As outlined in the table below, legislation in Australian states and territories prohibits people from transporting dogs unrestrained on the back of utes or other open vehicles or trailers (although the detail of the legislation differs), with some exemptions in some jurisdictions for specific situations (e.g., a dog who is being used to assist in the movement of livestock). The legislation varies across Australia (see below), but most states allow transport of dogs on ute trays or other open vehicles if the dog is safely restrained or enclosed.
Consider safely restraining your dog in the cabin of your vehicle with a safety belt restraint, as this is generally safer, especially in the case of an accident.
If a dog must be transported in or on a tray or trailer, options to restrain the dog include:
- Enclosing the dog in a transport crate appropriately fixed to the vehicle directly behind the cabin to minimise exposure to wind and dust. The crate must provide adequate ventilation, protect the dog from the elements and be large enough to allow the dog to stand up with their head in a normal upright position and maintain balance when standing, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Restraint by a tether attached to a properly fitted harness that is suitable for car restraint (as a collar may tighten on the neck and cause damage/choke the dog in an accident or if they jump/slide). The tether must be long enough to allow the dog to stand, sit, and lie down, but short enough to prevent the dog from reaching the sides of the vehicle with any part of their body or jumping or falling over the edge of the vehicle. A swivel should be used to attach the restraint to both the vehicle and the dog’s harness to help prevent the restraint from tangling. Thin rope, twine, or other similar materials must not be used, as these may result in injury to the dog if the dog becomes tangled in the tether. It is important to make sure that the surface on which the dog is standing while restrained on the vehicle is non-slip, to avoid slipping and allow the dog to remain within the tether’s range while the vehicle is moving.
Also, remember not to drive with your dog in the tray of the ute, or another open vehicle or trailer if the dog is going to be exposed to extreme weather conditions. In addition, ute trays or other metal surfaces can get very hot in the sun and dogs can burn their footpads, so please take precautions to protect your dog.
| State/Territory | Name of relevant act/special conditions and requirements |
|---|---|
| ACT | Section 15A of the Animal Welfare Act 1992 prohibits a person from carrying a dog in or on a moving vehicle if the dog is not restrained or enclosed in a way that prevents the dog from falling or jumping from the vehicle or being injured (exemption for dogs being used to work livestock). |
| NSW | Section 7 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 prohibits a person from carrying a dog on the open back of a vehicle on a public street unless the dog is restrained or enclosed in such a way as to prevent the dog falling from the vehicle (exemption for dogs being used to work livestock). |
| NT | Section 34 of the Animal Protection Act 2018 (NT) prohibits transporting a dog in a vehicle on a public street unless the dog is inside a passenger compartment AND is secured in such a way that prevents the dog from being injured or falling from the vehicle. |
| Qld | Section 33 of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 prohibits the transport of a dog on the tray of a vehicle unless the dog is secured in such a way as to prevent the dog from being injured or moving/falling off/out of the vehicle (exemption for dog being used to work livestock). |
| SA | Section 45 of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 prohibits a person from transporting a dog in the open tray of a utility, truck or other similar vehicle unless the dog is enclosed or restrained in a way that prevents the dog from falling or escaping from the vehicle. This does not apply to the transport of an accredited assistance dog or a dog that is being used in the droving or tending of stock or is going to or returning from a place where it will be, or has been, so used. |
| Tas | Section 16(3) of the Dog Control Act 2000 requires a person in charge of a dog in or on a vehicle to restrict the dog sufficiently to prevent the dog from leaving the vehicle or attack any person or animal outside the vehicle. |
| Vic | Section 15A of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 prohibits a person from transporting a dog in or on a tray or trailer unless the dog is secured in such a way as to prevent the dog from falling off, moving off, or being injured from the movement of the vehicle or trailer. This does not apply to a dog who is being used to assist in the movement of livestock. |
| WA | In Western Australia, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development publishes Standards and Guidelines for the Health and Welfare of Dogs in Western Australia. Section 6 of the Standards and Guidelines, dealing with the transport of dogs, provides that, where a dog is transported on the open back of a moving vehicle on a road, the dog must be suitably secured by enclosing the dog in a transport crate fixed to the vehicle or restrained by a tether where; (i) the length of the tether allows the dog some movement, including to stand and lie down, but does not allow the dog to jump or fall off the tray; and (ii) the tether is not attached to a choke chain or other device which may tighten around the neck. There are also recommended guidelines for the transport of dogs on the open back of a moving vehicle. |
Information current as of 27 March 2025.
The information presented here is not intended to be relied on for legal advice and you should seek advice from the relevant authority and/or a lawyer about your individual circumstances.
