Golden Gate Ferry Pet and Animal Policy

Golden Gate Ferry welcomes passengers traveling with animals while prioritizing safety, comfort, and accessibility for all.

1. Service Animals

• Service animals under the ADA are limited to dogs that are individually trained to perform specific tasks or work directly related to a person's disability. They are permitted on vessels and in terminals without carriers and must remain under the handler's control at all times (harness, leash, or voice control when necessary) and behave appropriately.
• Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and pets do not qualify as service animals and are subject to the pet policy below.

2. Pets and Other Animals Non-service Pets are Allowed Only if:

• Fully contained in a secure, fully enclosed carrier, kennel, pet stroller, or similar portable enclosure (e.g., handheld, wheeled, or pullable) that the passenger can manage independently.  The enclosure must completely contain the animal with no head, limbs, or other body parts protruding.  Soft-sided bags, backpacks, purses, or any container that allows any part of the animal to stick out do not qualify.  Obstructing aisles or other areas as determined by staff is not permitted.
• The enclosure must be sturdy, ventilated, escape-proof, and sized so the pet can maneuver without risk of injury from vessel motion.
• The pet must remain fully inside the enclosure at all times on Golden Gate Ferry property (vessels, terminals, and facilities)—no exiting, opening, or removal permitted.
• No animal may wander, roam freely, sit on laps/seats (outside enclosure), or be held outside the enclosure at any time.
• Animals must be quiet, non-disruptive, and not pose a threat to health or safety.

3. Prohibitions and Enforcement

• No loose or leashed animals outside carriers are allowed anywhere on vessels, in terminals, or facilities.
• Any animals (including service animals) creating a safety risk, disruption, or unclean conditions may be denied boarding or removed (at owner's expense).
• Violations may result in refusal of service, ejection, or other measures.

4. Additional Notes

• Service animals in training may be accommodated if they meet ADA criteria and remain under control.
• Passengers with questions should contact staff.