Travelling via Alaska Marine Highway (Ketchikan, Bethel: transporting, cost, moving to)

[CaliVetTech]

Hi all!

My husband and I are moving to Eielson AFB this June. We are wanting to take the ferry from Bellingham to Whittier, seeing as it will be a great time of year to do it, rather than driving (driving up there sounds like it would be beautiful, but crossing the canadian border sounds like a pain!).

My main concern/inquiry is regarding pets. We have 2 small dogs. I know that we will have to leave them in crates down where the vehicles are stored. I am wanting to know if there are other folks that have traveled via the ferry with their dogs, and how their dogs handled being on the ferry, how often you get to visit/walk/feed them, if they need to be sedated, etc. I really want to take the ferry up there, but am VERY concerned for my pets, that I am also considering flying with them up there instead. Any insight/advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[warptman]

Your pets would have to stay in the car the whole time except for potty breaks. Just drive! Border crossing is painless.

[Nephler]

We traveled the same route, Bellingham to Whittier last September with 3 dogs. The dogs don't have to be in crates, just in your car. Depending on how long it is between stops and weather, they make dog calls to visit about every 4 hours. The visit is only about 15 minutes, but it's enough. At longer post stays, say a hour or more, you can walk your dog on land at the port.

The only problem we had, and it was quite common with other dogs on the trip, was getting the dogs to "go" do their business on the vessel. Most dogs are use to, and taught, to "go" outdoors. The time does come though, when they just can't hold it any longer, think it was about 3 days, and it seems as though most other dogs have about the same timing. Kind of funny really, all these people cheering when their dogs finally pee or poop.

The dogs eat just fine. Be sure to bring plenty of water and food for them.

All in all, they did just fine.

[Nephler]

One more thing, you most likely will be staying the night in Juneau to change vessels. Make sure you have reservations somewhere.

[ASpilot2be]

That trip on the ferry is spectacular. You will enjoy it

[akck]

As others have said, you're allowed down on deck several times a day between Bellingham-Ketchikan and Juneau-Whittier. From Ketchikan to Juneau, you're allowed to take your pet out at each port. Time between ports is 6, 3 and 8 hours. The only difficulty is that one port call may happen in the middle of the night.

The border crossing is not that big of a hassle. My border crossings have taken less than 5 minutes. You will need passports in June. The only problem areas are transporting guns, traveling alone with kids and past convictions, including DUI. IF these don't apply, then you'll have little problem. You will need a health certificate for your pets, but you'll need it for the ferry too (it's an Alaska requirement). The hassle factor will depend on the person clearing you through.

The ferry or driving are both worth doing at least once, so it's a matter of cost since the ferry will be $2,000 to $3,000.

[warptman]

I still say drive. Look what you'll miss.

Bethel Alaska Photo Gallery - Joe Joe's Alcan Trip 2006

Bethel Alaska Photo Gallery - Joe Joe's 2007 Alcan trip

Bethel Alaska Photo Gallery - Joe Joe's Return Trip Alcan 2007

[warptman]

Try not to miss this!

Modern Marvels - The Alcan Highway.

[Crossfire600]

A Ferry trip is one that you will never forget! Trust me... you will NEVER forget it.

[CaliVetTech]

Thanks for all the great advice! We do have some guns that were given to us by my brother (therefore no paperwork or anything), so I'm not sure how that will be trying to cross the border.

Thanks for the heads up about having to stay the night in Juneau. I never would have thought about that!

You guys are awesome! You're really turning my fears of moving to Alaska into excitement and my husband really appreciates that!!