Travelling to Tasmania & Aboard The Spirit of Tasmania with Dogs

Here is my ultimate guide to sailing on the Spirit of Tasmania with dogs. Also, get insider tips and requirements needed, and explore other pet transport options.

The state and island of Tasmania is a wonderful place to visit with your dog. It’s also the most difficult state in Australia to travel to with a pet, as you can only get there by air or sea (flying or sailing). The most popular option for many travelling with a caravan or camper or wanting to have their own vehicle there is by sea, and the ship moving people (and cargo) from Geelong on the mainland to Devonport in Tasmania is the Spirit of Tasmania. Commercial and charter planes that allow dogs are the other option. While I’ll mostly be talking about taking your dog onboard the Spirit of Tasmania, I’ll give you information on the air options as well.

Taking your dog to Tasmania might take a bit more effort than travelling with just the humans in the family. But we 100% believe it’s well worth it for the joy of adventuring and making splendid new memories with your dog in Tassie! The good of travelling in the Apple Isle with your dog outweighs the bad of getting there!

The key to taking your dog to Tasmania is preparation. This handy guide will cover dog-friendly travel tips for travel to and from Tasmania, whether by air or sea.

Travelling to Tasmania & Aboard The Spirit of Tasmania with Dogs Contents

This turned into quite a long and detailed article. For your convenience, I’ve added the linked contents:

• Why visit Tasmania with your dog
• How to Take Your Dog to Tasmania
• Spirit of Tasmania and Travelling with Dogs
  • Things to Consider When Travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania with Pets
  • Tips for travelling onboard Spirit of Tasmania with Dogs
  • Boarding & Sailing the Spirit of Tasmania with Dogs
  • Disembarking the Spirit of Tasmania.
  • Tips for you (the human) on the Spirit of Tasmania
  • The New Spirit of Tasmania Ships & Dogs in 2024
• Flying your Dog to Tasmania
  • Considerations when flying with pets
  • Flying with your dog to Tasmania on a Commercial Airline
  • Commercial Pet Transport Companies to assist you with flying with your pets
  • Charter Services for flying with your dog to Tasmania
• Final Tips for Travelling with your dog to Tasmania
  • Crate Training
  • Hydatid Tapeworm
  • On and Off Leash Requirements

Why visit Tasmania with your dog

Before we get into the logistics of planning your trip, why might you be su-paw keen to head to Tasmania with your dog?

Tassie is a marvel of natural beauty and the perfect spot to escape for some rest and relaxation. There is an abundance of hiking spots, waterfalls, and quiet beaches to enjoy with your dog. There are also dog-friendly historical sites and other places of interest to visit.

Special spots to visit with your dog in Tasmania

Pawsome Places to explore in Tasmania include:

• Historical towns like Campbell Town, Oatlands, Ross, and Richmond.
• Historic sites, including Port Arthur Historic Site, Cascades Female Factory and Coal Mines Historic Site
• Flower farms like Bridestowe Lavender Estate and Table Cape Tulip Farm
• You can island hop (or fly!) to visit: Bruny Island, Flinders Island, and King Island
• Walk on the Tessellated Pavement
• View the murals in Sheffield
• Lots of amazing walking trails and hikes, including those along the beach, to waterfalls and under the forest canopy.

Notable dog-friendly places to grab a eat and drink:

There are plenty of spots for you and your dog to grab a bite together. Here are just a few!

• Wineries: Devil’s Corner Winery and Wobbly Boot Winery
• Cideries: Willy Smith’s, Spreyton Cider and Pagan Cider
• Pubs: Hobart Brewing Co and Winston Bar
• Cafes: The Sisterhood and The Duchess Café

How to Take Your Dog to Tasmania

Outside of a private plane or yacht, you have two options for taking your dog to Tasmania: the Spirit of Tasmania ferry or by plane, either a commercial or charter service.

When deciding whether to take your dog on any holiday – and how to get there – it’s important to consider the physical health and mental state of your dog. While you would undoubtedly have a wonderful time exploring Tasmania with your canine companion, depending on their age and temperament, the journey itself may cause undue stress on them.

Certain breeds are also not allowed to travel on all airlines. Discuss your plans with your vet, and they will help you assess whether your dog is up for the experience of travelling to Tasmania.  

Please note – By law, assistance and guide dogs can board and remain with their companions on the Spirit of Tasmania or commercial airlines. At the time of booking, state that you will be accompanied by your assistance dog so that staff can ensure your boarding and time sailing will go smoothly.

