Moving with Pets: How to Transport Your Dog in a Rental Cab Safely

The Complete Guide to Moving With Pets in Australia (Rental Van & Truck Hire)

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Introduction: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Move with Your Furry Co-Pilot

Moving house is widely considered one of life’s most stressful events. For Australian pet owners, that stress multiplies when you factor in the safety and comfort of your furry, feathered, or scaled family member. Ensuring your pet is secure, calm, and welcome in a rental vehicle is a top priority, but navigating the rules can be confusing.

As an Australian leader in vehicle hire, we’ve helped thousands of customers—many of them pet owners—successfully manage their DIY move. This guide is our definitive resource for taking the guesswork out of the process. We’ll leverage our industry experience to help you understand the rules, prioritise safety, and avoid unexpected fees when moving with pets in a rental car, van, or truck. We’ll cover everything from dissecting rental company pet policies to providing essential packing checklists and on-the-road travel tips for a smooth journey.

The Golden Rule: Always Check the Rental Car Pet Policy First

Why You Must Verify Pet Policies Before You Book

Before you commit to a booking, your most critical step is to confirm the specific pet policy of your intended rental company. In our experience, this is the single most overlooked step that leads to moving-day complications. Rules vary significantly between providers in Australia; a standard policy with one company might be completely different at another.

Ignoring this can lead to serious headaches when you can least afford them. The risks we’ve seen customers face include a last-minute refusal of hire at the depot, being hit with unexpected and hefty cleaning fees upon return, or even voiding the rental agreement entirely, which has serious insurance implications. A quick, upfront phone call or email can save you a world of trouble.

Key Questions to Ask Your Australian Rental Company

To get the clarity you need, have this list of questions ready when you contact the rental company’s customer service team:

• Can you please confirm your company’s official, written pet policy?
• Are there any restrictions on pet size, weight, or breed for travel in your vehicles?
• Are certain vehicle types, such as dual-cab utes, designated as pet-friendly while others are not?
• Is the use of specific restraints, such as secured crates, carriers, or approved harnesses, mandatory for pet travel?
• Can you provide a schedule of potential cleaning fees related to pet hair, soiling, or odours?

Dog-Friendly Truck Hire: The Specifics of Moving with Pets in a Van or Truck

Transporting a Dog in a Moving Van: What You Need to Know

This is one of the most common questions we get from Aussies planning a DIY move. The answer is yes, you can transport a dog in a moving van, but there is one non-negotiable safety rule that aligns with all animal welfare standards: pets must always travel in the vehicle’s cab with the passengers.

They can never, under any circumstances, be placed in the cargo area. The back of a truck or van is unventilated, unsecured, subject to extreme temperature fluctuations, and contains dangerous fumes. It is an extremely unsafe environment for any animal. Be mindful that cab space can be limited, especially in single-cab utes, so planning for your pet’s restraint is critical.

Choosing the Right Vehicle: Van vs. Ute vs. Truck for Your Dog

The type of vehicle you hire makes a significant difference to your pet’s comfort and safety. From our fleet, we’ve found that vans often provide more continuous floor and seat space in the cab than a standard ute, making it easier to securely place a pet carrier without obstructing the driver.

When considering a rental, providers like Go With The Gecko offer a range of vehicles suitable for moving. We find customers moving with pets often prefer our spacious vans or dual-cab utes, as they provide more secure and comfortable cab space for a pet carrier compared to a standard single-cab model, giving you greater peace of mind on the road.

Securing Your Pet in a Commercial Vehicle Cab

Without a back seat, safely restraining your pet in the cab of a ute or truck requires careful planning. The industry best practice, recommended by animal welfare organisations like the RSPCA, is to use a sturdy, size-appropriate travel crate. Place it in the passenger footwell or securely strap it onto the passenger seat with the seatbelt. Ensure the carrier is well-ventilated and won’t slide or tip during transit. A safety-tested harness that clips into a seatbelt buckle is another excellent option if the vehicle’s seating allows for its correct and safe use.

How to Avoid Pet Cleaning Fees and Keep Your Rental Spotless

Essential Gear for Protecting the Vehicle’s Interior

A little preparation goes a long way in avoiding cleaning fees. Before your pet even sets a paw in the vehicle, protect the interior. This is not just about cleanliness but also about preventing scratches from claws and potential stains from travel sickness or accidents.

Invest in waterproof seat covers, pet hammocks, or even just thick, old blankets to create a barrier over the seating and floor. Durable rubber floor liners are also an excellent idea to catch dirt, water, and hair.

Your Pre-Return Vehicle Cleaning Checklist

To ensure you get your full bond back and avoid extra charges, follow this checklist before returning the keys. This simple routine can save you hundreds of dollars.

