Dogs On Public Transport

On the 12th August 2019, Transport Minister Mark Bailey announced that the Brisbane City Council has finally promised to commence a trial permitting dogs on ferries and CityCats!

This is a major breakthrough for Brisbane fur-parents and such a positive step towards the campaign to “Keep Australia Pet Friendly”!

Their are an array of rules suggested for permitting dogs on public transport such as muzzles, on lead, cleaning up mess, dog only sections, travel cards (such as in Zurich) and even permits issued to dogs riding on public transport. Some are expected; on lead only, cleaning up mess and dog sections. Some I find disturbing; muzzling.  Some I find an interesting concept and may be worth looking into; travel cards and public transport permits.

Of course the council will no doubt have rules that will apply and some members of the public may never agree to dogs on public transport (I hope they never travel around Europe). If this trial is successful, Australia might be on its way to finally becoming in line with a number of European cities that have decades of proven success with dogs on public transport.

Bear in mind though, if the motion is finally approved, this does not mean every pet parent should jump on the next CityCat with their dog in tow, just because you can. Unfortunately, many children and adults do not understand how to behave appropriately around dogs and may not read the signs of a dog that is stressed and feeling uncomfortable.  Many dogs will find the attention and noise of public transport a stressful experience.

It should only ever be a pleasant experience for your dog. After all, isn’t that why we have been asking for change in the first place?

Check out this interesting article in The Conversation – “Riding in cars with dogs”.

Dogs On Public Transport

Author Bio:  Nikki is pack guardian at Pressplay Pets, a blog for the modern age pet parent interested in health & care, news, reviews & personal accounts of unconditional love & at times heartfelt pain of pet parenting.  She is also proud mum to cute and cheeky Papillons ‘Amber’ and ‘Indy’!

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Pressplay Pets a blog for the modern age pet parent interested in health & care, news, reviews & personal accounts of unconditional love & at times heartfelt pain of pet parenting!