Car travel with your dog in Australia: safety and the law
Updated 2026-10-16. General information, not veterinary advice.
Ask your vet. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. It does not diagnose or give doses. Your vet knows your dog and your area, so ask them about anything specific.
Whether it is a trip to the vet or a holiday, a safe car routine protects your dog and everyone in the car.
Restraint options (RSPCA)
According to the RSPCA Knowledgebase:
- Use a car harness attached as the maker directs, which should have passed safety or crash tests. A walking harness is not necessarily the same thing. See no-pull harnesses for walks.
- Or use a transport crate secured in the car that has passed safety tests, is well ventilated and lets your dog stand, turn around and lie down.
- A cargo barrier can protect people from a dog becoming a projectile, but may not protect the dog, so a restraint may also be advisable.
Laws differ between states and territories, so check road rules and your state’s animal welfare law.
Queensland rules
Business Queensland explains that under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001:
- A driver must not carry a dog inside a vehicle if any part of the dog other than its head can protrude.
- A dog on a tray or trailer must be secured so it cannot fall off, move off or be injured by vehicle movement. The exception is a dog helping move livestock.
- The safest option on a ute is an enclosed cage. If tethering, attach to a secure collar or fitted harness, anchor in the middle of the cabin, and keep the lead too short to reach the sides, with swivels.
- Maximum penalty is 60 penalty units.
Heat
Never leave a dog in a parked vehicle. The RSPCA warns it can be fatal even with windows down or in shade, and RSPCA Queensland recorded 47 degrees inside a car within 12 minutes in a test. Hot tray surfaces can burn paws. See hot weather safety.
Getting your puppy used to the car
- Sit in the parked car with treats.
- Do a short, happy drive.
- Increase slowly. Reward calm behaviour.
- Offer a toilet break before leaving and plan regular stops with water.
- Bring a first aid kit and your vet’s number.
Dogs that vomit, drool or pant excessively in the car should be checked by a vet. Car travel with a puppy before full vaccination should be discussed with your vet, see vaccination overview. For crates see best puppy crates.
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- Crash-tested car harness: The RSPCA advises using a car restraint harness that has passed safety or crash tests, which may differ from a walking harness.
- Secured travel crate: Should be ventilated, secured in the car, and big enough to stand, turn and lie down.
- Cargo barrier: May protect passengers, but the RSPCA notes it may not protect the dog from serious injury.
- Water bowl for travel: Plan for regular breaks.
Check current price, size guides and availability with Australian pet retailers such as Petbarn, Pet Circle or Petstock.
FAQs
Does my dog have to be restrained in the car?
Rules differ by state or territory, so check the road rules and animal welfare laws where you live. The RSPCA advises using a restraint or secured crate. In Queensland, a dog must not have any part but its head able to protrude from a vehicle.
Can my dog ride on the back of my ute?
In Queensland a dog on a tray must be secured so it cannot fall off, move off or be injured. The safest way is in an enclosed cage. Rules vary by state, and in hot weather the tray can burn paws.
Can I leave my dog in the car for a minute?
No. RSPCA advises never leaving a pet in a car or ute, even with windows down or in shade.
My dog gets car sick. What can I do?
Ask your vet. They can check for causes and suggest ways to help. Start with short, happy trips.