Online pet supplies retailer, Pet Circle, has launched a 'Pawtition' campaign in partnership with Seven Communications, advocating for pets to be allowed on Australian public transport.

The campaign has already garnered over 20,000 signatures and calls for uniform regulations across all states and territories to permit pets on buses, trains, trams, and domestic planes.

The 'Pawtition' is an extension of Pet Circle's Pet-lightenment integrated brand awareness campaign and includes a social advocacy initiative across Instagram and TikTok. Petfluencers across the country are posting pawtest signs with their pets, amplifying the campaign's reach. The campaign recently peaked with Australia's first 'Pawtest' outside of New South Wales Parliament House.

"At Pet Circle, we are incredibly passionate about creating a better world for pets so they’re happier and healthier, and championing pets on public transport is one way we hope to drive real change for pets and their parents," said VP of Brand and Creative at Pet Circle, Ella Lymbereas. "Our customers have told us that being able to take their pets with them wherever they go - be it back to the office, joining them on their trips to see family and friends, or simply making it easier to get them to vet appointments - was key to making their lives better. Together with rising cost of living pressures and concerns around road congestion, being able to take pets on public transport is an obvious solution to making our cities more livable, for all," said Lymbereas.

The campaign aims to benefit pet parents who don't have access to or can't drive cars, including those with impairments or the elderly, who are currently struggling to navigate outdated transport policies across Australia. The campaign also aims to reduce reliance on cars, supporting return-to-office initiatives, helping families save on parking, rideshare, car-share, and other relocation services.

Managing Director at Seven Communications, Patrice Pandeleos, said: "As a dog owner, who has fought and been successful for change previously, this is a campaign that I have been passionately behind from the very start. It’s been hugely motivating working with the incredible team at Pet Circle in order to make an impact and improve the lives of pet owners and pets across the country. The campaign is an important one to so many Australians and we hope that, ultimately, we’ve played a part in realising change in policy."