• Vacuum Everything: Thoroughly vacuum all seats, the floor, and door pockets. Pay special attention to corners and fabric crevices where hair stubbornly accumulates.
• Remove Stubborn Hair: Pro Tip: For persistent pet hair that a vacuum won’t grab, wipe down fabric surfaces with a damp rubber glove or a squeegee. The friction pulls embedded hair out with amazing effectiveness. A lint roller is great for a final touch-up.
• Wipe Down Surfaces: Use a damp cloth or interior automotive wipe to clean off any nose prints, drool, or paw marks from the dashboard, windows, and door panels.
• Deodorise: A quick spray with a pet-safe, neutral air freshener can eliminate any lingering “wet dog” smells. Ensure it’s a neutral scent, not a heavy perfume.

Understanding Common Cleaning Charges

Rental companies charge cleaning fees when a vehicle is returned in a state that requires more than a standard clean. In rental terms, this usually means “excessive pet hair,” “soiling,” or strong odours that require professional intervention. These fees exist to cover the cost of professional detailing needed to make the vehicle clean and allergen-free for the next customer. Costs can range from a minor fee for a detailed vacuum to several hundred dollars for a full steam clean and shampoo.

Pet Safety on the Road: A Non-Negotiable Priority

The Best Restraint Options: Crates vs. Carriers vs. Harnesses

An unrestrained pet is a serious distraction for the driver and a danger to everyone in the vehicle. In the event of a sudden stop or collision, a loose pet can become a projectile, causing tragic injury to both themselves and the human occupants. Always choose a restraint that is appropriately sized for your pet, allowing them to sit and lie down comfortably but not slide around.

• Crates/Carriers: These are the safest option as they fully contain your pet. Ensure they are well-ventilated and secured in the vehicle so they cannot tip over or slide.
• Harnesses: A vehicle safety harness that attaches to a seatbelt is a great choice for well-behaved dogs. For maximum protection, look for harnesses that have been independently crash-tested for safety.

Acclimatising Your Pet to Vehicle Travel Before the Big Move

If your pet isn’t a seasoned traveller, moving day shouldn’t be their first long road trip. Start with short, positive trips—even just around the block—and gradually increase the duration. Use high-value treats and praise to help them build a positive association with being in a vehicle.

Planning a Pet-Friendly Route Across Australia

Long-distance moves require strategic planning. A tired, thirsty, and restless pet is a stressed pet. We recommend planning a stop every 2–3 hours to give your animal a chance to stretch their legs, have a drink of fresh water, and relieve themselves. Use online maps to identify pet-friendly parks or designated rest areas along your route before you set off.

Your Ultimate Dog Car Travel Essentials Checklist

From our experience, having a dedicated “go-bag” for your pet makes stops easier and ensures you have everything you need close at hand.

For the Journey

• Leash and collar with up-to-date ID tags (phone number is crucial)
• Collapsible travel water bowl and a large bottle of fresh water from home
• Their regular food (to avoid upset stomachs) and some high-value treats
• Plenty of waste bags for clean-ups

For Comfort & Safety

• A familiar blanket or favourite toy that smells like home to provide security
• A dedicated pet first-aid kit
• Any necessary medications your pet takes regularly

Important Documents

• A digital or physical copy of your pet’s vaccination records
• Contact information for your current vet and a pre-researched vet in your new town

Conclusion: A Smooth Journey for the Whole Family

Moving with your pet doesn’t have to add extra stress to your day. The formula for a successful, safe, and fee-free journey is built on preparation and responsibility. Plan ahead by confirming pet policies before you book. Prioritise safety by always using a proper restraint in the vehicle’s cab. Protect the vehicle with covers to avoid cleaning charges. And finally, pack smart using our essentials checklist to ensure your pet is comfortable and cared for from your old front door to the new one.

By following this expert advice, you can ensure the journey is a safe and positive experience for every member of your family. Ready to plan your move? Find the perfect pet-friendly van, ute, or truck for your journey with Go With The Gecko today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Moving With Pets in Australia

Do rental truck companies like Go With The Gecko allow dogs?

Yes, many do, including Go With The Gecko. However, all reputable companies have a strict policy that the pet must be safely and legally restrained within the vehicle’s cab at all times. They are never permitted in the cargo area for safety reasons. It’s always best practice to confirm the specific policy directly when you book to ensure you select the most suitable vehicle.

How much is the pet cleaning fee for a rental car in Australia?

Fees vary by company and the level of cleaning required. They can range from a minor fee for a detailed interior vacuum to several hundred dollars for significant soiling that requires professional deep cleaning, shampooing, and deodorising.

Can I leave my dog unattended in a rental vehicle?

No, you must never leave a pet unattended in any vehicle. On a warm Australian day, the temperature inside a car can rise to deadly levels in just a few minutes, even with the windows cracked. Doing so is also almost always a breach of the rental agreement and may violate state and territory animal welfare laws.

What is the safest way to transport a dog in a moving van?

The safest method, endorsed by leading road safety and animal welfare experts, is to secure your dog in a size-appropriate, well-ventilated travel crate. This crate must be placed within the passenger cabin (cab) of the van and securely fastened with a seatbelt or straps to prevent any movement while driving. A crash-tested safety harness is a suitable alternative.