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.

Getting to the Island

SeaLink

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

Kangaroo Island Connect

Dogs and cats are permitted on the ferry. 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.

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

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
KI Kennels & Fodder - Dog and Cat boarding kennels (08) 8553 9032, Email info@kikennelsandfodder.com
Jan’s Pet Care - Daycare or holiday care facilities (08) 8553 2489 or Facebook Page

Where you can eat and drink with your Pet

The below cafes, cellar doors and restaurants all welcome your pets, whilst they are on a leash.

Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery
Clifford's Honey Farm
Cactus Kangaroo Island
Island Beehive Café
Emu Bay Lavender Farm
Millie Mae’s Pantry
Kangaroo Island Spirits
Kangaroo Island Brewery
Bay of Shoals Winery
The Islander Estate Vineyard
False Cape Wines
Amadio Wines Cellar Door
Sunset Food and Wine

To help you navigate around all of these, use our Map here to plan your trip.

Also make sure you check out our Walking and Hiking Guide. Many trails will allow dogs on leash, there are lots of opportunities to get out into nature with your bestie.

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

CARAVANING AND CAMPING

All KI Council Camp Grounds 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.

See our Caravan and Camping Guide below for more information.