Dogs NSW is calling for consistency across Australia and across all public transport
forms. “Responsible dog ownership means that suitably trained dogs should be permitted
on all public transport whether they are dedicated assistance dogs or family pets,”
explains Dr Peter Higgins, Veterinary Adviser and spokesperson for Dogs NSW.

“Dogs should be able to travel on all forms of transport providing they are suitably restrained.”

Dogs NSW promotes responsible dog ownership. Restrained assistance dogs are
permitted on public transport without causing any distress to other transport users. Dog
owners who are responsible with their pets and have trained them to behave in a socially
acceptable manner should be permitted to travel with them on public transport.

Many people in society don’t have access to motor vehicles, but need to travel to the
veterinarian, boarding kennels, and also to visit friends and relatives. For some people
the local park is a considerable distance from where they live, and public transport is an
excellent option. Dogs are an important part of society and the requirements of dog
owners need to be recognised in our transport infrastructure.

“It is a feature of modern civilised cities that dogs travel with their owners on all forms of
transport. London, Paris, Berlin, even Los Angeles allow dogs onto public transport. If
Australian society is to be considered civilised we should be following this lead,” states Dr
Higgins.

“But with rights come responsibilities: dog owners must train their dogs in all
senses from an early age. Indeed if they are not trained, they should not be allowed in
any form of public space, much less public transport.”

Assistance dogs, such as Guide Dogs, are accepted universally on public transport in
Australia. If pet dogs are also well-trained, there is no reason that they, too, can’t be
permitted on public transport. The current situation varies from state to state. In NSW a
dog must be put in a box before he can travel on a bus, but can be on a lead on a ferry.
There are inconsistencies across every state and territory in Australia.

“Local dog training clubs are accessible and good value for money. If dogs are in any
public space, including public transport, they have to be suitably restrained with a lead
and collar or harness. They need to be well behaved and unobtrusive. This is part of
basic responsible dog ownership,” says Dr Higgins.

With the upcoming state election in mind, Dogs NSW calls on political parties to detail
their policy on pets in public places. Dogs are an important part of family life in modern
society and these policies are important to significant numbers of our voting public.