On International Animal Rights Day on Saturday 10 December, pet boarding and daycare provider, Kip, called for dogs in NSW to be allowed to travel on all public transportation.
Currently in NSW the ability of pets to travel on buses, light rail, ferries, and taxies rests on the fickle decisions of the drivers and crew members. Pets that are allowed to travel must be restrained in a box, basket, or other container, which effectively bars all large dogs from public transport.
Pets are prohibited completely from all trains and coaches, making it difficult for dog owners commuting to and from work on public transport to care for the needs of their furry friends.
“Dogs are an integral part of many people’s lives, and it is only right that they should be allowed to accompany their owners in their day-to-day lives,” Kip managing director Will Roxburgh said.
“This isn’t just about animal rights, it’s about the rights of more than half of Australians.”
With pandemic pups making up one fifth of all Aussie dogs, Australia’s dog ownership numbers have reached record highs according to a survey by Animal Medicines Australia. Pet owners now account for 69 per cent of Australian households and the pandemic pet surge has caused a nine per cent increase in just two years.
Dogs are more than just pets; they are much beloved family members of over half of the nation. With these furry four-legged children only growing in popularity as a choice of pet, it is a basic need for dogs to be involved in their owners’ day-to-day lives outside of the home.
“At Kip we have seen an influx of pet owners seeking doggy day care services, especially since the COVID puppy craze,” Roxburgh said.
“However, with many owners relying on public transport for travel, the current restrictions are an unnecessary burden.
“Dog owners are facing a significant challenge with face-to-face work becoming the norm again,” Roxburgh added.
“The last thing we need for pet parents is for there to be additional barriers to accessing essential animal services, such as doggy daycare and veterinary treatment.”
With both VIC and SA allowing small dogs to travel with their owners on trains, trams and buses in a suitable animal container, and larger dogs to travel with their owners on trains—provided they’re on a lead and wearing a muzzle—NSW’s requirements are falling way behind.
Totally agree. As a retiree who lives in Campbelltown, I have to drive to the city if I want to go out for the day with my dog. So far, I have travelled on buses, ferries and light rail with my toy cavoodle in a dog backpack. But today, a ferry staff member said I might not get back on another ferry because head sticks out. Thanks fully they did as I would have been in for a huge taxi bill. The law says a suitable container but it doesn’t say the dogs head must be covered. But the law must change and quickly
It’s ok
For a small to medium size dog but what about a much larger breed? How are you going to put a German Shepherd or a great daine in a crate or a carrying case to travel on a bus it’s not possible. A clear decision needs to be made don’t pass the buck to the poor bus driver and leave it to them ! I think they have enough to do already don’t you! Some of the humans they have to deal with every day need to go in a crate!!