Spirit of Tasmania & Travelling with Dogs

Things to Consider When Travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania with Dogs

Booking your dog (or allowed pet) onto the Spirit of Tasmania is easy using the online booking form. The form asks you to select the number of pets and kennels required. In the lead-up to your sail date, a representative from the Spirit of Tasmania will call you if you have booked your travel accompanied by pets. We were asked what breeds our dogs were and reminded of the requirement to treat them for hydatid tapeworm (more on this at the end). This is also your opportunity to discuss them remaining in your vehicle or caravan and ask any other questions.  

When travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania with dogs, you have two options for transporting your dog: you can book a kennel on deck or keep your dog in your vehicle. Both options have their pros and cons. Either way, you will not be allowed to check on your dogs yourself, but Spirit of Tasmania staff will check on them regularly throughout the trip if they are in the kennels. Pets are not allowed inside cabins – unless they are service animals – and cannot be left outside your vehicle during the trip.

The biggest pro of booking a kennel is being assured that your dog will be kept on a ventilated deck and given fresh water. A kennel costs $22 each way. Each pet must have its own kennel – the only exception is a mother with her litter of pups. The kennels are open, and as such, it could get noisy depending on the sailing conditions and the other pets travelling – many different types of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets, are allowed on board.

The cons, or aspects of placing our dogs in the kennels for the crossing, include:

• The kennels and their location alongside cars are not at all inviting. They may be cramped for some pets and too spacious for others – I’m not sure if small dogs, cats or other small pets would be able to access the water bowl.
• It’s a noisy area. This is a combination of things – general noise of the ship’s deck and activities, cars and people as they board through the deck and then make their way to the stairwells to head up to the passenger decks and other dogs. This could easily be overwhelming or disturbing for many pets.
• The kennels are not climate controlled, so depending on the conditions for your crossing, your dog might experience considerable warmth or cold. Fresh ventilated air is provided via the movement of the ferry over the ocean.
• The kennels do not have any security. Although passengers aren’t permitted access to the vehicle decks during sailing, anyone could open up your kennel during boarding/disembarking. You can bring your own padlock to secure the kennel.
• There is no identification on the kennels. So while the staff check throughout the passage, it’s not clear how they would get in touch or notify you in the event of your dog or pet experiencing difficulties or needing your assistance.

If you are taking your car or caravan on the crossing, you’re permitted to keep your dog (or other pets) in your vehicle or van. The pros for this include:

• You can set up the space for your dog’s best comfort.
• For larger dogs, this may be more comfortable than the kennels.
• If your dog is used to travelling in your car or caravan, the familiar surroundings may also help keep them at ease.
• If you’re travelling with more than one dog, this means they can stay together, which may make them more comfortable or calm.
• Bringing your vehicles allows you more space for your luggage and all the goodies you need to look after your dog on your trip.

If you’re taking your vehicle, make sure to switch your car alarm off! The movement of the ship could trigger it, disturbing the animals and leaving you with a flat battery at the end of your crossing.

One consideration at the time of booking is to book a kennel for your dog regardless of whether you intend to use it or not. This ensures your vehicle will be boarded on Deck 5, which is well-ventilated. An additional $22 is a small price to pay to keep your pooch comfortable, cool, and safe from toxic fumes. We’ve had this free refund when we’ve done this and not used the kennel. In opting to have our dogs travel in the caravan, we’ve been required to sign an ‘Accompanied Animal Transportation – Indemnity And Release‘. It’s also advisable to arrive for check-in early to improve your chances of boarding on Deck 5 and ensure ample time to get your dog settled before setting sail.

If your dog requires special assistance due to a pre-determined condition during the crossing, you’ll need to provide a valid veterinary certificate indicating that your pet requires assistance at least 72 hours prior to travel departure. This request will be approved by the Master of the vessel, and a crew member will escort you to the kennel area to attend to your pet at the required times. 

Unfortunately, there have been reports of dogs and other animals passing away during the crossing on the Spirit of Tasmania. While this is extremely rare, it is important to be mindful of the possible risks. Every effort is made to keep your pets safe, with them being placed on open decks with good ventilation and being checked on throughout the trip, but unfortunately, there’s no 100% guarantee of their safety during the voyage.

