You Can Now Take Your Pet Pooch for a CityCat Ride Along the Brisbane River

UPDATE, MARCH 10: TransLink has extended its pet dogs on ferries trial, which was originally due to finish in early March. In good news for water-loving pooches, Brisbanites are now able to take their puppers for a cruise down the river until Sunday, May 31 — from Monday–Friday between 8.30am–3.30pm and 7pm–6am, and all day on weekends.

Brisbane barked and TransLink has answered. After asking the city's residents whether pet dogs should be allowed on CityCats — and receiving an overwhelming yes — the State Government is running a trial over the coming months. Whether it'll become permanent is yet to be seen, but your summer and autumn plans can now include cruising along the Brisbane River with your four-legged best friend.

Running from Monday, December 9, 2019–Sunday, May 31, the trial comes after 5000 people responded to the survey on the topic, with 86 percent supporting the move. TransLink will now spend the next three months monitoring how non-canine passengers respond to pooches on CityCats, and if it influences or changes their use of the catamarans and ferries. Both dog owners and people travelling without their pets are encouraged to provide feedback, which will help influence the final call on the matter.

That's great news if your trusty mutt likes speeding along the old brown snake — or if you're headed out for the day via the watery form of public transport and want to take your furry pal with you — however there are a few conditions. Dogs are only allowed onboard in off-peak periods, which covers between 8.30am–3.30pm and 7pm–6am on weekdays (between) and all day on weekends.

Folks hitting the deck with their woofers will need to either enclose their dog in a carrier, or secure them on a lead and make them wear a muzzle. You'll also be required to travel in the ferry's outside areas — so no, your pooch can't get comfy inside the cabin — and, understandably, carry waste bags and clean up after them. All of these conditions will be evaluated as part of the trial, too.

Sheba_Also via Wikicommons

It's also worth noting that, if the boat is at capacity or there are other operational reasons, the ferry master may ask you and your dog to wait for the next service — so it might be worth factoring in some extra time if you're planning a river outing with your doggo.

TransLink's pet dogs on ferries trial runs from Monday, December 9, 2019–Sunday, May 31 2020, with dogs allowed onboard from Monday–Friday between 8.30am–3.30pm and 7pm–6am, and all day on weekends. For further information, visit the TransLink website.

Top image: Kgbo via Wikicommons.