Nine-a-side in new SeaLink pet lounge
PAW DESIGN: An artist's impression of the pet lounge used in a SeaLink promotional video for its two new ferries, and a photo taken by a visitor at the launch event of Wanggami last Thursday.
By DANIEL CLARKE
06/08/26
The pet lounge on each of SeaLink’s two new $57 million ferries will “comfortably accommodate” nine passengers and their pets, the company has told the Island Independent.
The enclosed pet lounge is about 8 metres long by 2.15 metres wide - or just over 17 square metres – and situated on the car deck level on the starboard side of the vessel.
SeaLink said the decision to include a dedicated pet lounge on the new ferries was “based on many years of operational experience and customer feedback from both pet owners and other passengers travelling on the existing Kangaroo Island ferry service”.
“That feedback highlighted the value of providing a dedicated space for pets to support good hygiene practices, improve comfort in shared passenger areas and give pet owners another travel option during the crossing,” a spokesperson said.
The room was first glimpsed by selected invitees during the company’s launch event of Wanggami at Port Adelaide last Thursday.
Photos published across social media networks were met with concern from pet owners about the size of the room, proximity to other animals, lack of tables, and how parents with children and prams would be accommodated.
Sources who attended the launch event have told the Island Independent that no windows for ventilation exist in the room but that it does contain air-conditioning.
When asked if residents had been consulted about the design of a pet lounge, the company said “no separate public consultation was undertaken specifically on the design of the pet lounge”.
SeaLink said the room had been “designed in accordance with applicable maritime safety and vessel design requirements”.
“The space also provides access to an accessible toilet and baby change facility,” the spokesperson said.
“The pet lounge has been designed to comfortably accommodate approximately nine passengers travelling with their pets, depending on the size and mix of animals on board.
“As with all areas of the vessel, our crew will monitor and manage the space throughout the journey to ensure it remains safe and comfortable for passengers and their pets.”
SeaLink said customers have three options during the voyage; pets can remain in their owner's vehicle, accompany their owner in the dedicated pet lounge, or spend time on the open-air sundeck.
“This flexibility allows owners to choose the option that best suits their pet throughout the journey,” the spokesperson said. “For safety reasons, passengers are not permitted on the vehicle deck during crossings to visit their pets."
Given many island residents with dogs travel the route without their car, those options are reduced to the pet lounge or braving the elements on the top deck.
The company stated that recognised assistance animals would be welcome throughout the vessel, including the main lounge and café areas but all other pets would be prohibited from this location.
“Pets may access the open-air sundeck via the lift and should proceed directly to either designated pet areas upon embarkation.
“SeaLink is currently reviewing its Conditions of Carriage for animals ahead of the commencement of the new Kangaroo Island ferry service to support a nationally consistent approach across its ferry operations.
“Final pet travel requirements will be communicated to customers before the new service commences.”