Tips for travelling onboard Spirit of Tasmania with Dogs

Before your trip, discuss ways to minimise travel anxiety with your vet. They may recommend a mild sedative or anti-anxiety medication to help your dog relax and sleep for the journey. In discussion with our vet, we give Keiko and Summer a half dose. Enough to make them drowsy and, hopefully, more restful for the passage across.

Bass Straight – the stretch of water between mainland Australia and the island of Tasmania – can be one of the roughest in the world, particularly in winter. Many people suggest that the weather conditions in January and February allow for the smoothest trip across, but ultimately you are at the mercy of the weather and sea conditions at any time. If the weather seems likely to be terrible in the days leading up to your trip, you can reschedule, but this will likely be for weeks or even months later. You’ll run the same risk of potential bad weather, and there may be fees associated with changing not only your Spirit of Tasmania ticket but bookings for accommodation and activities as well! Keep in mind that the ferries are stabilised – they have been built to withstand normal weather conditions. If you’re worried, consider booking the overnight trip rather than the morning. The overnight trip is slower, which makes for a smoother crossing.

If travelling in the summertime, the evening trip may be your preference for other reasons. First, the temperature overnight will be cooler, leaving your dog more comfortable in their kennel or your vehicle. Second, this will aid in settling into comfort for the trip, as this would be their natural sleeping time.

Ensure that your dog gets some exercise and the opportunity to relieve itself before you start the boarding process. There is nowhere for them to ‘go’ once they are onboard the ship. This may require planning a stop on your way to the boat. You don’t want to get stuck when you hit the car park! Once you have departed the ship on arrival, immediately find a spot for them to go.

For this, the closest park in Devonport is East Devonport Beach. You’ll find public toilets and the Heritage Walking Trail. The closest off-leash dog exercise area is Shipwreck Beach. If you’d prefer a fenced dog park, head to the Devonport Dog Park (located at 260 Steele Street). This secure space has shaded seating and agility equipment.

At the Geelong end, the closest park is ​​Moorpanyal Park, but there are a few other options also in the area:

• Moorpanyal Dog Area – Off-Leash Area – North Shore VIC 3214
• Seagull paddock – Off-Leash – supervised area – 380-390 Melbourne Road, North Geelong
• Osborne Park – Off-Leash- Area (except during organised sports and events) –
  Swinburne Street, North Geelong
• Rippleside Park – Off-leash – supervised area (prior to 10.00 am & after 5.00 pm) –  On-leash other times – 42 Bell Parade, Rippleside
• Western Beach – Off-leash – supervised area (prior to 10.00 am & after 5.00 pm) –  On-leash other times – 100 Western Foreshore Road, Geelong

There’s also a helpful map that shows the exact locations and conditions of dog-walking areas around Geelong. You can check it out here.

Once you’ve boarded and located your kennel or had your car stowed on deck, take some time to get your dog calm and comfortable. You can give them a small meal and – with your vet’s support – a mild sedative. This combination will calm them and have them ready for sleep. Be warned; the sedative and/or the additional stress of the journey itself can leave your pups a bit dozy for a day or two after the trip. Stay with them as long as you can – until you hear the announcements to vacate the vehicle deck. Play with them, talk to them, cuddle them. Ultimately: act normal! Our dogs are perceptive to our emotions, and if you seem anxious, they’ll pick up on it.

If your dogs take regular medication, ensure you administer it before leaving the vehicle deck. In the days leading up to your trip, you may even need to vary the medication schedule to ensure they’re not taking their meds far too early or far too late on the day of travel.

If your dogs are staying in your vehicle or caravan, make sure to optimise it for their comfort and, if needed in the event of an accident or sea sickness, your clean-up! Some suggestions we have:

• Cover your soft furnishings with soft but waterproof blankets. These will keep them warm and comfortable, but if they have an accident, it will be much easier to clean the blankets than your car seats or mattress!
• Add extra blankets or cooling mats, depending on the forecast.  
• Use a travel water bowl to minimise the chance of spills, and place it on some towels around it, just in case.
• Ensure there is nothing unsecured that could fall or roll around and injure your dog.
• If you have the space, you could place a soft crate in the area they can access. This may help them to feel more secure in the event of rougher crossing conditions.
• If your dog is comfortable wearing a thunder jacket, the gentle compression these give can help alleviate any lingering anxieties.
• An Adaptil Calm in a diffuser or spray form is another way to help keep your canine companions calm.
• We purchased it just for the trip, and an air purifier will help minimise any fumes. While it won’t prevent toxic or harmful fumes like Carbon Dioxide, we thought that it would aid in helping ensure clean airflow in the caravan. It also provides some soothing white noise and acts as a fan in warm weather.
• If you’re worried about ventilation in your vehicle, you can consider opening a window or a roof hatch, but be aware of the vehicles parked around you. Refrigerated trucks will likely remain running, and leaving the window open will bring those fumes into your car faster. If it’s safe to leave your windows open, add a ventilation safety grill to allow for optimal fresh air while keeping your pups safe in the car.

