From the second you first look into those big puppy eyes, you know this dog will be by your side wherever you go, and that you won’t even be mad when he chews holes in your socks and steals your pizza off your plate.
 
Whether it’s a house move or a holiday, pet transport is always worth it to have your best friend with you, but it can also take extra planning and care to ensure that you can bring them with you and help them stay comfortable and happy along the way.

Here’s a quick guide to pet travel in Australia, so your pooch can steal your socks everywhere you go.

Puppies on planes

Even though many airlines allow animals in the cabin overseas, pet flights in Australia are a lot more restricted. Firstly, only support animals such as guide dogs are allowed in the cabin at all. All others must have a container (approved by your airline) for the dog to travel in the cargo hold. Most owners use plastics and steel mesh for short trips, although wooden crates may be more suitable for longer flights.

You will need to check with your airline to ensure your pup ticks all the boxes for air travel. These often include minimum age limits (puppies of eight weeks or less may be asked to wait) and maximum weight limits (roughly 65 kilos including crate). They also need to be in good health and not exhibit aggressive behaviour. Some airlines may have a list of breeds not allowed on flights that you will need to check.

Even though you should take your pet for a vet checkup before flying anyway, airlines may also require a certificate of good health, dated within two weeks prior to the flight, if your good boy/girl is older, unwell, or injured.

Finally, airlines will generally only allow pet travel when they have handling services set up at your departure and arrival point. This means that you may need to fly to and from main airports rather than smaller terminals with fewer services.

K9s in cars

Taking your pup in your own car is the simplest way to organise your dog travel plans. For them, it’s likely already a familiar experience, so there is little stress and lots of excitement.

Keep in mind that it is illegal to drive with a dog in your lap, so it is best to have them in a large crate or restrained in the back so that they are not able to distract you from the road. Note that if your dog is unrestrained and injured in a crash, you may even be liable for fines and potential jail time.

You will need to take more stops than usual to give them a chance to eat, drink, go to the toilet, and have a quick run around. Bring along their favourite toys and blankets, as well as any medications they might need.

Tail-waggers on trains

Trains are a tricky one, as interstate pet transport means that dogs are allowed on trains in some cases in some states, but not at all in others.

For example, Transport NSW does not allow dogs in stations or on trains at all, yet Victoria allows small dogs in containers, and larger dogs if they are wearing a muzzle, not in the way, and travelling outside of peak travel times.

 Moral of the story: Check with your state laws before bringing your pooch onto a train.

Fur friends on ferries

Whether dogs are allowed on a boat or ferry is entirely up to the operators. For example, dogs are permitted on the Spirit of Tasmania (the only ferry service to Tasmania), provided the dog stays in the kennel on board. For Queensland’s CityCat ferries, only service dogs are permitted on board with their certification badge or coat.