Animal welfare during transport

Under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, any person in charge of an animal has a duty of care to maintain the animal's welfare before, during and after transport.

Responsibility for the welfare of animals during land transport is shared by all people in charge of animals.

This guide refers to animals that are fit to travel. If you need to transport animals weakened by drought, see welfare of drought-affected livestock.

This guide provides guidelines to help ensure the welfare of animals being transported by land, including special requirements for birds, cattle and dogs.