According to their website, the Spirit of Tasmania has safely transported more than 32,000 pets since July 2018. However, there have been some tragedies during this time and these are widely covered in the media. These have included a dog that went missing aboard the Spirit of Tasmania in 2021, a mastiff dog that died onboard in 2019, two Rottweilers that died of Carbon monoxide poisoning in 2011, and the Spirit of Tasmania operator has been found guilty in 2022 of animal welfare breaches over deaths of 16 polo ponies in 2018.

So while it’s relatively low risk, it’s not without risk travelling with your dogs or pets onboard the Spirit of Tasmania. This risk applies to both whether they travel in your vehicle or caravan or in the kennels onboard. 

If it makes you feel more secure, you could put a tracking device on your dog or set up a camera for monitoring them. Keep in mind that you won’t have mobile coverage for the whole voyage, so you won’t be able to continuously monitor your pup, but in the unlikely event that something does happen to your dog, it will help you locate them later!

There is certainly room for improvement when it comes to taking your pets on board. After your trip, you will be given a feedback questionnaire, which is a fantastic opportunity to raise any concerns and suggest areas for improvement, such as the option to keep your pets on board with you or the ability to access the deck to check on them during the voyage.

Boarding & Sailing the Spirit of Tasmania with Dogs

The experiences shared in this article are based on departures from Melbourne. As of October 2022, the Spirit of Tasmania terminal has moved to Geelong. This may mean some small things are slightly different going forward. When I become aware of these (and before we take this trip again ourselves), I’ll make notes in this article.

Tips if your dog will be crossing in a kennel:

• Especially if you have a larger dog, it’s best to board the Spirit of Tasmania with your dog as early as possible so that you can have a selection of the kennels available. If you need a larger kennel and they’re all taken, ask onboard to swap.
• Bring your own bedding. Be sure to pack in their favourite blanket to make it feel like home. You could even add one of your shirts – the familiar scent giving them added comfort.
• Once your dog has been placed in the kennel, make sure to latch it securely. You can also bring your own lock for added security.
• Try to place your dog in a kennel that is higher up, as this will minimise the risk of water or other fluids dripping down from another kennel.
• That said, it’s important to choose an appropriately sized kennel for your dog. They have two primary kennel sizes – large and small – and if you place a small dog in a large kennel, Spirit of Tasmania staff may move your dog to make space for a larger dog.
• Your dog should be wearing an ID tag with your contact number and/or travel info (cabin number as mobile will be limited by range once you’re sailing) on it. It’s also a good idea to place this information on the outside of the kennel so you can be contacted quickly if there are any concerns around your dog.
• It’s a good idea to keep your dog in your car and set up the kennel first: check that their water bowl is full, arrange the blankets, and put a small snack or treat inside to lure your pup in. When you are satisfied that their kennel is comfortable, fetch your dog from the car and place them in the kennel and depart with minimal fuss.

Tips if you transport your dog in your own vehicle/caravan:

•  Prior to sailing, sign and send through the Indemnity and Release Form. It’s available via the Customer Contact Centre team or from the terminal. This must be returned at least 24 hours before setting sail. If you opt for this, you will be given a green tag for your rearview mirror to notify the handlers that you have a dog onboard.
• You can lock your doors as normal, but must not have any curtains or coverings up so staff can see inside to check on your pet.

Kennel or not, you won’t be able to visit your pets while the ship is at sea. We’re told staff will check on them every few hours. Be prepared for an uneasy night or day during the sailing. I worry (A LOT) about Keiko and Summer for the whole sailing time.

Disembarking the Spirit of Tasmania

To disembark the ship, there will be an announcement permitting you to access your vehicle deck from staff.  At this time, you can collect your dog from the kennels or caravan (depending on the option you choose) and return with them to your vehicle. Then you wait until given the signal to drive off by staff. It is well signed where to drive.

Have the vet certificate ready, as you may be asked for it when driving off the ship in Devonport.

