The Effect of Transportation on Puppy Welfare

Additional Resource

Puppies from all populations undergo transportation. Transportation may cause fear and stress, which may have lasting effects on welfare, especially when they occur during early development. This study aimed to evaluate puppy welfare before and after transportation.

Methods

  • 383 8-week old puppies
  • 12 commercial breeding kennels
  • 1 or 3 distributors

Before & after transport, assessed for:

  • Stress hormones
  • Immune activation
  • Behavior
  • Physical health
  • Parasites

Results

After transportation:
• ↑ stress hormones and immune activation
• ↑ friendly behavior towards new people
• ↑ activity, ↑ escape attempts, and ↓ exploration
when alone in a new place
• ↑ puppies testing negative for parasites
Good physical health at both time points

Research Takeaways

Ground transportation may affect puppy welfare

To set puppies up for success…

  • Ensure appropriate transport conditions
  • Monitor puppies at all times
  • Ensure positive social interactions with caretakers to buffer stress

You can download a short graphical summary of the Croney Research Group study on the impact of transportation on puppy welfare below.

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Topic(s): Breeder Resource, Developmental Stages, Puppy Development