Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world.

For a country that is supposed to be one of the most pet friendly in the world, why are we compromising on one of the most important parts of life – Interstate travel with our pets.

Pets are allowed to be carried on board aircrafts with their owners all across Europe, U.K, Canada and the US and it is time for a progressive country like Australia to change the laws and jump on board to allow carry on pet interstate travel!

In a 2016 study about dog owners in Brisbane, 83% of respondents stated that they have had to compromise their travel plans in order to be able to take their dog with them. 84% of respondents state that they would be willing to pay over 5% of the cost of their holiday if they could take their pets and 13% willing to pay more than 25% of their holiday cost.

Australia has experienced a surge in pet friendly accommodation due to increased demand with availability catering for the budget conscious through to those wanting to travel and stay in 5 Star accommodation. Either way not everyone wants to endure the drive to destinations where driving could take days against the simplicity and ease of a possible few hour flight.

Our current regulations around pet travel include the requirement that your pet travels in a crate in the undercarriage which although is an option for pet owners, many are hesitant and unhappy with leaving their beloved best friend in a crate underneath the plane – which causes stress for both owners and our furry pals even more.

By putting in place a certification program to ensure safety measures when bringing your pet with your carry on, following in the footsteps of other countries that embrace on board pet travel; it would make sure travel is safe and seamless!

I am calling on all sides of Government, Airlines and Airports throughout Australia to get involved to help make history and change the laws to allow pets to travel onboard with their owners – let's catch up to the rest of the world!