Millions of companion animals travel by air annually. Container quality, journey conditions, and airline protocols significantly affect animal welfare during air transport.
Air transport of companion animals involves welfare risks that should be minimized through careful preparation, appropriate container selection, and informed airline choice. The primary welfare concerns are thermal stress (cargo holds can experience dangerous temperatures), respiratory stress (particularly for brachycephalic breeds at altitude with compromised airways), and anxiety from confinement and novel sensory environment. Well-designed transport containers that allow natural posture, adequate ventilation, and familiar bedding reduce welfare impact. Pre-flight preparation including exercise, limited feeding, and acclimation to the container reduces anxiety. Airlines with strong live animal programs have documented lower mortality rates — research and selection of carriers with robust animal welfare protocols is possible and welfare-relevant. Where possible, avoiding air transport entirely or choosing direct flights minimizes exposure duration.