Travelling with pets on Kangaroo Island

Travelling with your pets is just like adding another member of your family on your trip, but it can sometimes be tricky to navigate, especially on Kangaroo Island. So below we have some essential information to assist you with getting your pet safely to Kangaroo Island, and services you may need, where you can stay, and where you can visit with your pet while you are here.

It is important to note that all pets are not permitted into National or Conservation Parks on Kangaroo Island due to the wildlife in the area. This also includes leaving your pet in the vehicle. Consider leaving them with a carer for the day.

Cats taken to Kangaroo Island must be de-sexed and micro-chipped as required by KI Council.

Most accommodation providers will need to approve your pet, so please check with them direct.

Getting to the Island

SeaLink

Yes, you can take your dog or cat on the ferry at no extra charge. Check out more information here.

Important to do

We ask all interstate visitors to register the details of their dogs or cats with KI Council. It is important to notify the Kangaroo Island Council of the following details:

  • Duration of your stay
  • Your full name
  • Contact number, while visiting
  • Breed of animal(s)
  • Registration at which Council
  • Microchip Number

Please contact Customer Service on 08 8553 4500 or email CustomerService@kicouncil.sa.gov.au.

Services you may need

The following contacts may assist you whilst on the Island:

  • Kangaroo Island Veterinary Clinic - Vet services, boarding kennels (08) 8553 2485, www.kangarooislandvet.com
  • Jan’s Pet Care - Daycare or holiday care facilities (08) 8553 2489 or Facebook Page
Off leash areas for your pet

There are no dedicated off-leash areas to exercise your pet on Kangaroo Island, however, KI Council By-Law 5 states that:

“a person responsible for a dog, shall maintain that dog under effective control, being either

(a) maintained on a leash appropriate for controlling the dog, or

(b) under effective control of voice commands and maintained always within proximity that the dog hears and responds to command effectively.”

You will find lots of dog waste bag stations located around exercise areas, but it is also best to bring your own, just in case of emergencies.

Accommodation with your pet

  • Antechamber Bay Retreats

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Farmstays, Holiday Houses, Retreat and Lodges
    Antechamber Bay Retreats is Kangaroo Island's perfect hideaway.
    Read more

  • Antechamber Bay Retreats Kona

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Holiday Houses
    The panoramic views from this light-filled farm house capture the essence of Creek Bay: a foreground of pastoral splendour with…
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  • Horizon Apartment

    • American River
    Apartments
    Self contained apartment with sea and bushland views. 2 bedrooms, one bathroom with bath. Pet friendly. We have our own…
    Read more

  • Island Chalet Kangaroo Island

    • Kingscote
    Cottages, Holiday Houses
    Island Chalet on Kangaroo Island is a secluded, family-friendly cottage only two minutes from the beach.
    Read more

  • Passing Winds Emu Bay Kangaroo Island

    • North Coast
    Holiday Houses
    Passing Winds Emu Bay Kangaroo Island is a hypnotic place to unwind and reconnect with family and friends. This fully appointed…
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  • Roolagoon Homestead

    • Parndana
    Apartments, Bed and Breakfast, Farmstays, Holiday Houses
    Roolagoon Homestead is a charming property centrally located consisting of two separate units under one roof featuring wide…
    Read more

  • Sunrise On Falie - Deluxe Apartment 2

    • American River
    Apartments
    Kangaroo Island holiday boutique accommodation in a central location to tour the whole Island.
    New Apartments in 2016
    Good…
    Read more

  • Sunrise On Falie - The Penthouse Apartment 3

    • American River
    Apartments
    Kangaroo Island holiday boutique accommodation in a central location to tour the whole Island.
    New Apartments in 2016
    Good…
    Read more

Caravan or Camping with your pet

  • Discovery Lagoon Campsite

    • North Coast
    Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks
    We are an Eco Campsite set on four acres within 100 acres of native bush land.
    Read more

  • American River Camp Ground

    • American River
    Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks
    The camp ground is located near the American River Boat Ramp. American River is a sheltered small village, popular for aquatic…
    Read more

  • Brown Beach Camp Ground

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks
    The camping ground is situated adjacent Brown Beach, a secluded area adjoining the Hog Bay Road.
    Read more

  • Duck Lagoon Camp Ground

    • Cygnet River
    Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks
    Duck Lagoon Camp Ground is located in a small reserve near Cygnet River.

