On several Baleària ships, pilot projects are being carried out to improve pet accommodation, including cabin access, calming kennels and video monitoring via mobile phone.
At Baleària, passengers' pets are one more member of the family, which is why the shipping company continues working to make crossings as comfortable as possible for its four-legged customers.
Baleària's ships are gradually adding improvements to the areas prepared for pets. In addition to aluminium cages, walking areas, air conditioning and relaxing music on some vessels, there are now three pet friendly pilot projects.
Pet video monitoring via smartphone
Video monitoring
The newly built smart ships Hypatia of Alexandria and Marie Curie have webcams installed in the cages, allowing owners to check on their pets at any time using their mobile phones. Digital monitoring is always combined with direct contact between pets and their owners. “We know this is essential for both of them, so, as on all our ships, we schedule one or two visits depending on the length of the crossing, and we are flexible if an extra visit is needed and circumstances allow,” explains Carlos Gómez, Head of On-board Services.
In addition, the Hypatia of Alexandria has a dedicated cabin where passengers can travel together with their pets.
Calming kennels
Lana, Marta Casanova's dog, author of 'Mallorca con perro'
Several improvements have been made on the fast ferry Cecilia Payne, supervised by ethologist and canine psychology specialist Amparo Fortea. Calming kennels have been installed with a limited field of vision so that dogs can monitor their surroundings without remaining permanently on alert. Calming pheromones are also used to help treat canine anxiety and stress. The area, which is only accessible to customers travelling with pets, has a small dog toilet area with artificial grass and a bollard so dogs can mark and relax. A crew member also stays with the pets at all times, and in this case there is no limit on the number or duration of visits. Passengers who have tried the service rated it 9.1, according to satisfaction surveys by Investrategia.
Marta Casanova, from Mallorca con perro, who travelled with her dog Lana on the Cecilia Payne, explains that “the animals' comfort is guaranteed thanks to individual ventilation and temperature control” in each space, and recommends bringing a small blanket or toy so dogs can “strengthen the feeling that they are in a safe and familiar place”.
Another regular Baleària customer is Nerea Guindo, from the Corazón de Maniquí blog, who has travelled with her dog Woody on board several ships. “Food bowls are available for us, as well as water containers if we want to give them water or food, and it really is a thoughtful touch,” says Nerea.
“As members of the family, our dogs do not have to stay behind on land, and maritime transport is a great ally in making that possible,” Marta concludes.