Half of all Australian households own a dog. It’s time the law caught up.
Paws for Reform is campaigning to give NSW venues and transport operators the choice to welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs, consistent with international best practice.
Three outdated restrictions
NSW has three separate sets of rules restricting where dogs can go, each created by different legislation and administered by a different minister.
Indoor dining banned
Dogs are prohibited from all indoor dining areas in NSW, regardless of the venue’s preference. Even well-behaved, leashed dogs cannot join their owners inside a pub or cafe.
Banned from trains
Dogs are completely banned from Sydney trains and Metro. On buses and ferries, they must be in a carrier, effectively excluding all but the smallest breeds.
Behind the world
Sydney is more restrictive than London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, and most major international cities. These rules are decades old and unsupported by evidence.
The evidence is clear
of Australian households own a dog
Animal Medicines Australia, 2025
dogs across Australia
Animal Medicines Australia, 2025
foodborne illness cases linked to dogs in dining venues
Evidence review, 2025
risk rating from Australia’s food safety authority
FSANZ P1018, 2012
Sydney is behind
Every major European city gives venues and transport operators the choice. Sydney stands apart for the wrong reasons.
| City | Indoor dining | Outdoor dining | Trains | Buses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | ||||
| Paris | ||||
| Berlin | ||||
| Vienna | ||||
| Sydney | Limited | Container only |
Join the coalition
We are building a coalition of hospitality operators, industry bodies, local councils, and community organisations. Interested in joining?
Get in touchSupport Paws for Reform
Whether you’re a venue operator, an industry body, a council, or a dog owner, there’s a role for you.
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