Once you drive off the ship, and in the excitement of arriving at your destination and the true beginning of your travels in Tasmania, don’t forget to pull over and let your dog out as soon as possible!  They are going to be grateful for the leg stretch and doing their business after a long sea voyage.

Tips for you (the human) on the Spirit of Tasmania

We’ve focused a lot on how to transport your dog, but it’s also a long trip for humans, with the crossing taking 9 to 11 hours! The length of the voyage depends on whether your day or night is sailing and whether it’s peak or off-peak.

Boarding opens 2.5 hours before each departure time. Once boarding commences you drive through a number lanes and pass through various stops to then board ship. The first stop is quarantine, where they will likely check your vehicle for items that aren’t permitted and biosecurity regulations. Coming into Tasmania, it is not permitted to bring in fruits & vegetables, so if you are travelling by caravan, make sure you clear out your fridge. If you pop a banana into your bag for breakfast the following morning, make sure to eat that before passing through the quarantine stop on the Tassie side.

If you suffer from sea sickness or motion sickness, take the medication with you, and take it before setting sail. As someone that gets seasick, prevention and feeling sleepy for the crossing is way better than the alternative! It would also likely suit you better to sail at night and book a cabin. This will allow you to sleep through the journey rather than trying to fight off seasickness while sitting in a lounge or in one of the recliner seats. For your Geelong departure, you will have around an hour of smooth sailing (on most occasions) between the Quay and passing through Melbourne Heads. It’s usually more noticeably rougher once you’ve passed through them. I ALWAYS make sure I’m in bed prior to arriving at the heads to hopefully have a pleasant sail across!

Food is not included in the passage, so have a bite before you leave, bring something on board with you, or buy food at the buffet or at one of the bars.

On arrival at your destination, you might be a little hungry. As our dogs are usually in need of a good leg stretch and loo break (and a little wired still from their sedative), we head to the park and have something to eat that we’ve prepared before boarding. If you’re looking for a cafe option in Devonport, the following open at 6:30 am and are dog-friendly:

• Laneway (2/38 Steele St, Devonport TAS 7310)
• Drift (41 Bluff Rd, Devonport TAS 7310)

And for breaky in Geelong, you can try one of the following dog-friendly options that open at 6:30 am:

• King of the Castle Cafe (24 Pakington St, Geelong West VIC 3218)
• Box Office Cafe (77 Preston St, Geelong West VIC 3218)
• Untitled Cafe (197 Yarra St, Geelong VIC 3220)
• Common People (21A Ormond Rd, East Geelong VIC 3219)

If you’ve decided to travel on the Spirit of Tasmania with your dog, download our handy checklist! Whether you’re booking a kennel or your dog is remaining in your vehicle or caravan, this will make packing and preparation a breeze!

The New Spirit of Tasmania Ships & Dogs in 2025 (?)

New ships – Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V – are currently in construction. Excitingly the Spirit of Tasmania’s website is highlighting improved pet facilities including 18 pet-friendly cabins. Indications are that the kennels will be accessible during the voyage, plus a CCTV channel so that you can view your pet remotely (without disturbing them).

These new Spirit of Tasmania ships were originally expected to commence sailing in 2024, with one ship early in the year and the second ship arriving mid-year. We had hoped to sailing to Tasmania again for our ‘Dog Tales of Australia 2’ trip in 2025 from Geelong, in one of the new ships! That, however, won’t be the case with the delivery of these new ships having been delayed. The Spirit of Tasmania website now indicates that they will arrive in early 2027.

Flying your Dog to Tasmania

Considerations when flying with pets

Before you consider flying with your dog, consult both your vet and the travel restrictions. Certain dog breeds are not allowed to enter Tasmania, and some short-nosed breeds have flying restrictions due to health concerns. Your vet will need to assess your dog’s physical condition and ensure that they are fit and healthy enough to cope with being confined for an extended period of time..

For flying your dog, you’ll need to purchase or hire a travel crate for your dog. These are often bigger and more expensive than normal travel crates and will need to conform to the airline’s requirements.

It’s also important to remember that your dog could be placed on a different flight from your own. This could mean your dog experiences a long wait to get onto the plane or a long wait for your to fetch them afterwards, which could result in added stress for your furry friend.

