Travelling with Companion Animals: Welfare Standards for Journeys

Travel with companion animals is increasingly common, but poorly managed journeys cause significant stress and risk to both dogs and cats.

Key Facts

The UK Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) enables movement between the UK and EU with microchipped, vaccinated animals
Dogs should not be left in vehicles in temperatures above 20C — internal temperatures can exceed 40C within minutes
Travel sickness affects approximately 1 in 6 dogs and can be managed with veterinary medication
Cats typically experience higher travel stress than dogs — they are territorial animals removed from their secure home environment
International travel by air cargo carries greater welfare risk than cabin travel for most companion animals

Welfare Considerations

Travel stress in companion animals is real and manageable. Dogs can typically be habituated to car travel through gradual positive conditioning from puppyhood. Cats experience car journeys as a sequence of stressors: carrier confinement, motion sickness, unfamiliar sounds and smells, and separation from territory markers. Welfare-conscious travelling includes adequate ventilation, familiar bedding in the carrier, access to water on long journeys, and medication for animals with severe travel anxiety. Never leaving animals in hot cars is non-negotiable; heatstroke can kill within minutes.

What You Can Do

Habituate puppies and kittens to carriers from early life — make the carrier a positive resting space before journeys begin
Never leave animals in vehicles in warm weather — temperatures become lethal within minutes even on mild days
Ask your vet about anti-anxiety or anti-nausea medication for animals with severe travel stress
Use IATA-approved carriers for air travel and verify airline policies before booking — rules vary widely
Ensure microchip, vaccination and health documentation are current before any international travel with pets