Apply for an assistance animal permit

Introduction

If you're wanting your assistance animal to accompany you on public transport, you need to have either a permit from Transport for NSW (TfNSW), or the animal's ID card from:

• Guide Dogs Australia
• Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs
• mindDog Australia, or
• Australian Lions Hearing Dogs.

Valid accreditation allows your animal to ride with you, free of charge, on trains, buses, ferries, light rail, taxis, private buses and private ferry services.

TfNSW permits are free, and valid for 24 months.

Note: Interstate visitors can apply for an interstate permit, but it's not required if you currently hold a valid permit recognised by TfNSW, as itemised in Schedule C of their Assistance Animal Policy – PDF.

What you need

• the PDF form, either:
  • 'Application for Assistance Animal Permit', or
  • 'Application for Assistance Animal Permit (Interstate Residents)' (if applicable)
• medical evidence of your disability
• documentation confirming the animal is registered with your local council
• a photo of the animal
• evidence that the animal has received training from:
  • an organisation registered with TfNSW, or
  • a qualified animal trainer, or
  • yourself, the handler of the animal
• documentation that details how the skills and actions the animal has been trained in:
  • alleviate the effects of your disability
  • meet the appropriate behaviour and hygiene standards for a public place
  • enable you to control the animal.

How to apply

1. Download, complete and save, either:
   • Application for Assistance Animal Permit – PDF, or
   • Application for Assistance Animal Permit (Interstate Residents – PDF.
2. Gather all the required documentation.
3. Select the 'Apply online' button.
4. Complete the 'Concessions application' form.
   Note: From the relevant drop-down menus, select:
   • 'Concession Schemes'
   • 'Assistance animals'.
5. Attach:
   • your completed PDF application form
   • your supporting documents
   • the photo of your assistance animal.
6. Select 'Send'.

More information

• If you are self-training your animal, you can apply for a temporary training permit – PDF. If your application is approved, you'll be able to train the animal for a maximum of 6 months on public transport, prior to applying for an Assistance Animal Permit.
• Always carry your animal's ID card or your TfNSW Animal Assistance Permit with you when you're travelling, as proof of entitlement.
• You need to renew your permit after 24 months, and provide evidence that both you and your animal have completed refresher training within the last 6 months.
• On NSW TrainLink Regional services you must book an additional seat for your assistance animal. 
• You can find out if local transport services recognise the permit by visiting Local Transport Operators.