Travel With Your Dog

In Australia today there are regulations that apply to how dogs can travel by road, air and sea. Service dogs such as guide, hearing or other registered assistance dogs are excempt from many of the rules that apply to pet dogs and can travel on all forms of public transport including and can travel in-cabin of planes.

Airline travel

An increasing number of dogs travel on internal flights. Remember with air travel the container will be your pet’s home for the length of the flight and also for an appreciable time prior to and after the flight; after you have checked in and until he is collected after the flight.

Carrier

The transport of any live animals on aircraft must comply with the current edition of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations, as well as any service conditions of the particular airline. Your airline or your pet transport company can advise you on these requirements, including particulars on the type of container required for your pet to travel in.

Other useful tips

Tranquillisation of the dog before loading in the carrier is not recommended. Tranquillisers sometimes wear off in flight when it is impossible to either comfort the dog or to give any further medication. Therefore it is a good idea to try to familiarise your dog with the travel container before the trip is undertaken. Feeding him in the container, first with the door closed and then open helps to eliminate some of the apprehension that may be felt during the actual trip.

Car travel

The RSPCA and RTA is very specific about animals in cars. They should be under control in vehicles and unable to distract you while you are driving. If you want your dog to be loose in the car he should be separated from you, and thus a station wagon  or hatchback with a strong dog guard is ideal. Alternatively a crate or cage can be used, the dimensions of which should be comfortable for the animal.  If the dog is not so separated from you he should be tethered so that he cannot act as a distraction. The easiest way of doing this is place him in a harness with a seatbelt attachment.

"If you want your dog to be loose in the car he should be separated from you, and thus an estate vehicle or hatchback with a strong dog guard is ideal.  Alternatively a crate or cage can be used, the dimensions of which should be comfortable for the animal."

Travel, or more correctly motion sickness, is a condition which affects many dogs. It is due to the effect of the motion on the organs of balance located in the inner ear. Signs are usually excessive salivation, restlessness or excitement. Consult your veterinarian since there are several medications which may be extremely effective for this condition. Excitable dogs can be tranquillised but make sure you experiment beforehand so you do not give too much and have the animal off his legs for a while since the dose depends largerly on the temperament and amount of excitement.

When traveling by car it is important to make frequent ‘toilet’ stops. Take care if traveling in paralysis tick regions that your pet is protected and be advised that there are some places such as National Parks that dog are not allowed.

Sea Travel

Many ships and ferries allow dogs to travel as long as they are restrained/contained according to their regulations. Please contact your carrier to get specific advice regarding travel aboard their ship/ferry line.

Hints on travel with your dog

1.  If you are going to stay in a hotel, ascertain beforehand that the hotel allows pets. There are publications available that list such hotels and boarding houses.

2.  Make sure the dog wears a correctly adjusted collar and not a check chain. The collar should bear an identification tag with your name, address and telephone number.  If the dog has been microchipped detail this with the accompanying information.

3.  If he is travelling unaccompanied, check that his name appears on the container together with your name, address, telephone number and any other relevant details, e.g. where you are collecting him from and whether you wish to be telephoned first etc.

4.  Remember that most hotels and boarding houses will not allow dogs in the public rooms, therefore if you leave him unattended in your room make sure there is no opportunity for escape and realise that you will be responsible for any damage caused. Again if practicable, i.e. size, a travelling cage or container is ideal. Even if the dog is extremely well behaved make sure that you place "Do Not Disturb" notices on the door if the dog is left unattended. In this way the possibility of confrontation with staff and escape is minimised.

5.  Should your pet get lost, contact the local police, RSPCA, local council and dog rangers and local veterinarians.

6.  There are many Animal/Pet Transport Companies that can arrange the relocation of your pets.

7.  Remember that advance planning is vital to make the trip an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.