We understand that travel can be a stressful experience for pets, especially when they are away from the familiarity of home. While some degree of stress is unavoidable, our goal is to minimise anxiety by creating the calmest, safest and most comfortable environment possible throughout every journey.

Every pet is treated as an individual, with care tailored to their species, personality and needs. We use a combination of enrichment, calming aids, thoughtful handling and regular monitoring to support their wellbeing from pickup to delivery. Where possible, prey species such as rabbits, guinea pigs and birds are positioned so they are not directly exposed to dogs or cats, helping to reduce unnecessary stress.

All animals travel in secure, species-appropriate carriers and are monitored throughout the journey for signs of discomfort or distress, allowing us to respond promptly if needed. Owners are also welcome to provide familiar items such as blankets, bedding or favourite toys (where practical) to help bring a little piece of home along for the ride.

Our priority is not simply getting your pet from A to B—it is ensuring they arrive feeling as safe, comfortable and cared for as possible.

Dogs & Puppies

Travel can be an unfamiliar experience for dogs of all ages, particularly young puppies travelling without their littermates. Our focus is on reducing stress through enrichment, reassurance and gentle handling throughout the journey.

Comfort measures may include:

• Opportunities for fully vaccinated dogs to stretch their legs, explore and sniff during scheduled breaks where appropriate. Sniffing is a natural calming behaviour that helps dogs relax and process their environment.

• Adaptil calming support where suitable, using pheromone-based products designed to help dogs feel more secure in unfamiliar situations.

• Natural chew treats and hides to provide enrichment, encourage relaxation and relieve boredom during travel.

• Comfort toys and familiar items supplied by owners where appropriate. Heartbeat cuddle toys to provide additional comfort, particularly for puppies may also be utilised.

• Gentle interaction, reassurance and regular monitoring throughout the journey.

Puppies, particularly those travelling alone, may be positioned in a secure area at the front of the vehicle where they can see us, hear our voices and receive regular reassurance. Being close by allows us to closely monitor them and provide gentle comfort through interaction and touch when appropriate.

Cats and Kittens

Cats often cope with travel stress differently to dogs and generally feel safest when they have a secure, enclosed space where they can retreat and relax.

Comfort measures may include:

• Feliway calming support to help create a more familiar and reassuring environment.

• Dedicated hide beds or covered resting spaces to provide security.

• Homegrown, chemical-free catnip pillows and toys where appropriate.

• Quiet monitoring with minimal disruption, allowing cats to settle at their own pace.

Birds

Birds are particularly sensitive to changes in their environment, so our focus is on providing a calm, secure and low-stress travel experience.

Comfort measures may include:

• Carriers partially covered where appropriate to reduce visual stimulation while maintaining adequate ventilation.

• A quiet travel environment with minimal loud noises and sudden movements.

• Secure positioning of carriers to minimise movement and vibration during transport.

• Careful temperature monitoring throughout the journey.

• Fresh food and water provided on longer journeys where practical.

• Minimal handling to avoid unnecessary stress.

Rabbits, Guinea Pigs & Other Small Animals

Small animals are especially susceptible to transport stress, so we aim to provide a calm, secure environment that supports their natural behaviours and individual needs.

Comfort measures may include:

• Constant access to hay for rabbits and guinea pigs to encourage natural grazing and support digestive health.

• Travelling bonded companions together whenever possible.

• Familiar bedding, nesting material or blankets supplied by owners.

• Hideaways or enclosed resting areas where practical to provide a sense of security.

• Fresh vegetables provided on longer journeys where appropriate.

• Stable carrier placement to minimise movement and vibration.

• A quiet environment with minimal handling and disturbance.

• Appropriate ventilation and careful temperature monitoring throughout the journey.