Companion Animals

Pet Transport Welfare: Air, Car, and Cargo Conditions

Transporting pets can cause significant stress and harm; cargo transport in particular has caused thousands of animal deaths.

Key Facts

Over 500,000 pets are transported by air annually in the US
DOT reports document 500+ pet deaths per year in airline cargo holds
Brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs) are at extreme risk of hypoxia during air cargo
Extreme temperatures in cargo holds kill pets even on short flights
Ground transport in vehicles without climate control causes heat stroke deaths annually

Welfare Considerations

Airline cargo conditions expose pets to temperature extremes, turbulence, pressure changes, and extreme noise. Brachycephalic breeds face life-threatening hypoxia. Even pets in the cabin experience stress from confinement and noise. Ground transport deaths occur every year when pets are left in vehicles in warm weather. Long-distance transport without adequate water, exercise, and veterinary oversight causes preventable suffering.

What You Can Do

Never transport brachycephalic breeds as air cargo
Use climate-controlled pet transport vehicles for ground journeys
Research pet-friendly airlines with cabin pet policies
Never leave pets in vehicles in warm weather even briefly
Advocate for stronger airline cargo pet welfare regulations at the DOT