The ‘cute’ pet travel habits that can cost you thousands
With pet ownership on the rise, experts have revealed the illegal and dangerous acts that can put you behind barsThe News
An Animal Medicines Australia pet survey has revealed 73 per cent of Australian homes have at least one pet and while you think it might be harmless to let your dog ride shotgun or poke its head out the window, experts warn these ‘cute’ behaviours could have you facing fines of up to $43K or even jail time.
The Key Details
- Driving with a pet on your lap or unrestrained is illegal nationwide, with fines up to $3.6K
- Dogs leaning out car windows can be deemed a distraction and lead to penalties or jail
- Unsecured pets in ute trays may breach animal cruelty laws, with fines up to $43K
- Transporting pets on bikes or motorbikes is banned across Australia
The Finer Details
SKYEPETS founder, Joanna Maddison said that many pet owners aren’t aware of the road rules that keep our pets, passengers, fellow road users or even themselves, safe – instead viewing risky pet behaviours in the car as ‘cute’.
“Many Australians think some of these seemingly innocent acts are fine, if not cute, but accidents do happen, and that's why the law is there to protect you, the pet and other drivers,” said Mrs Maddison.
One of the most misunderstood rules is driving with pets unrestrained or on the driver’s lap, which can compromise control and visibility. It’s banned in every state with penalties up to 20 units and fines from $1.7K and $3.6K.
Police frequently hand out on-the-spot fines and demerit points, however, road cameras can also detect for this offence, too – meaning a fine can turn up at your door months after it happened.
Letting dogs hang their heads out the window is also risky. In VIC, NSW, ACT, QLD and NT, it’s treated as a distraction, especially if the pet obstructs view or is injured, where drivers may face fines or charges under animal welfare laws.
Transporting pets unsecured in ute trays is an even more serious offence under animal welfare laws.
In SA, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) enforces welfare laws that can reach $20K or two years in jail. QLD’s Animal Care and Protection Act laws takes it further, with penalties up to $43K, while NT imposes fines up to $15K or 12 months imprisonment.
Bike riding with a pet on your lap is flat-out illegal across public roads in Australia.
Road rules explicitly ban animals from being carried between a rider and the handlebars, and fines can run into the thousands, however, some states allow farmers to travel short distances with working dogs – check your state or territory’s animal welfare and road laws.
The Road Ahead
As pet ownership continues to rise, authorities are expected to ramp up enforcement of pet travel laws. Drivers are urged to use proper restraints, carriers, and travel setups to avoid fines and protect their fur babies.
“These all seem like small, minor adjustments, but neglecting to do them can lead to injury, prison time, and financial loss,” said Mrs Maddison.
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