    Duck Lagoon offers picnic areas and bird watching…
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  • Emu Bay Camp Ground

    • North Coast
    Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks
    The camping ground is situated in the picturesque small town of Emu Bay and is within walking distance of a fantastic white…
    Read more

  • Stokes Bay Camp Ground

    • North Coast
    Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks
    The camp ground is located on the north coast of Kangaroo Island, about 38kms west of Kingscote. Explore nature by walking…
    Read more

  • Vivonne Bay Camp Ground

    • South Coast
    Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks
    The camp ground is located walking distance from the long curved sandy beach of Vivonne Bay which was rated as the Best Beach…
    Read more

  • Western River Cove Camp Ground

    • West End
    Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks
    Western River Cove Camp Ground has the best of both worlds, a lovely river running into a secluded white sand beach.
    Read more

All KI Council Campgrounds are pet friendly. If you are visiting with your dog / cat please notify Council with your details. Council campgrounds cannot be pre-booked, unfortunately.

Lashmar Conservation Park – Antechamber Bay South Campground

Dogs are permitted on the south side of the Antechamber Bay Campground, next to Chapman River only.

Please ensure you:

  • Keep your dog under control and on a lead no more than two metres in length.
  • Stick to designated walking trails.
  • Bring disposable bags to clean up your dog’s faeces (please be aware there are no bins in national parks).
  • Dogs are not permitted in other areas of the park.

Where to eat and drink with your pet

  • Emu Ridge Cafe & Cellar Door

    • South Coast
    Restaurant and Cafe, Produce
    Nestled in the bush this Café is a great spot for a quiet breakfast, or great lunch. Fully licensed & Cellar door for KI Ciders.
    Read more

  • Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery

    • South Coast
    Agri, Mining and Industry
    A unique Aussie attraction & retail craft gallery that includes tours of the eucalyptus distillery, local produce & art, Café &…
    Read more

  • Clifford's Honey Farm

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Agri, Mining and Industry
    Go to Cliffords Honey Farm on Kangaroo Island for a new tasting experience.

    The lack of large-scale development on Kangaroo…
    Read more

  • Cactus Kangaroo Island

    • Kingscote
    Restaurant and Cafe
    Cactus Kangaroo Island is a new cafe/restaurant in Kingscote, Kangaroo Island.
    Read more

  • Emu Bay Lavender Farm

    • North Coast
    Restaurant and Cafe, Produce
    Emu Bay Lavender is a farm gate cafe set amongst rows of Lavender. We make and package our extensive range of lavender…
    Read more

  • Island Beehive

    • Kingscote
    Agri, Mining and Industry, Shopping and Markets
    Visit Island Beehive to learn about Ligurian Bees. Kangaroo Island was declared a sanctuary for this docile bee in 1885.
    Read more

  • Millie Mae's Pantry

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Bars, Restaurant and Cafe, Produce
    Millie Mae's Pantry has been created to celebrate the wonderful food and beverages of Kangaroo Island. Serving delicious…
    Read more

  • Kangaroo Island Spirits

    • Cygnet River
    Breweries and Distilleries, Wineries
    Kangaroo Island Spirits (KIS) is South Australia's first boutique distillery and was established in 2005.
    Read more

  • Kangaroo Island Brewery

    • Kingscote
    Bars, Breweries and Distilleries, Restaurant and Cafe, Produce
    Kangaroo Island Brewery is Kangaroo Island's first cellar door microbrewery.
    Read more

  • Bay of Shoals Wines

    • Kingscote
    Wineries
    Bay of Shoals Wines is located just north of Kingscote overlooking the Bay of Shoals and Reeves Point, site of the first…
    Read more

  • The Islander Estate Vineyards

    • Cygnet River
    Wineries
    Kangaroo Island’s only 5-star Halliday-rated winery, The Islander Estate Vineyards, blends French winemaking techniques with…
    Read more

  • False Cape Wines Cellar Door

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Wineries
    Offering premium wines in an idyllic setting, nestled amongst the vineyard and gum trees on the picturesque Willson River
    Read more

  • Penneshaw Beach Bar

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Bars
    Home of the Kangaroo Island Honey Gelato, amazing coffee, cocktails and food. Enjoy the Garden Bar with Ocean Views.
    Read more

Useful links

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