Cairns travel lovers react to pets on planes

The Cairns Post readers have reacted to the aviation law change that allows pets on planes. While the majority objected to the idea, others supported it. SEE THEIR REACTION

LATEST: THE Cairns Post did a poll inviting readers to share their opinions about the regulation change that allows pets on aircraft.

The results are in and the public have voted on whether they would like to see pets on planes after a regulation tweak.

As of Wednesday afternoon 75 per cent of the Cairns Post readers voted pets should not be on planes. While 25 per cent said pets should be allowed on them.

On Facebook, readers were very divided on the topic.

Trudi JC commented, “I am highly allergic to dogs and cats, so what happens when I experience a severe asthma attack at 30,000? Don’t think that will end well, do you?”

Kylie Michelle Payne Kuhn wrote, “I own a dog grooming shop and all I can think of is that plane is gonna smell like a toilet.”

“I love my doggies but it is a no from me, he wouldn’t sit still for hrs and would want to go for walks and then possibly mark his territory,” Sonja Grava said.

“How many dogs would do this? Other dogs yapping will set of all the other dogs.

“Service dogs and assistance dogs are different so absolutely yes for them. Make seats bigger and do a special allocation for them.”

But others were all for the idea.

Archie the mini Schnauzer in a dogtainer with his owner Darren Alcorn. Picture: Brian Cassey

Leanne McDonald commented, “Yes, definitely they should be allowed on the plane with owners.

“I used to travel with my little bird but it was too stressful for me and my little bird knowing she was in the baggage compartment for a two-hour flight she was locked up for four hours.”

“I would prefer a flight full of animals any day,” said Sarah-jane Elks.

“I can’t stand all you whinging humans! And to be honest small children seem to be capable of a lot of the so called animal issues responses I see here.”

EARLIER: PETS may soon get among the craze to make the mad dash out of the country and travel the world with the opportunity becoming a near reality.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority updated its “carriage of animals” policy that absolves the regulator of the responsibility. This means it is up to the airline to decide if pets could be sitting at your feet or on a seat.

So far the topic is proving divisive across the Far North.

Mobile vet Dr Jo Squire said pets seemed to cope with the cages they were currently travelling in.

Pets on Planes - Archie the mini Schnauzer at home in a 'Dogtainer' - a pet transport business run by Darren Alcorn. Picture: Brian Cassey

“I think logistically it is a bit hard. Especially if someone comes up with a german shepherd, would they need a seat?” she said.

Some in the community have already voiced their opinion about the possibility with the Cairns Post visiting city cafes to gauge support.

Nick Wardrop, of Cairns, said he liked the current rules.

“I have a problem with pets on planes because I live in nature and pets tend to bugger up the wildlife,” he said.

“I think support dogs are fine but I am not so keen on the idea.”

Lies Miseur, of Belgium, said she thought it was a great idea.

“I feel like if you can have babies on a plane then you can have dogs on it,” Ms Miseur said.

“I do get they can poop, pee and make noise but I think that’s solvable, maybe just give them diapers.

“I feel like if a dog goes in the cages then it’s really traumatising for them.”

While regulations have changed, major airlines are yet to alter their regulations.

A Virgin Australia spokeswoman said the airline was closely monitoring the regulatory changes.

“Regardless of the outcome, designated service dogs will continue to be able to travel in the cabin of our aircraft,” the spokeswoman said.

Pets on Planes - Archie the mini Schnauzer at home in a “Dogtainer” - a pet transport business run by Darren Alcorn. Picture: Brian Cassey

Jetstar has also not made any changes to its current policy.

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Since airlines are yet to adopt it there are still ways to get pets taken overseas and domestically in time for holidays.

Dogtainers Cairns co-owner Darren Alcorn said they organise an easy service.

“We are travel agents for pets, we can organise door to door, from picking up from the residents, booking the flight, picking up from the airline and delivering to the residents at the other end,” he said.

“We can organise an airport-to-airport service and we ensure we meet the airline’s regulations.”

Originally published as Cairns travel lovers react to pets on planes