Dogs allowed on city ferries from today

Years of lobbying by the public has finally led to this morning’s watershed moment, as today marks the beginning of a trial allowing dogs on Brisbane’s ferries. But is your fur baby ready to ride?

Annie Boxall and Banjo with Paul Liddy and Ziggy are excited Brisbane has finally introduced a trial allowing dogs on the city’s ferries. Photo. Andrea Macleod.

Brisbane’s long-awaited trial allowing dogs to travel on the city’s ferries begins today but two supporters of the change are pleading with travellers to stick to the rules and be prepared.

Bulimba dog owner Paul Liddy said the success of the trial would depend on dog owners doing the right thing and he hoped the general public would also come on board to make sure Brisbane’s trial went smoothly.

He said being aware of “K9 body language” could help minimise any issues for dogs, owners and the general public.

“Some public education on how to properly approach an animal would be advantageous (as part of the trial),” Mr Liddy said.

He called for posters on the ferry terminals and on board the ferries to help “enlighten the general public” about travelling with dogs.

Mr Liddy said it was also essential dog owners were prepared.

“We can only hope that those taking their dogs on-board have well socialised pets and serious consideration to how they expect their dog to behave,” he said.

“They need to be confident. There shouldn’t be any issue whatsoever, one small incident during the trial while everyone’s watching could be a huge setback to the process.”

Mr Liddy said it was to be expected that for many dogs it would be their first time “in a vessel on the water so they will also be inquisitive and you can expect they will want to explore this new thing and be a bit unsettled”.

“I would also ask all owners to walk their dog before the first trip and ensure they have been to the tree before boarding. A handful of treats in the pocket will normally solve most dog problems.”

He said he couldn’t wait to take his dog Ziggy “everywhere”.

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Annie Boxall and Paul Liddy are delighted Brisbane’s dogs on ferries trial has finally started. Photo. Andrea Macleod.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesman said the three-month trial would allow TransLink to monitor how people responded to the dogs on CityCats and how it influenced “their use of the service”.

The trial comes after years of lobbying by members of the public for Brisbane to catch up with policies in Melbourne and Sydney as well as major cities around the world.

New Farm resident Annie Boxall, one of many Brisbane dog owners who started a petition calling for the change, said it was “really important for each owner to have some self-education and self-preparation under their belt and to be tuned into their knowledge of their animal” before they travel.

“For most Brisbane dogs, this will be a completely new experience so they will be looking for guidance and reassurance from a confident and sensitive “master”/“parent” to help them learn the expectations and experience of this new adventure,” she said.

“A stressed or ill prepared owner will most certainly stress the animal so it is vital planning and preparation go into the first trip and every trip thereafter.”

RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty also urged travellers to remember not to make the ferry trip unless their dog was familiar with either the carrier or their muzzle.

“The trial is a step in the right direction and while we understand some people were against it and apprehensive, we hope people will realise dogs are well behaved and hopefully we’ll become like London and New York where dogs don’t have to have muzzles,” Mr Beatty said.

“We accept this is a trial and we need to see how it goes.”

He urged dog owners to get their dog “accustomed to the muzzle” before they travel.

Annie Boxall’s travel tips

• Make sure your dog can breathe properly in the muzzle.
• Make sure the muzzle is comfortable.
• Consider how long the trip will be
• Practice using the muzzle well before your first trip
• Don’t rush or force your dog
• Carry a portable water bowl and water in the heat
• Encourage calmness and positivity – be kind to your dog
• Be thoughtful of other passengers
• Keep dogs off seats and carry poo bags and wipes
• Smile and be happy – if you are stressed your dog will be too.

A TransLink spokesman also confirmed there was no weight restriction on small dogs being secured in a suitable carrier during the dogs on ferries trial.

He said dogs must be either in a secure carrier, or on a lead and wearing a muzzle.

“A suitable carrier, like an airline carrier, must be a secure, ventilated and contain the dog with a handle,” he said.

“A handbag, backpack, shopping bag, green bag or worn harness or strap you carry the dog in, is not acceptable.”

A suitable muzzle can be a mesh or cage design that prevents the dog from biting down and covers the snout. A lower jaw or open mouth muzzle is not acceptable.

The trial begins today and runs until Sunday March 8, 2020.

Dogs are allowed to travel between 8.30am - 3.30pm and 7pm - 6am weekdays and all weekend.

Due to capacity, or other operational reasons, the ferry master may ask you and your dog to wait for another service.

For more information contact TransLink.