How To Travel Australia With Dogs

There’s even a Facebook Group for Travel With Dogs in Australia which is updated every 1 to 2 days! A close friend recently traveled from Tasmania to South Australia with her elderly dog, which got me wondering, how easy is it to travel in Australia with a dog?

International Travel With Dogs

There are different rules and guidelines for bringing dogs into Australia versus traveling within Australia with dogs.

An import permit is needed to bring your dog into Australia. See the step-by-step guides for the applicable import conditions. If your exporting country is not listed as a Group 1, 2, or 3 country here, you will need to prepare your pet using an unapproved country.

Malaysia in particular is no longer permitted to bring live dogs and cats into Australia. Malaysian dogs and cats must be imported into Australia via a recognised nation. A permit is not needed to import dogs or cats from Norfolk Island or New Zealand, however there are some requirements that must be followed.

Travelling with a pet? Pets can be checked in as extra baggage on flights. For domestic travel within Australia, customers will only need to employ a pet agent if they are not travelling with their dog or cat on the same flight.

You can travel to Australia with your dog on the plane, albeit there are some limitations.

Domestic Travel With Dogs

Traveling within Australia with your dog has limitations, but is still very possible. Dogs are banned in national parks, which will hinder some of your travel options, but there are plenty of dog friendly campgrounds and hotels (see below), to add to your itinerary.

If you live in Australia and you are traveling with your pet across state and territorial boundaries, please be aware that some biosecurity regulations may apply.

In the same way that you may be banned from bringing fruit and vegetables across the border, additional checks may be required to transport your dog.

The latest regulations (which may change from time to time) can be downloaded in PDF format from the Australian Interstate Quarantine website.

Only one state requires dogs to be shipped in that state: Tasmania. The requirements for bringing dogs into Tasmania are they must be treated for Hydatid Tapeworm and be healthy and free from ticks. Further information is located here.

If you are planning on traveling with dogs in a car long distance, this is the best way to travel in most of Australia.

There is a tradition of doing the “Big Lap of Australia” and many people choose traveling with a dog in a car, finding dog friendly options along the way. If your dog is your best friend, traveling with her or him is one of the best ways to make your trip unforgettable.

Otherwise, If you are away for a weekend, it will be even easier if you decide to travel with a dog in a car. There are no additional costs or restrictions and your dog should already be used to traveling comfortably in a car.

Flying with your dog in Australia is fairly easy, though please make sure to review current Covid restrictions if they apply (in 2022 this means booking with a Commercial Pet Transport Company for pick up and drop off).

Virgin Australia has listed all its requirements and costs, including drop off locations and sizing requirements.

How Easy Is It To Travel Australia With Dogs?

It’s relatively easy to travel within Australia with your dog, depending on organisation and your awareness.

Little Aussie Travellers discuss on their website how they decided to do the Big Lap of Australia, with their dog. They provide some top tips like, where to leave your dog when you’re taking part in short or long activities, pet sitting, and dog vaccinations amongst other tips.

Emily and Ben from Keeping Up With The Kendalls provide information on some of the difficulties of traveling with dogs like, not everyone likes dogs or understands them, and you need to be organised.

Justin and Bec from Trip In A Van discuss their experience of traveling with two border collies (and 3 kids) and the challenges they faced, like trusting pet sitters and when to put them on a leash, amongst other difficulties which led to them ultimately leaving the dogs with family for the next trip.

Costs Of Traveling Australia With Your Dog

When travelling to and within Australia with dogs, there are a number of expenses to consider, and they differ.

The cost of bringing a dog into Australia can range from A$2,000 to $10,000. Depending on the nation you are leaving, these can include quarantine fees, import permits, and freight costs.

Within Australia, flying a dog will cost more than driving. Dogs travelling in the cabin on Australian airlines already pay a price, which can range from A$50 to $250 one way.

Other costs to keep in mind when planning a trip with your dog are kennel costs, dog food, additional costs of staying in dog friendly campgrounds and hotels, hiring a dog sitter, and vet or emergency costs.

Dog sitters usually charge $10-30 per day and kennel prices from $25 to $40 per day.

