Transporting Animals in Commerce
The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) requires humane treatment of regulated animals during transportation in commerce. This page offers resources to help animal carriers and owners understand the AWA regulations for commercial transportation and comply with the law.
Other Federal and State authorities also regulate the movement of animals. Learn more at APHIS Pet Travel and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Are You Regulated Under the AWA?
Commerce covered under the AWA includes the inter- and intrastate transport of animals for sale for research, as pets, or for exhibition (such as zoos).
Any airline, motor carrier, rail carrier, shipping line, or other business taking custody of AWA-regulated animals and transporting them “for hire” is regulated. For example:
- Airlines that transport covered animals under the plane or as cargo
- Boarding kennels or hired drivers that take responsibility for shipping animals or receiving them after or during shipment without the animal's owner physically present
- Quarantine facilities
- Freight forwarders or handlers
Businesses that conduct regulated activities must register with APHIS and comply with the transportation standards.
Transportation of pets that remain in the custody of their owners is not regulated under the AWA. For example:
- Pets that travel in the cabin of an aircraft with their owner (or their owner's unpaid designee)
- Pets that ride along with their owner in a hired taxi
However, other Federal or State requirements may apply. Learn more at APHIS Pet Travel.
Resources
This training includes videos, text lessons, and quizzes to help pet owners and airport personnel understand the factors that can improve the safety of dogs and cats during air travel.
Animal Welfare Act and Regulations for Transportation
The Animal Welfare Regulations are available online in the electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). Registration for transporters is covered in Part 2, Subpart B § 2.25–2.27. The standards for transportation are described in Part 3; each Subpart (A–G) covers a specific animal species. For quick reference, use the table below to browse the transportation standards for each.
| Animal Species | Transportation Standards |
|---|---|
| Dogs and Cats | Subpart A § 3.14–3.20 |
| Guinea Pigs and Hamsters | Subpart B § 3.35–3.41 |
| Rabbits | Subpart C § 3.60–3.66 |
| Nonhuman Primates | Subpart D § 3.86–3.92 |
| Marine Mammals | Subpart E § 3.112–3.118 |
| Other Warmblooded Mammals | Subpart F § 3.136–3.142 |
| Birds | Subpart G § 3.161–3.168 |
Printable Version
The full AWA and Regulations are also available as a downloadable PDF, commonly called the “Blue Book.”
Contingency Planning Resources
Contingency Plan Development Guide (1.12 MB)
Quick Reference: Contingency Plans for Emergencies (569 KB)
Keeping Animals Safe During Emergencies (483.13 KB)
Printable Labels
Have a question about animal welfare laws and requirements?
Visit Our Animal Welfare Contacts Directory