Pets on Transport: A Consideration of Pet Welfare

Virgin Australia's recent announcement to allow small cats and dogs to fly in the cabin at their humans' feet has the internet doing zoomies!

PetRescue supports this push to make Australia more pet-friendly. Allowing pets on public transport is an exciting step toward recognising the bond between people and their pets. 

After all, pets are cherished members of our families, and enabling them to accompany us on our daily journeys is a step towards greater access and inclusivity. However, while sharing a bus ride,  train journey, or an interstate flight with our furry companions is undoubtedly appealing, it’s important to pause to consider a crucial factor: our pets' welfare.

Like humans, pets have their own preferences, comfort levels, and anxieties. While some may revel in the adventure of hopping onto a bustling train or bus, others may find the experience stressful and overwhelming. 

We consulted Dr Diana Rayment BAniSci, PhD to find out how we can ensure the wellbeing of our furry family members:

“Pets are family, and I would love to see more pets happily and confidently included in their families’ everyday activities. Removing the barrier of needing a car to transport pets would create opportunities for loving owners to do exactly this, relieving the loneliness that some pets experience while they’re stuck at home alone - and it has some fantastic benefits for their people, too! 

That said, as their guardians and advocates, we should always consider what our pets want and need for their own lives.

Just like us, our pet's happiness depends on being able to choose to say an enthusiastic ‘yes’ or a clear ‘no’ when invited to an activity and having that answer respected by the most important people in their lives. 

As pet guardians, we should also remember that our furry family are members of our broader community, and their impact on others needs to be considered. Pets who are worried, distressed or uncomfortable by unfamiliar situations, like riding on a bus with a dozen strangers, might show this with defensive behaviour or even suffer from a nervous,  upset belly and have toileting accidents! 

So before we all head out and take advantage of a more accessible world through pet-friendly public transport, we have to start with the ‘Golden Rule’ of pet guardianship - asking our pets if they want to come along and honouring their answers.” 

The benefits of including pets in our everyday activities are undeniable. For many pet owners, the ability to share experiences with their beloved companions brings immeasurable joy and strengthens their bond. 

Pets and public transport is a fabulous initiative for pets and the people who care for them - when the circumstances are right. As the guardians and champions of our pets, it’s our responsibility to prioritise their happiness and comfort, even if it means forgoing certain activities or conveniences.

So, next time you're planning a trip with your furry friend, take a moment to make sure they’re comfortable and confident and have given us a clear and enthusiastic yes!

Dr Diana Rayment BAniSci, PhD is a qualified Behaviourist who focuses on companion animal welfare, with 20 years experience in teaching, research and hands-on training and sheltering of pets.