Despite the number of households with pets in Australia, we are behind other countries in allowing our furry family members on public transport. There have been some recent developments, but nothing too revolutionary.
Guide dogs and assistance animals, such as seeing-eye dogs, hearing dogs, guide dogs in training, and general assistance dogs, are the exception to the rule and are allowed on all forms of public transport across Australia with a permit or pass.
According to a survey conducted by Pet Circle, 88% of Australians have no problem allowing pets on public transport. So, why hasn’t it happened yet?
Continue reading to learn more about the public transport and pet regulations in each state.
New South Wales
General Pets
According to the Passenger Transport (General) Regulation 2017, small pets may be allowed to travel on light rail, buses, taxis and ferries if they are kept in a carrier, basket or cage and confined. You also need to seek the driver’s or transportation staff’s permission.
The rules for boarding public transport with an animal include:
- The animal needs to be confined to a box, container or cage while on board.
- The driver or transport staff have the right to refuse entry on transport.
- Animals that are dirty, smelly, vicious or loud will not be allowed on board.
- Animals are not allowed on seats.
- Keep your pets away from other travelling animals.
- Animals should not travel in enclosed cabins on ferries.
Assistance Pets
Therapy and assistance animals are considered companion animals and are allowed to travel on public transport using the arrangements provided for travelling with pets.
Victoria
General Pets
Small pets are allowed to join you on trains, trams, and buses when they are in a suitable container, cage or carrier.
Dogs can board trains as long as they are wearing a muzzle and have a leash.
You also must follow these rules:
- Clean up any mess your dog makes.
- Your dog can’t sit on seats or block any aisles or doors.
- Keep an eye on your dog at all times.
- Avoid travelling during peak times on weekdays.
Assistance Pets
Guide dogs, hearing dogs, and assistance dogs need an Assistance Animal Pass or an interstate assistance animal accreditation to travel for free on all public transport services in Victoria.
Queensland
General Pets
Pet dogs are allowed on Brisbane River ferries and CityCats between the hours of 8:30 am – 3:30 pm and 7 pm – 6 am.
If you take your dog on a ferry or CityCat, you need to follow the following rules:
- Your dog needs to wear a lead and a muzzle, or be in a carrier (if it’s a small breed).
- Your dog needs to be kept under control at all times.
- Your dog needs to stay outside of the ferry cabin(s).
- You need to carry waste bags and clean up all messes.
Assistance Pets
An approved Assistance Animal Pass is required to take your assistance pet on trains, buses, trams and ferries.
Australian Capital Territory
General Pets
Pets must be confined in a cage, box, or pet carrier and are allowed on buses and light rail with the driver’s permission.
Assistance Pets
Assistance animals have the right of access to all forms of public transport. They need to follow the following guidelines:
- Be kept under control at all times.
- Must not disrupt the other passengers.
- Must wear an identifiable coat (if available).
South Australia
General Pets
Pets that aren’t assistance animals aren’t permitted onto public transport.
Assistance Pets
Accredited Assistance Animals can travel with their owners on most public transport.
Western Australia
General Pets
Pets are not allowed on public transport in Western Australia.
Assistance Pets
Assistance dogs from the following organisations are allowed on all forms of public transport:
- Seeing Eye Dogs Australia
- Assistance Dogs Australia
- Lions Hearing Dogs
- VisAbility
- Guide Dogs Australia and related bodies
Northern Territory
General Pets
Animals, besides assistance pets, are prohibited from all public transport. However, dogs can travel on the Mandorah Ferry Service as long as they are in a carrier or muzzled.
Assistance Pets
Assistance pets, such as hearing or guide dogs, are only allowed on buses in the Northern Territory.
Tasmania
General Pets
Dogs, cats, rabbits, some birds, including chickens and ducks, and guinea pigs, are allowed to travel on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry service.
Assistance Pets
An assistance animal must have the following types of accreditation or fall under one of the following categories to be able to access Metro buses:
- Assistance animals who have an accreditation from recognised organisations like Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs, etc.
- Assistance animals who have an Assistance Animals Permit (AAP), which has been issued by Metro Tasmania.
- Assistance animals that carry any interstate accreditation.
How About Pets on Planes?
From the 16th of October, 2025, Virgin Australia Airlines has allowed small cats and dogs (no more than 8kgs) to fly on certain domestic flights, subject to strict guidelines. These include:
- Your pet must fit comfortably in a pet carrier, which is placed under the seat in front of you.
- Your pet has to be older than 8 weeks.
- Your pet needs to be up to date with their vaccinations.
- Your pet must have a certificate from their vet.
- Your pet must stay in their carrier at all times.
- You have to book more than 72 hours in advance.
- Only one pet is allowed per passenger.
The Benefits of Allowing Pets on Public Transport
- Easier to get to pet services: Pets will most likely need to visit pet services like the veterinarians or grooming places at least once in their lives, and not every pet owner can drive. Allowing pets on public transport will make it much easier for pet parents and their furry family members to access necessary services.
It could even mean the difference between life and death for some pets. - More environmentally friendly: Allowing pets on public transport means there are less cars on the road, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing traffic congestion.
- Inclusivity: Having a pet-friendly public transport system promotes inclusivity, especially for people with disabilities or medical conditions.
- Safety: Some women who travel alone may feel safer with a pet by their side, especially at night or during the early morning hours.
- It is a success in other countries: Other countries, like England and France, have allowed pets to go on public transport for years without any significant issues or drama, showing that it can be done successfully.
- More joy in everyday life: It is a proven fact that animals bring joy wherever they go and positively impact us. Having a pet on board public transport will brighten up people’s days. It’s a small, simple way to put a smile on someone’s face.
- Pets spend less time alone at home: Pets who travel on public transport get to spend more time with their family and less time alone at home, especially beneficial for pets who suffer from separation anxiety.
- Saves you money: Families can save money on parking fees, car-share services and pet relocation services.
In Australia, support for allowing pets on public transport has steadily increased, with Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore even weighing in in support of the movement. Pet Circle have even created a petition which has collected over 24,000 signatures in support of the movement.
With support growing in recent years, hopefully, it’s only a matter of time before we see cute furry faces on all forms of public transport here in Australia.
At Potiki, we understand how precious your pets are. We also know that the unexpected can happen at any time, resulting in extremely high vet fees. These unforeseen circumstances are why it is best to be prepared with pet insurance. Potiki offer our customers flexible covers with excess and extras to give you and your family peace of mind. Visit our website to obtain a quick quote and explore our various coverage options.