Leaving your dog at home can be stressful and worrisome. Luckily, in Australia, you may not have to undergo the emotional torture of leaving your pet at home. If you follow the Australian travel rules that are laid out, you can take your puppy to your new destination alongside you.
How They Can Travel
On Airplanes: If your pet isn't a service animal, they won't be able to fly in the cabin with you. If you would still like to bring them along, they will be able to fly in the cargo hold if you put them inside a travel-side kennel or dog cage. Be sure to show the kennel to your airline beforehand and make sure they approve of it before bringing it on board.
In cars: Your little buddy is allowed to drive with you in your car and doesn’t need to stay locked in its travel kennel. Using a kennel is recommended for safety though. Make sure your dog is never sitting in your lap as you don't want to distract yourself from the road. This action is also illegal and can result in harm to you and your canine.
When plotting out travel times with your dog, be sure to keep frequent stops in mind. Your pup will need to stop regularly to use the bathroom and to have food and water. They may also get bored during long drives, so having a toy on hand for them to play with may come in handy as well.
On trains: Some dogs are allowed on certain trains, while some train services don’t allow it. Check the laws in your state to see what their restrictions are.
Types of Travel Kennels to Use
On Airplanes: There isn’t a stated material that your dog kennel must be made of. But it’s suggested that wooden crates are better for airplane flights. Wooden crates provide more stability and comfort for your pet traveling on a long flight.
If your dog is going on a shorter trip that will only last a couple of hours, then kennels made of steel mesh or plastic could be more comfortable.
In cars: They don’t have to be in a kennel the whole time while driving, but it is, of course, recommended to keep them safe and secure. If they aren’t inside their crate, make sure they are securely strapped in the back seat.
On trains: Depending on the train service, smaller dogs may be allowed to travel with you on a train if they are kept in their kennel the entire time.
Requirements:
On airplanes: While you should get in touch with the airline you're traveling with first, there are some general requirements to be met for your pet to travel alongside you. Below are a few different guidelines and restrictions to look out for when considering restrictions for your pet to travel.
In cars: If your dog isn’t safely strapped in and you injure them in a car crash, you may be required to serve possible time in jail or be given a large fine for negligence.
On trains: If the dogs are big, they must wear a muzzle and stay quiet during the entire ride. Additionally, some train stations will only let these dogs travel if it’s not during busy travel days and times.