My wife and I are being transfered (Air Force) from Anchorage (JBER), AK in September 2014. We will be traveling via the Alaska Ferry system, leaving from Whittier, and have never taken a ferry anywhere before. We will be in a Itasca Navion 25', 11' tall, pulling a 5x8 Wells Cargo enclosed trailer. I am 100% DAV (Army) with a nationally certified, Gov. sponsored service dog. We have reservations and supposedly will have a cabin to sleep in (wife, me and SD), but one can never be sure till it actually happens. Is there anyone who has taken their RV on the ferry and traveled down from Anchorage to Bellingham before, who can give us a heads up on what to expect, the do's and dont's please?Thanks!

Dogs must remain on the car deck, either in your vehicle or in a carrier until the ship docks. http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/pets.shtmlYou can't stay with your dog and your dog can't stay with you. But visits are scheduled for humans to go to the car deck to feed and help their dog with its business. Usually no more than half an hour every few hours. Most dogs do their business on the car deck. You can also take your dog out at ports.On Edit: the link above indicates, "...there is no charge on any route for a certified service animal traveling with a person with a disability. Service animals do require prior approval from the Traffic Manager so that shipboard staff can be properly notified."Wonder if your dog might enjoy a flight from Anchorage to Seattle more? Then it is just a few hours of time and your dog will be done with travel. Perhaps an Alaska friend can put your dog on a flight to coordinate with your arrival in Bellingham?Propane must also be turned off so plan your fridge accordingly.

I'd check on that. I would think that government certified service dogs would be allowed anywhere their companion human would be allowed.

looks like you have most of it covered with the sleeping berth. Bring dog clean up supplies. The water could be a little rough that time of the year.You will be missing a good fall color tour on the drive south by taking the ferry.

I take it that you are taking the cross gulf ferry to Juneau and changing ships there, for the run down to Bellingham. We have done the Skagway to Bellingham, run in the past and enjoyed the trip greatly. But have never done the cross gulf leg before. Believe the cross gulf runs very seldom, perhaps once or twice a month. As far as I know, the service dog should be able to be with you in your cabin and around the ship under the ADA rules. Hotels can't keep a service dog out, so I would guess the AMHS ferry boats would be the same.Have you given any thoughts of driving over to Haines or Skagway to get on the ferry. The cross gulf ferry stays way out in the water, a long ways from shore. Not much to see out there but water and the Gulf of Alaska is known to get very rough at times. Not unsafe with the large ferry, just uncomfortable.

Violet, my SD, goes with me every where, and she'll be with me in my cabin and on the decks where I'm at...it's Federal Law, under ADA guidelines, protected by the Justice Dept. The ferry operations are aware of my needs.Violet and I travel on planes, together in the cabin, quite frequently. In fact we just got back from Florida two weeks ago. She loves to fly. We have driven the ALCAN twice, and have seen enough. The drive through Canada is long and wears me and Violet out. We thought a nice ferry ride would be relaxing. You know, leave the driving issues to them. I hope to just sit and stare the days away, read books, drink wine and snack; take pictures, etc...I will be transporting guns and ammo, and I've already discussed this with the ship's admin folks. I'm more concerned about the RV and trailer going on board. I'm guessing its no big deal but I was thinking there might be some do's and don't's for my RV that I need to be aware of. Like turning the propane tank off, like Sue T. shared, which is good to know, cuz I didn't. Guess I'll pack and ice chest full of ice and put the perishables in it.I'm wondering if I'll have to disconnect the trailer or can it be left in tow? Can I have extra diesel fuel containers in my trailer, about 5 gallons? I like to travel with a spare 5 gal can.Thanks!

Anyone taken Alaskan Ferry from Anchorage to Bellingham???

alaska_dennis
Explorer
Apr 07, 2014
looks like you have most of it covered with the sleeping berth. Bring dog clean up supplies. The water could be a little rough that time of the year.

You will be missing a good fall color tour on the drive south by taking the ferry.
Oregon_Ms
Explorer
Apr 07, 2014
I'd check on that. I would think that government certified service dogs would be allowed anywhere their companion human would be allowed.
sue_t
Explorer
Apr 07, 2014
Dogs must remain on the car deck, either in your vehicle or in a carrier until the ship docks. http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/pets.shtml

You can't stay with your dog and your dog can't stay with you. But visits are scheduled for humans to go to the car deck to feed and help their dog with its business. Usually no more than half an hour every few hours. Most dogs do their business on the car deck. You can also take your dog out at ports.

On Edit: the link above indicates, "...there is no charge on any route for a certified service animal traveling with a person with a disability. Service animals do require prior approval from the Traffic Manager so that shipboard staff can be properly notified."

Wonder if your dog might enjoy a flight from Anchorage to Seattle more? Then it is just a few hours of time and your dog will be done with travel. Perhaps an Alaska friend can put your dog on a flight to coordinate with your arrival in Bellingham?

Propane must also be turned off so plan your fridge accordingly.

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Anyone taken Alaskan Ferry from Anchorage to Bellingham???

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