Summary of animal transport

Methods of transportation:

Any vehicles must be suitable for use, with enough space for the animal to stand and lay down comfortably. Loading and unloading areas should be designed and maintained to avoid injury or discomfort to the animal. Temporary accommodation such as carry cases and crates must also be suitable for the animal and designed to avoid injury and discomfort. Drivers and assistants are required to have a certificate of competence if they are transporting animals.

The Welfare of Animals (Transport (England) Order 2006) states that it is an offence to transport an animal in any way which might endanger the animal or cause unnecessary suffering.

Duration of journeys:

The time taken to transport animals must be kept to a minimum. Backup routes must be planned to avoid delays during unforeseen circumstances, such as traffic jams or accidents. For journeys over 8 hours, special authorisation must be granted, which requires extra information to be given.

The Welfare of Animals (Transport (England) Order 2006) advises that any journey under 8 hours requires an Animal Travel Certificate. For journeys of over 8 hours, a journey log is required instead, including the estimated duration, planned rest stops, routes and backup routes. Valid transporter authorisation, certificates of competence and vehicle/container approval certificates are also necessary for journeys of over 8 hours.

Stocking density:

If more than one animal is being transported, each animal must have enough room to stand and lay down comfortably. Each animal should have a health certificate.

Welfare of Animals (Transport (England) Order 2006) states that factors such as weather, temperature and duration of the journey should be taken into account when considering the stocking density.

Comfort during journey:

The temperature should be controlled according to the species being transported. Adequate ventilation must be provided to allow the animal to be able to breathe properly. Faecal matter and urine must be able to exit through the bottom of the enclosure. Food and water should be supplied before and after short journeys. During long journeys, food and water should be provided during the journey at planned rest stops.

The Welfare of Animals (Transport (England) Order 2006) states that it is an offence to transport animals without correct ventilation, space, temperature and security. The animal’s temporary environment should be controlled if it is being transported to a different climate.

Pet Travel Scheme – protection against the spread of disease:

The PTS allows dogs, cats and ferrets to enter the UK without quarantine. It also allows people to take those animals to other countries and return to the UK without quarantine, as long as they comply with the rules of the PTS. However, they are not permitted to enter the UK without Rabies vaccinations. This is to prevent the spread of Rabies into the UK, which is currently Rabies free.

If the pet is entering the UK from another country, it must be micro-chipped for identification and vaccinated. Pet travel documentation must also be provided (pet passport). Dogs must be treated for tapeworm one to five days before transportation. However, this treatment is not required from Ireland, Norway, Finland and Malta. The pet must travel on an authorised route with an approved transport company.

Four countries outside the European continent, a blood test must also be taken to ensure that the vaccination has been effective. There is then a three month wait for the animal to be able to travel to the UK.

The maximum number of pets allowed to travel with one accompanying person is five. If more than five pets are being transported, the reason must be non-commercial and not intended for sale or purchase. Travelling from the UK to another EU country requires each pet to have a valid health certificate.

If the owner of the pet is not travelling in close proximity to it, it is considered to be accompanied provided the movement is nor for commercial purposes and there will be no ownership transfers. The owner of person responsible for the pet must sign a declaration to be placed with the pet passport.

CITES guidelines:

Equipment for transportation:

Specific containers should be used according to guidelines and legislation concerning the transport of animals. The flooring should allow faecal matter and urine to exit the container easily, avoiding discomfort and potential risk to the animal. Adequate ventilation should also be provided to allow the animal to be able to breathe easily. For certain species, dark areas should be provided in the container to allow privacy and hiding places to relieve stress. All containers must be free from harmful objects such as sharp edges.

Comfort during journey:

Animals should not be subjected to extreme temperatures, so arrangements should be made for animals to be able to be off-loaded in case of emergencies, where ventilation and temperature may be compromised. Fans or heaters can be used for this.

Containers should be double checked to ensure that there is enough ventilation for the animal. Ventilation holes must be provided in all walls of containers, regardless of whether or not there is mesh on the container. If the holes are large enough for an animal to fit a body part through, mesh should be used to cover them. Spacer bars must be provided on all sides of the container to avoid it being pushed up against surfaces, which could lead to suffocation of the animal.

Safe, external access to food and water should be provided. The animal should be provided with food and water containers which can sustain the animal for a minimum of 48 hours.


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