Do you know the changes to rules on dog transportation?
For the comfort and safety of all passengers and staff, Stradbroke Ferries have reviewed their animal transport guidelines, which addresses passengers travelling with dogs. The company recognizes that pets are part of the family and understand they travel on the ferries for a number of reasons.
The two gorgeous (and beautifully behaved) dogs modeling here just love their trips to Straddie with us where they travel safely to and from, aboard the ferry, inside our Doggy bus.
The new policies as advertised by the ferry company are as follows…
When a dog is travelling inside a vehicle with you they must be restrained to the point that they are unable to bite another person.
When a dog is travelling with you and is ‘not’ in a vehicle, or is in an open part of a vehicle such as the back of a ute, they must be wearing an adequately fitted muzzle and leash.
A dog travelling on a passenger ferry should be clean and dry and is not allowed to sit on a seat which get used by passengers.
At all times, dogs and other animals must be accompanied and adequately controlled and restrained.
Dogs behaving in an aggressive manner can be refused admittance.
The above changes took effect from 15thOctober 2018. Rules remaining unchanged are that owners are to clean up any mess made by their pets, and animals are not allowed in cafe areas where food is prepared or eaten.
Guide dogs, hearing and assistance animals are permitted on terminals and ferries throughout Qld where muzzling is not imposed, however handlers may be asked to show their identity card or assistance pass.
To help commuters follow the new ferry guidelines, muzzles are available for purchase from Stradbroke ferries and their offices located in Cleveland, Redland Bay and Dunwich. We recommend using care when purchasing a muzzle (which should be suited to the size and shape of your dogs face). ‘Baskerville’ brand is an excellent choice but such a purchase is best made when you have plenty of time. In fairness to your dog, we also advise acclimating your dog to tolerate wearing a muzzle. This is best done well in advance of the occasion where it is required to be worn.
Leah & Angela O’Meara
Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)