Transporting companion animals - whether across town or internationally - involves welfare considerations that many owners underestimate. Good planning and preparation significantly reduce stress.
Travel stress in companion animals is frequently underestimated and undertreated. Many owners accept that their cat cries throughout a vet journey as inevitable, when in fact desensitisation protocols and anti-anxiety medications (gabapentin for cats, various options for dogs) can transform the experience. For international relocations, the welfare of companion animals should be factored into decisions - some animals fare extremely poorly through quarantine or long-haul travel, and responsible owners should consider whether the journey is in their animal's best interests.