Should pets be allowed on public transport? More than 20,000 Aussies say yes

Insta-famous pet influencers are calling for pets to be allowed on public transport, with the initiative now receiving support from more than 20,000 pet parents. HAVE YOUR SAY

A post on the Mowgli and Goldie Instagram page calling for pets to be allowed on public transport. Picture: Instagram

A growing number of Queensland pet influencers are uniting to campaign for animals to be allowed on public transport, with a petition now supported by more than 20,000 Aussies.

The petition, started by Pet Circle in March, and directed to “Toto Albanese, Australia’s first dog” among others, has become a major talking point, with Basil the Corgi, Mowgli and Goldie just a few of the Queensland accounts that have thrown their support behind the initiative.

Popular pet influencers are calling for pets to be allowed on public transport in the most adorable way. Picture: Instagram

“I’d love to live the corgi dream and make friends on buses and trains while safely in my backpack. Support the pawtition, pardon the pun, for uniform regulations for pets onto buses, trains and trams,” a post on the Basil the Corgi Instagram page read.

Pet Circle CMO Jon Wild said allowing pets on public transport would make veterinary care more accessible for pet parents.

“In Victoria, small pets are allowed on trains, trams and buses in a carrier, and larger dogs can travel on trains with a lead and muzzle. We’re asking parliamentarians and transport operators to update their regulations to be more uniform across the country,” he said.

Pet Circle CMO Jon Wild. Picture: Supplied

“Based on our research findings, nearly three out of every ten 3 Australians who own pets face challenges accessing veterinary care without access to public transportation, which means that their pet might not be getting the healthcare that they need. We need to do better for our pet parents and pets.”

In March Virgin Australia announced small dogs and cats will be allowed on flights in approved carriers from next year and will be the first airline in the country to allow animals in the main cabin.

Pets are currently not allowed on any of the TransLink bus, train, or tram services, however they are allowed on the Brisbane River ferries and CityCats, if they meet certain requirements. Approved assistance animals are able to travel for free on all buses, trains, ferries and trams as long as they are accredited in accordance with the Guide Hearing and Assistance Dog Act (2009) and if they are identified with a TransLink Assistance Animal Pass.

You can support the petition on Change.org.