aboard SF Bay Ferry if they are within an enclosed pet carrier that can fit on your lap and they do not pose a threat to passengers or crew members.
Trained Service Animals
Trained service animals or service animals in training may be brought aboard without a carrier provided they remain under the passenger’s control and do not pose a threat to passengers or crew members.
frequently asked questions
No, this is a longstanding policy for the ferry system and is included in the Passenger Code of Conduct, which has been approved by the WETA Board of Directors. We are working to ensure all passengers are familiar with the policies around pets.
If the stroller includes a removable carrier that otherwise meets the rules (fully enclosed, can fit on the passenger’s lap), it is allowed.
No, this does not meet the criteria for a fully enclosed pet carrier. This does not apply to actual pet carriers that can be worn on backs, provided those carriers are fully enclosed and can fit on the passenger’s lap.
Please send all feedback to customerservice@sanfranciscobayferry.com. Your email will be read by WETA staff and you will get a timely response.