Taking Your Dog On Public Transport

Melbourne is a highly walkable city, and with easy access to plenty of parks and the Yarra River, there are always plenty of places to walk your dog. If you’re travelling further out and across the city, you’re in a rush, or the weather is bad, walking isn’t always an option, and for those who don’t have a car, public transport is your only option. Melbourne is well connected, with trains, trams and buses, however, understanding the rules around taking your pet on public transport or taking your pet with you for the first time can be challenging. 
We’ll be exploring everything you need to know about bringing dogs on public transport in Melbourne, the importance of training your dog before going on public transport, and how to keep your pet and others safe when travelling.

Pets & Public Transport In Melbourne

Can Dogs Go On Public Transport?

Yes, you can bring dogs on public transport in Melbourne! Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel with you on any public service if you have the relevant accreditation, and your pet can too. You can bring dogs of all sizes on metropolitan trains but you need to make sure you adhere to the relevant guidelines outlined by Public Transport Victoria. If you have a small dog that can fit in a suitably sized animal container, you don’t need to make any further accommodations, but larger dogs must be leashed and wearing a muzzle.

If you bring your dog with you, you must ensure that your dog doesn’t sit on seats, or block aisles and doors for safety purposes, that you clean up any mess your dog makes, and that you keep your dog under your control at all times. It’s also highly recommended that you avoid travelling at peak times on weekdays between 7am and 9am or 4pm and 6pm.

Training Your Dog For Public Transport

Being able to take your dog with you on public transport is not only convenient as you don’t have to leave them at home or find someone to take care of them, but it also gives you more time to spend with your pet and for them to socialise. However, taking dogs on public transport in Melbourne does require some preparation. Some dogs may take to the experience quickly, but all dogs need to be trained, not only for their safety but for the safety of others as well. Your dog must be able to obey basic obedience commands to sit, stay, come, and heel, but they also need to be comfortable in a busy environment that will be found on public transport. 
Introducing the environment is a good place to start, and you can begin by taking your dog for walks near public transport stops or stations. Letting them observe the sights and sounds can allow them to become accustomed to them without feeling overwhelmed or panicked. Additionally, introducing them to both a leash and muzzle in a quieter environment should be done before taking them to a busier environment.

Rewarding your dog for calm behaviour can help with creating positive associations with travel, and can be used to calm, them down if ever they lose focus or are getting agitated. Once you feel confident that your dog is comfortable in the environment, you can practise getting on board trains, buses, or trams. Choosing less crowded times and short trips is a great way to get your pet familiar with the experience.

For smaller pets that are brought with you in a container, you can follow a similar training process, but first, you can begin with introducing the container at home and in different environments before making your way onto public transport.

Make Preparations

Once you and your pet have made the trip a few times, it can feel like second nature, but you should always make suitable preparations for anything that may occur when you are out and about. Packing weather-appropriate items is always a good thought, and this can include water and a bowl when it is especially hot something to keep your pet warm if it’s particularly cold, and a towel to dry them off when it’s raining. Always remember to bring your leash and a muzzle, as well as treats for good behaviour, and bags to clean up if your pet makes a mess.
Safety ConsiderationsWhenever you are travelling, you need to always keep your pet under control for their safety, for your safety, and for the safety of others. When bringing dogs on public transport in Melbourne, they must always be kept on a leash and muzzled, and they need to be under control so that they don’t put others in harm’s way or endanger themselves. You must remain vigilant to ensure that your pet is not blocking any doors and that your pet is always safe and away from the edge of platforms.

Training your dog to navigate Melbourne's public transport can allow you both to spend more time together to bond and create new memories, and by following these guidelines, you can ensure the safety of yourself, your pet, and others. 
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At Ripponlea Veterinary Hospital we understand that your pet is like family, which is why we offer the very best care in Melbourne. From general checkups and advice to specialised treatments, our team can help. Whether your pet is young or old, big or small, schedule an appointment with us to ensure your pet has the best quality of life!

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