Car Travel with Dogs: Safety Tips and State-by-State Laws

Everyone knows that Australians love their animals — but did you know we have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world? More homes have pets than not, with 69% of households including at least one animal. You’ll find a dog in every second home, with 6.4 million dogs across the country.

Australia is embracing a more pet-friendly culture, making it easier than ever for dog owners to include their pets in daily activities and travel plans. A growing number of cafés and restaurants welcome dogs with water bowls, treats and puppuccinos — and the trend is extending to accommodation too. With more pet-friendly hotels and Airbnbs on offer, bringing pets along for a quick outing or an extended road trip is becoming increasingly accessible.

But while it’s great to have our dogs join us, travelling with pets also comes with responsibilities. Unrestrained animals can be unpredictable and distracting, increasing the risk of accidents — even in seemingly minor situations like hard braking. Sadly, thousands of dogs are injured or killed in vehicles across Australia each year. Knowing the road rules in your state and taking a few simple precautions can help prevent accidents and keep everyone in the car safe.

What many pet owners don’t realise is that there are specific laws in every state and territory regarding how pets should travel. In this article, we’ve compiled the current road rules around Australia, along with some helpful suggestions to make car travel safer and more comfortable for your four-legged passengers.

State-by-State Road Rules Every Pet Owner Should Know

Many pet owners may not be aware that each Australian state has its own regulations around travelling with pets in vehicles — and there can be penalties for not following them.

QUEENSLAND
It is an offence to drive:

• With an animal on your lap or in a way that means you don’t have full control of the vehicle
• With any part of the animal (except its head) hanging outside of the vehicle
• While a dog is unrestrained on a ute or trailer

NEW SOUTH WALES
It is an offence to drive:

• With an animal on your lap
• While an animal is being led from the vehicle, or tied to the outside of the vehicle

VICTORIA
It is an offence to drive:

• With an animal on your lap
• While an animal is being led from the vehicle or tied to the outside of the vehicle
• While a dog is unrestrained on a ute or trailer
• If an animal is left in a car for more than 10 minutes when temperatures exceed 28°C

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
It is an offence to drive:

• With an animal on your lap or in any position that blocks your view
• While a dog is unrestrained on a ute or trailer

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
It is an offence to drive:

• With an animal on your lap
• If an animal is obstructing or likely to obstruct the vision of the driver
• If an animal is causing distraction

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
It is an offence to drive:

• With an animal on your lap
• If an animal is obstructing your view or meaning you don’t have full control of the vehicle

NORTHERN TERRITORY
It is an offence to drive:

• Unless your animal is in the passenger compartment or securely restrained on a ute or trailer

TASMANIA
It is an offence to drive:

• With an animal that is able to leave the vehicle (i.e. jump out)
• While a dog is unrestrained on a ute or trailer

Although each state has its own specific regulations, one consistent message is clear: pets must be properly secured when travelling in a vehicle. While the laws differ slightly, they all aim to prevent animals from becoming a distraction or being placed at risk. In many cases, fines and penalties apply if these requirements aren't met — particularly for dogs travelling on utes or moving freely inside a car.

Tips for Added Safety
Beyond legal compliance, ensuring your dog is safely restrained also helps reduce anxiety, motion sickness, and unwanted movement around the vehicle. Harnesses paired with car hammocks or booster seats offer a safer and more comfortable ride — not just for your dog, but for everyone else in the car too.

Hammock Back Seat Covers
For medium to large dogs, a well-designed car hammock can create a safer, enclosed space that prevents slips and sudden jolts while also protecting your car. The hammock attaches to both the front and rear headrests and backseat grab handles, forming a secure barrier around the back seat. In the event of sudden braking, this setup helps prevent pets from falling into the footwell or panicking during the ride. The enclosed space also taps into a dog’s natural instinct to rest in a den-like environment, helping them feel calm and protected.

Car Booster Seats
For smaller dogs, booster seats provide both stability and a view out the window — which can help ease motion sickness and reduce travel anxiety. While there are many car seat options available, Indie Boho’s booster seats are thoughtfully designed with key safety features including a three-point connection system, sturdy foam walls, and a generous lift to give your dog a better view. This added visibility can make all the difference for dogs that typically feel uneasy during travel.

Travelling Safely, Together
At Indie Boho, our travel range was developed with these everyday challenges in mind. Whether you’re doing the school run, heading to the beach, or going on a weekend road trip, a secure and calming setup helps your dog feel safe on the journey — and gives you one less thing to think about behind the wheel.