Pet Transportation: Animal Safety Tips for Summer 2026

It’s almost that time of year again: the hot summer months are coming up fast. Soon we’ll all be thinking about keeping our pets cool, at home and on the road. Here’s some advice worth keeping in mind if you’re planning pet transportation this summer. (Driving pets yourself or transporting for others? See the companion piece written for transporters keeping pets cool on the road.)

Know Your Pet’s Stress Tolerance

It’s always worth knowing the risk factors that can threaten your pet’s health:

• When it comes to heat, the most vulnerable pets are those with preexisting respiratory conditions, including flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Persian cats.
• Very young and very old animals are also more vulnerable to high temperatures.
• If you have a young pet or one with preexisting conditions, keep a close watch for symptoms of heatstroke and provide plenty of water.
• Visit the vet before transporting your pet and gather all the important veterinary documentation.

Plan Pet Transportation Ahead of Time to Reduce Risk

Beyond your veterinarian’s advice, talk with your transporter as you prepare for a summer trip. A few things to confirm with the driver:

• They have rest stops planned in advance, with water available at all times.
• On walks, they’ll keep your pet in the shade and off hot asphalt. When it’s 77°F out, sun-baked pavement can reach 125°F and burn paw pads in under a minute, so the rule of thumb is simple: if you can’t hold the back of your hand to the pavement for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your pet.
• The carrier crate has good airflow. If you’re not satisfied with their crate, consider providing your own.

If the risk factors seem too high, it’s worth considering delaying the trip to a cooler season.

Recognize Symptoms in Time

It’s important to spot the first signs that a pet is struggling to regulate its body temperature. These can include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Increased heart rate
• General lethargy

If these early symptoms go unaddressed, the animal may start vomiting or having seizures. The moment you suspect heatstroke, get your pet to the nearest vet. On the way, focus on cooling: wrap them in a cool, damp towel and offer small sips of cool water if they can drink. For a fuller rundown of the warning signs and first-aid steps, see our guide to recognizing and preventing heatstroke in animals.

Never Leave a Pet Inside a Locked Car

You’ve heard it countless times, but it bears repeating: do not leave an animal unattended in a car. This matters most when it’s warm out, but even in mild weather a car’s interior can turn deadly fast. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the temperature inside climbs about 20°F in just 10 minutes, turning a pleasant 70°F day into 110°F, and cracking a window barely helps. The toll is real: according to PETA, 151 animals died from heat-related causes in 2025 alone, and those are only the reported cases.

Conclusion

None of this should scare you off summer pet transport. With the right precautions, animals can handle transport comfortably even in the warmest weather.

CitizenShipper transporters know the risks above and what it takes to avoid them, and you can talk through every detail of the trip with your driver before booking. Every eligible booking also includes $1,000 Pet Protection Coverage and 24/7 on-call vet access through FirstVet, so help is close by if a heat-related concern comes up on the road. Animal care is a team effort, and you keep things cool by communicating and cooperating with your driver.

If you need to move a pet long distances this summer, choose a transporter with experience. Post your shipping job on CitizenShipper today and get quotes from experienced pet transporters within minutes. Booking through our marketplace lets you choose a driver you’re completely comfortable with.

Frequently Asked Questions