How to Get Your Dog Ready for an Australian Vacation

Think about packing your dog’s bedding, bowls, and favourite foods with you.

Make your own packing list if you’re taking your pets on a trip.

Make sure they’ve had all the shots.

Think about getting a dog tracking collar so you can use a phone app to find out where your dog is.

This YaSao GPS Pet Locator Tracker is perfect for locating your dog at all times.

Road Trips In Australia With Your Dog

The RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has listed on their website a whole bunch of tips for taking your dog with you on a road trip in Australia, including:

Ensure your dog is microchipped
Review laws for transporting dogs by road in each state , including the road rules.
Ensure your dog is healthy and all their vaccinations, worming and flea treatment is up to date before setting off. Discuss with your vet for advice.
Make sure your dog will be comfortable and safe during the trip.
Dog car seats are readily accessible and come with buckles that either clip straight into the seat belt or attach to the seat belt that already exists.
Ensure that your dog is used to travelling by car before you set off.
Never leave your dog unattended in a car.
Stop for enough toilet breaks during your road trip and time for on-leash exercise outside of the vehicle, in a safe and secure area.
Have the phone number of the veterinarian in your final destination or the veterinarians along the way.y.

Pet Friendly Caravan Parks

If you are planning long term travel with dogs in Australia, there are plenty of dog friendly caravan parks in all states of Australia.

Dogs are not allowed in protected national parks, but there are lots of regional parks that allow camping with your dog or pet.

Here are some of the best reviewed dog friendly camping grounds in Australia.

Victoria

New South Wales

Queensland

Northern Territory

Western Australia

Tasmania

South Australia

Dog Friendly Hotels

An alternative to camping is staying in a dog friendly hotel in Australia.

You may be searching for value for money, luxury accommodation, or simply a stop between A & B which will allow you to bring your dog inside. Whatever the reason, I have handpicked some options in Australia for dog friendly hotels:

Ovolo Hotels are a boutique hotel chain with a selection of pet friendly hotels in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra. They are expensive but you get what you pay for. They provide many perks and luxurious and comfortable surroundings.

Here are some additional dog friendly hotels in each state in Australia:

Resources for Dog Friendly Hotels In Australia:

Tripadvisor
Concrete Playground

Things To Consider When Traveling With Dogs In Australia

Here are some additional things to consider when traveling in Australia with your dog.

If you’re in doubt whether somewhere is pet friendly, always ask. This could save time as well as nasty encounters.
Be aware some people may be scared of your dog and others want to play with it. Be mindful of other people’s physical and noise boundaries. Especially when camping or traveling in close quarters.
Teach your dog some new safety and obedience tricks before you leave.
Take pet carriers or leads with you. You never know when you’ll need them.
Get your dog used to long car trips before you leave.
Review all documents you need to take with you and make copies.
Carry extra water for your dog in your car.
Consider taking a crate, not only for the plane but or the car as well. Add a comfortable mat, and ensure it is strong and leak proof, has ventilation, and a water bottle inside and no interior hazards that might harm your dog.

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a short trip, embarking on long term travel or you’re traveling from overseas or interstate, traveling in Australia with dogs is possible if you plan ahead.

Deciding whether to take your dog on your trip through Australia will take some consideration. Where are you planning to visit? How old is your dog? Could you bear to part with them or are they better off with you? and many other factors.

If you are still unsure whether to take your dog with you as you travel Australia, Travelling Australia With Kids has a post on the pros and cons. They have listed a variety of different travelers’ experiences, from traveling with dogs in a car long distance to traveling with kids and dogs.

If you take your dog with you on your trip to or within Australia, ensure to review all the relevant guidelines and be mindful of noise and safety near other travelers. Respecting other’s boundaries and you will likely meet new friends along the way and have some of your best times traveling with your best friend.

I’d love to hear in the comments below if you have traveled Australia with your dog or pet!

Additional Resources

TRAVEL DOGS AUSTRALIA
PET TRAVELLER AUSTRALIA
PACKING LIST FOR TRAVELING WITH DOGS