Travelling with companion animals - whether by car, air, or boat - requires careful preparation to minimise stress and physical welfare risks during journeys.
Travel welfare for companion animals is about matching the method and conditions of travel to the individual animal's needs and minimising stress through preparation and training. For many animals, travel anxiety is preventable through gradual crate training and familiarisation with vehicles from an early age. For others, anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a vet can significantly reduce stress during necessary journeys. Air travel in cargo holds carries genuine welfare risks - the combination of noise, temperature variation, isolation, and duration causes acute stress - and alternatives (driving, staying home with care, pet-friendly accommodation) should be considered before cargo air transport. When travel is necessary, preparation is the most important welfare investment.