Advice on transporting animals in hot weather High temperatures and humidity pose serious risks to animal welfare during transport and can lead to suffering or death. Do not transport animals if temperatures exceed 30°C without temperature-controlled vehicles. Check the “feels like” temperatures where humidity is high. Plan ahead Travel early morning or overnight, avoiding peak heat. Park in the shade where possible, with good airflow. Have clear contingency plans for delays, including emergency contacts, water access, offloading points, and recognising heat stress. Vehicle requirements Ensure ventilation, watering systems, and temperature monitoring are fully operational. Carry sufficient water and act immediately on any temperature alerts. During transport Check animals frequently for heat stress. Provide water or electrolytes more often and minimise time on the vehicle. Species-specific guidance Poultry: Avoid transport in extreme heat, load and travel during cooler periods, reduce stock density and ensure strong ventilation and airflow. Livestock and horses: Reduce stock density by at least 30% in extreme heat, increase headroom and avoid hotter vehicle areas. It is the responsibility of authorised transporters to ensure that any compromise to welfare is minimised and that unnecessary suffering does not occur. Failure to do so may result in enforcement action. Further information is available: Keeping farm animals and horses in extreme weather - GOV.UK | 
