How To Ensure a Stress-free Trip Across the Bay for Your Dog
Dogs travel free on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, but it doesn’t mean the trip is totally stress free for some pooches. To make it a pleasant journey for all involved, here are 10 tips to have a great sailing with your best friend
10-Tips for pets for Pre-Boarding & OnBoard Preparation
10 Must Read Tips for Taking the Cape May - Lewes Ferry with your Dog(s)
Follow these 10 tips to ensure a pleasant and safe journey across the bay for both you and your best friend.
Pre-Boarding Preparation
1. Take a Walk Before Boarding Pee-Break Priority! Utilize the green spaces around each Ferry terminal. Make sure your dog empties their bladder and bowel before you start the boarding process. The extra walk also helps burn energy, leading to a calmer voyage. 2. Don’t Provide Food Beforehand Like humans, some dogs are prone to motion sickness or anxiety, which can lead to an upset stomach.- Safety First: Avoid feeding your dog a full meal too close to boarding time.
- Timing: For early voyages, feed your dog upon arrival. For late voyages, consider a late dinner after all travel is complete.
- Essentials: Pack poop bags, paper towels, and any other needed supplies.
- Accidents Happen: Crew and fellow passengers are always grateful if you can quickly and easily clean up any unforeseen messes.
On-Board Guidelines & Safety
4. Keep Your Dog Leashed & Close For the comfort and safety of all passengers:- Dogs must be on a leash at all times, even when resting on the decks.
- Please keep your dog on a short leash and close by as a courtesy — not all passengers are dog friendly.
- Paws Check: Feel the deck with your palm. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
- Rule of Paw: If you would not walk barefoot, your pet should not either. Move your pet to a cooler, shaded area if the deck is hot.
- Each vessel has an assigned dog sitting area.
- Please ensure your dog remains in the designated pet area and away from all food preparation or service spaces.
- If your dog is not sociable, we recommend traveling with them by car.
- In-Car Tips: Stay in your car for most of the voyage, ensuring windows are cracked for air. You can ask the crew at the toll to stage your vehicle in a shaded area beneath a deck.
- While water is available on board, not all dogs drink well from bottles.
- Bring a mobile or collapsible water bowl to ensure your pet stays well-hydrated throughout the trip.
- Dogs are not allowed in food areas (restrooms, cafes, etc.).
- If you need to use the restroom or buy food and are traveling alone, please notify a crew member. They will be happy to help arrange for someone to “pet sit” for a few minutes.
- Take advantage of the outside decks for a stroll.
- Your dog will love watching the seagulls and sniffing the sea air. Just remember to check the deck temperature as you walk!
