Planning a Trip to Block Island With Your Pet? Here’s What You Need to Know
The Block Island Ferry pets policy is straightforward and welcoming — yes, you can bring your dog (or other pet) on board, on both the Traditional and High-Speed ferries.
Here’s the quick version:
| Ferry Type | In the Cabin | On Outside Decks |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Ferry | Leash or carrier required; no pets on benches or tables | Allowed on leash |
| High-Speed Ferry | Pet carrier only | Allowed on leash |
| Service Animals | Permitted on all vessels and in ticket offices | Permitted |
So if you’re traveling on the High-Speed ferry and want to stay inside the cabin with your pet, you’ll need a carrier. No carrier? Your pet stays on the outside deck — on a leash.
Planning a summer trip to Block Island with your dog is genuinely one of the more pet-friendly coastal escapes in New England. All beaches on the island welcome leashed dogs year-round, and over 28 miles of trails are open to pets too. The ferry ride itself is part of the fun — just 30 minutes on the High-Speed or 55 minutes on the Traditional vessel from Point Judith.
But before you grab the leash and head to the dock, it pays to know the exact rules so your trip goes smoothly.
Understanding the Block Island Ferry Pets Policy
Taking your four-legged companion along for an island adventure is a wonderful experience, but keeping everyone on board safe and comfortable is our top priority. The block island ferry pets policy is designed to balance the needs of pet owners, our crew, and passengers who might not be as enthusiastic about dogs as we are.
To make your trip seamless, we have established clear rules for our two primary vessel types: the Traditional Ferry and the High-Speed Ferry. While both options are incredibly pet-friendly, they have different layout designs, speeds, and United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations that dictate where your pet can rest.
Regardless of which vessel you choose, there are a few golden rules that apply across our entire fleet:
- Pets must remain on a leash or in a secure carrier at all times. There are no exceptions to this rule.
- Pets are never permitted on the passenger seats, benches, or tables inside the cabins.
- Owners are fully responsible for their pet’s behavior. If your dog is prone to excessive barking or showing signs of stress, our crew may ask you to move to an outdoor deck area.
For more answers to common questions about what you can and cannot bring on board, check out our comprehensive FAQs page.
Traditional Ferry Rules Under the Block Island Ferry Pets Policy
The Traditional Ferry is our classic, steady vessel that departs from Point Judith, Narragansett. It is the only vessel in our fleet that carries motor vehicles to and from the island. The crossing takes approximately 55 minutes at a comfortable, leisurely pace of 16.5 knots.
Because of the spacious layout of the Traditional Ferry, the pet rules are highly accommodating:
- Cabin Access: You are welcome to bring your leashed dog inside the main passenger cabins. This is a lifesaver on particularly hot summer days when you want to take advantage of the air conditioning, or during cooler shoulder-season trips.
- Seating Restrictions: While your dog is allowed inside the cabin, they must remain on the floor. Pets are strictly prohibited from sitting on the upholstered seats, benches, or tables.
- Outside Decks: If your dog prefers the salty breeze, they are more than welcome on any of our spacious outdoor passenger decks. They must still remain on a leash at all times.
High-Speed Ferry Rules Under the Block Island Ferry Pets Policy
If you are looking to get to the island in a hurry, our High-Speed Ferry will get you from Point Judith to Old Harbor in just 30 minutes (or from Newport in about an hour). Because these vessels travel at much higher speeds, the safety regulations are slightly different.
Here is what you need to know when booking the High-Speed option:
- Inside the Cabin: Pets are only permitted inside the passenger cabin if they are enclosed in an approved pet carrier. If your dog is too large for a carrier, or if you did not bring one, they will not be allowed inside the cabin.
- On the Outside Decks: If your dog is on a leash but not in a carrier, you must remain with them on the outside passenger decks for the duration of the crossing.
- Luggage Considerations: That space inside the high-speed cabin is at a premium. Under our standard Luggage Policy, passengers are limited to two pieces of personal carry-on luggage (up to 30 lbs), which must be stowed in the designated luggage racks rather than inside the cabin. Be sure your pet carrier is easily manageable alongside any personal bags you are bringing.
