Travelling with pets by car, air or sea creates physiological and psychological stress. Evidence-based preparation, environmental management and veterinary support significantly improve welfare outcomes.
Travel welfare is underestimated because pets appear to tolerate journeys without obvious distress - but physiological measures reveal significant stress responses in many animals during transportation. Preparation makes a substantial difference: animals accustomed to their carrier, vehicle or crate experience dramatically less stress than those for whom travel is novel and frightening. The decision to travel with pets versus leaving them in familiar environments with a trusted carer requires honest assessment of the animal's stress responses rather than the owner's preference for company.