Apply for an Assistance Animal Permit

If you'd like your assistance animal to travel with you on public transport, you must have an accepted type of valid accreditation.

This accreditation allow your animal to ride with you, free of charge on all NSW metro, train, bus, ferry, light rail, taxi, private bus and private ferry services.

The accepted types of valid accreditation are:

• Assistance Animal Permit issued by TfNSW
• Accreditation from organisations endorsed by TfNSW
• Interstate accreditation recognised by TfNSW

You must carry your accreditation with you at all times as proof of entitlement.You may be refused access to public transport if you cannot produce your valid accreditation when requested.

You can apply for an Assistance Animal Permit on this page. Interstate visitors can apply for an interstate permit, but it is not required if you currently hold accreditation accepted by Transport for NSW.

Eligibility

To obtain an Assistance Animal Permit from Transport for NSW you will need:

• A medical certificate confirming that you have a disability within the meaning of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth);
• Documentation showing that the assistance animal (where relevant) has been registered with the handler’s local Council;
• A colour photograph of your assistance animal
• Documentation dated within the last six months from either:
  • An organisation/trainer registered with Transport for NSW; or
  • An organisation/trainer NOT registered with Transport for NSW; or
  • Yourself.

  This documentation must detail the skills and actions that your animal has been trained to exhibit by stating:

  • How these skills and actions alleviate the effects of your disability; and
  • How these skills and actions meet the appropriate behaviour and hygiene standards for a public place; and
  • How you control the animal.

  Your Transport for NSW Assistance Animal Permit has a photo of the approved assistance animal on it and cannot be used for another animal.

  What is the difference between an assistance animal and a companion animal?

  In accordance with industry recognition, therapy animals, facility animals and emotional support animals are considered to be companion animals.

  The key difference between an assistance animal and a companion animal (including therapy or emotional support animals) is whether the animal has been trained to perform certain actions that directly alleviate the handler’s disability. This training is additional to the animal’s behavioural training for public places. It is important to note that the mere presence of the animal is not enough for it to be considered an assistance animal.

  Is my companion animal eligible for an Assistance Animal Permit?

  No. Companion animals are not eligible for an Assistance Animal Permit. If you have a companion animal and would like to travel with it, please see the below advice on where and how you can do this.

  If you or your animal do not meet the requirements to be eligible for an Assistance Animal Permit, please refer to the advice on travelling with companion animals and pets on public transport.