Service Animals vs. Standard Pets
We are fully committed to ensuring our vessels are accessible to all travelers. We recognize a clear distinction between standard companion pets and trained service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Legitimate service dogs that are individually trained to perform work or tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability are permitted in all passenger areas of our vessels and inside our physical ticket offices.
Key points regarding service animals:
- Service animals are not required to be in carriers inside the High-Speed ferry cabins.
- They are permitted to sit with their handlers in designated passenger spaces, though they must still remain under the handler’s control at all times.
- Emotional support animals, therapy dogs, and companion pets do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and must follow the standard companion pet policies outlined above.
To learn more about our commitment to passenger comfort, boarding assistance, and vessel amenities, visit our Accessibility page.
Boarding Procedures and Terminal Guidelines
Navigating the ferry terminal with a pet can be busy, especially during the peak summer months. To ensure a stress-free start to your vacation, we recommend arriving at our Point Judith or Newport terminals well in advance.
If you are traveling as a foot passenger with a pet, please arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. If you have a vehicle reservation on the Traditional Ferry, you must have your vehicle checked in at the car ticket window at least 1 hour prior to departure, or your reservation may be forfeited.
While waiting at the terminal:
- Keep your dog close to you on a short leash. The staging areas can have heavy foot traffic, luggage carts, and moving vehicles.
- Please clean up after your pet. Ensure they have had a chance to relieve themselves before boarding the vessel, as there are no pet relief areas on board.
- Have your digital or printed tickets ready so you can move smoothly through the boarding gates.
If you have any questions about terminal locations, parking lot availability, or vehicle reservation procedures, please reach out directly through our Contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pet Travel to Block Island
Are dogs allowed on Block Island beaches?
Yes! Block Island is incredibly dog-friendly. All public beaches on Block Island welcome leashed dogs year-round. This is a refreshing contrast to many other New England destinations that ban dogs from beaches during the summer. Please keep your dog on a leash of 6 feet or less, and always pack out whatever waste they leave behind. For state park beach areas, dogs are welcomed during the off-season from October 1st to March 31st.
Do I need to pay a fee for my pet on the ferry?
No, we do not charge an extra ticket fee for bringing your pet on board the Block Island Ferry! Pets travel for free. You only need to purchase standard passenger tickets for the human members of your party.
What should I do if the high-speed ferry is cancelled due to weather?
High-speed ferry services can occasionally be suspended due to high winds or rough seas. If a high-speed departure is cancelled, we will do our best to accommodate passengers on our larger Traditional Ferry, which handles rough waters with ease. Because the pet policies differ between the two vessels, a cancellation means you can easily bring your dog inside the Traditional Ferry cabin on a leash, even if you do not have a pet carrier.
With over 28 miles of walking trails, wide-open dog-friendly beaches, and a welcoming community, Block Island is the ultimate getaway for you and your dog. By following the block island ferry pets policy, you can ensure that your journey across the sound is just as relaxing as the vacation itself.
Before you head out, here is a quick checklist of dog-friendly highlights to experience on the island:
- Explore the Trails: Take a walk along the DuVal Trail or explore the stunning views at Mohegan Bluffs.
- Hit the Beach: Enjoy a swim at any of the public town beaches where your pup is welcome all day long.
- Dog-Friendly Dining: Grab a bite to eat at local restaurants with outdoor patio seating, where staff are almost always happy to bring out a fresh bowl of water for your dog.
- Take a Tour: Many local taxi services, such as McAloon’s Taxi and Block Island Taxi and Tours, are happy to accommodate leashed dogs for an island sightseeing ride.
We look forward to welcoming you and your furry co-pilot on board. Pack the treats, grab the leash, and prepare for an unforgettable island escape!
Are you ready to start planning your trip? Check out our Schedules and Fares to choose the perfect departure time, or head straight to our homepage to buy tickets today!