Flying with your dog to Tasmania on a Commercial Airline

While the Civil Aviation Safety Authority has ruled that pets are now allowed to fly in the cabin, no airlines have yet changed their individual rules to allow cabin travel on commercial flights within Australia. Until the airlines themselves change their rules, your dog will still be booked and treated as freight on commercial airlines – although with a lot more care than your typical cargo – and you will collect them from the cargo terminal after your flight. The exception to this is service animals, which are allowed in the cabin on all three airlines.

Currently, there are three airlines operating in Australia that allow pet travel: Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Regional Express.

Commercial Pet Transport Companies to assist you with flying with your pets

Flying with pets can be stressful, but there are a number of pet transport companies that work in conjunction with airlines to make the operation easier! Most companies only operate out of Hobart (although Pet Flyers also has a base in Launceston). It’s a good idea to keep that in mind when deciding on your own arrival point and timing in Tasmania.

Depending on the company, there’s a vast range of services available. Most of them offer collection or delivery of your pet to or from your door and handlers to look after your pet before boarding or after disembarking. They typically offer crate purchase or hire, which is a great help, as you know your crate will be airline-approved! The biggest aid they provide is in helping with route planning and travel advice. While you can, of course, find most of the necessary information yourself, these companies deal with pet transport every day, and will help you find the most efficient solutions to make your trip stress-free!

Not all pet transport companies operate in and out of Tasmania, but JetPets, Aeropets, Dogtainers, Departure Pets, Pet Flyers and Domestic Pets are all options! Aside from when we adopted Summer (and I can’t remember the service that we used at the time now!), Keiko and Summer haven’t flown as part of our travels.  That means the following information is based on research rather than our experience.

Charter Services for flying with your dog to Tasmania

Charter services are more akin to the flying experience we have as humans – and often even more luxurious than we’re used to! It’s more costly than transporting them commercially, but if you’d prefer to have your dog travel in the cabin, this is the option for you.

Pawmobile specialises in pet charter services. They offer two options: private charters and regular services. Private charters allow you to travel with your dog in style. It’s an expensive exercise! Regular services are a more cost-effective option. These flights are filled with pooches – no human passengers allowed! While we haven’t used the services we have collected a dog returning from Tasmania and had friends that have flown their dogs. From these perspectives it looks like a great option.

Flight Charter offers a host of private flight services, including pet transportation. You have the option of travelling with your dog or sending them solo if need be, with peace of mind that they are being looked after by experienced handlers.

Final Tips for Travelling with your dog to Tasmania

Crate Training

If your dog will be travelling in a crate (using the kennels on The Spirit of Tasmania or going by plane), crate training them for a few days or weeks before leaving will reduce the likelihood of an accident and help them calm down for the journey more quickly. Consider letting them sleep in their crate for a few nights before leaving, so when they board and enter their kennel, they are more likely to fall asleep.

Hydatid Tapeworm

The most important thing to remember is that any dogs entering Tasmania must be treated for hydatid tapeworm and checked for ticks within 14 days prior to entering. Prior to boarding the Spirit of Tasmania, people travelling with dogs need to present a printed and signed Declaration by Owner or Importer for the entry of Dogs into Tasmania.

In addition to the signed declaration, passengers will need to carry documentary evidence showing that their dog has been treated for hydatid tapeworm. The evidence can be:

• An official statement/certificate by a vet;
• A statutory declaration by the owner; or
• Other evidence of treatment (such as the pill packet and purchase receipt).

On and Off Leash Requirements in Tasmania

Like all the other states in Australia, there are specific on and off-leash requirements in Tasmania (and no-go areas for dogs!). While many spots in Tasmania welcome dogs and other pets, there’s a need to be mindful of the local flora and fauna. Agriculture and livestock are primary industries for Tasmania, and there are places (such as beaches, working farms or National Parks) where your dog is not allowed or must be kept on a leash. Keep an eye out for signposts marking on and off lead areas to keep both your dog and the natural landscape safe. Likewise, double-check the rules for pets with your accommodation to ensure you don’t break any rules or requirements there. Tasmania is an amazing spot to travel, and the few rules in place mean it can stay like that!

Have we convinced you to take your dog to Tasmania? Download our Spirit of Tasmania checklist here to be as best prepared as you can be!

Hopefully, this post has answered any questions you might have about bringing a dog to Tasmania!

The information provided, input and advice from your vet, and your budget will all come together to inform your decision regarding taking your dog to Tasmania. There are risks associated with both flying and the Spirit of Tasmania, and ultimately only you can know what the best option for your dog is!

For more on travelling with your dog and bucket list loads of inspawation – Buy the Dog Tales of Australia Book.