Transporting laboratory animals between facilities causes significant stress. Understanding transport welfare requirements helps institutions minimize suffering during necessary animal movements.
Transport is an unavoidable source of welfare harm for many laboratory animals but the duration and severity of suffering is highly variable depending on journey length, container design, social housing during transport, and receiving facility procedures. Animals transported long distances or internationally face the greatest welfare risks. Regulatory frameworks establish minimum standards but institutional practices vary. Consolidation of animal supply chains to reduce transport distances, use of local breeding where possible, and appropriate acclimatization periods after arrival represent the most significant welfare improvements available. Refinement of transport containers for species-specific needs including nesting material and familiar bedding reduces stress during journeys.