Majority of South Australians back pets to be allowed on public transport

It’s the rule hated by pet owners – and most Aussies say the rest of the country needs to catch up with Victoria and reverse it.

There are new calls for SA to catch up with Victoria and allow pets on public transport, with data showing the vast majority of Australians are open to the idea.

Recent research conducted by Pet Circle revealed 88 per cent of Australians wouldn’t be opposed to having pets on public transport, with 33 per cent completely comfortable, 46 per cent comfortable with guidelines in place, and 9 per cent open to being convinced.

One Adelaide woman, Renee Molony, experienced first hand the struggles that come from owning a pet and being unable to drive after she experienced a stroke in January.

“On the weekends our favourite thing to do has always been beach walks … just after Christmas I suffered a stroke and it was pretty full on and I didn’t realise when you have a stroke you’re not allowed to drive for a month,” the 43-year-old mother said.

Renee Molony, 43, Hackham struggled to enjoy daily life with her corgi mix Molly after having a stroke, and is joining the renewed call for pets to be allowed on public transport. Picture: Supplied

“I couldn’t take her to the beach for a month and it was incredibly depressing because she’s not allowed on public transport we could be there in five minutes but can’t go.

“She would sit at the door because, today’s beach day, and I just had to say ‘Sorry, we’re not going this week’.

“I have a four-year-old child as well and he would have been more of an issue getting on the bus and creating more noise than (Molly) would.”

Ms Molony said if something had happened to Molly she wouldn’t have been able to seek veterinary help.

“It’s not like vets have ambulances, I can’t ring someone at the vet to get them to come to my house,” she said.

Victorian regulations allow small animals and large dogs to travel on Metro trains, trams and buses if they are under effective control, wearing a lead and muzzle or in suitable containers. Picture: AAP / Morgan Sette

A survey by Pet Circle, one of Australia’s biggest pet stores, found 85 per cent of South Australians are not opposed to having pets on public transport.

A third of pet owners reported they have been unable to get to the vet due to transport restrictions, 43 per cent had to cancel social plans and 50 per cent said they were more inclined to travel to work with extra transport options.

A petition with close to 20,000 signatures is calling for regulations across the country to be standardised and follow those implemented in Victoria, allowing for pets under specific conditions to travel on public transport.

Ms Molony said genuine concerns over some animals were valid, and officials should conduct SA trials.

Molly is one of many pets who has been left disadvantaged by a lack of pet friendly public transport. Picture: Supplied

The Department of Infrastructure and Transport has confirmed Adelaide Metro will not consider allowing pets on board. Picture: Supplied

“There are animals who may pose a risk for someone who has a fear or adverse reaction, but provided they are covered, away from public view and in a humane container it might be okay,” Ms Molony said.

“But that would be something if they did a proper risk assessment and the right research they would be able to answer.”

A Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) spokeswoman said Adelaide Metro was not considering allowing pets on board buses, trains or trams.

“To ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and comfortable journey, we balance the needs of all passengers, including those that may have allergies or are uncomfortable around animals,” the spokeswoman said.

“Accredited assistance animals accompanying a person with disability are welcome on the Adelaide Metro network.”

Pet Circle chief marketing officer Jon Wild said the organisation believed it was time for Australia to catch up to international cities to provide pet-friendly transport options.

“South Australia is even lagging behind Victoria, which allows small pets on trains, trams and buses in a carrier, and larger dogs on trains with a lead and muzzle,” Mr Wild said.

“We’re asking parliamentarians and transport operators to update their regulations to be more uniform across the country.”