Animal welfare: Transporting animals during hot weather
High temperatures and humidity, particularly sudden changes in conditions, can pose a major threat to animal welfare. The following basic advice is to help farmers, transporters, pet owners and others avoid problems.
There is an legal obligation on those looking after animals to avoid causing them unnecessary suffering, and to avoid subjecting them to conditions where this is likely to occur. It is an offence if the welfare of an animal is compromised as a result of a failure to take appropriate action in response to extremes of temperature.
Pets
We have produced a booklet on transporting pets which contains information and guidance for owners travelling with cats or dogs in hot weather. It provides advice on how to avoid problems, and on identifying signs of overheating in animals. For example:
- Never leave your pet in a vehicle, especially in sunshine or high temperatures.
- Ensure pets have access to shade and water.
- Don’t let your pet become sunburnt (animals can suffer from sunburn too, particularly white cats and dogs).
- In hot weather, walk your dog at cooler times of the day.
Further advice is available in Defra's booklet, 'Protecting the welfare of pet dogs and cats during journeys' (PDF 1.89 MB - Warning: this is a large file).
The RSPCA website also provides detailed advice on this issue.
Agricultural animals
Farmed animals should be provided with adequate shelter and protection in accordance with the law and welfare codes. In hot weather it is particularly important that animals have access to shade and water. Livestock keepers should inspect their animals often and take necessary action to correct any problems.
Transporting animals
Those transporting animals, including agricultural animals, should take action to avoid problems in hot weather. Things to consider include (although this is not an exhaustive list):
- Factoring potential weather conditions into the planning of any journey (for example not loading or moving animals during the hottest parts of the day)
- Improved ventilation of the vehicle
- Increased space allowances
- Providing water and electrolytes more frequently
In addition, contingency plans should be in place for every journey, and are particularly important in hot conditions as delays, which might be relatively insignificant under normal conditions, can become critical very quickly.
Animal Health has produced a letter advising long journey transporters of livestock and horses (PDF 40 KB) on these points. A Welsh language version (PDF 75 KB) is also available.
We have also produced guidance on ventilation for livestock transport vehicles (PDF 168 KB).
Page last modified:
9 July, 2008
Page published: 29 June, 2007