Transportation
Welfare of Dogs in Commercial Breeding Kennels
Related Studies
Pilot Study to Investigate the Welfare of Puppies During Ground Transport
Transportation is a common stressor for dogs from various backgrounds. Currently, there is limited science-based information to guide or regulate the protection of dog welfare during transportation. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of ground transportation on puppy welfare. The objectives are to: 1) characterize the environmental conditions experienced by puppies during ground transportation; 2) assess the physiological and behavioral responses that indicate the welfare state of puppies before, during, and after transport, and observe how these responses change over time; and 3) investigate the relationships between the environmental conditions experienced by the puppies and the welfare metrics collected.
Project Leaders: Candace Croney (PI), Judi Stella, Traci Shreyer, Uri Baqueiro Espinosa
Funding Source: USDA-APHIS-Animal Care
The Effects of Transportation on Puppy Welfare
Puppies from commercial-breeding kennels may experience fear and distress when they are transported to a distributor and during their transition to a new family home. Transportation happens when puppies are approximately 8 weeks of age, which is a sensitive period in dogs’ early development. Experiencing high levels of fear and stress during this transition potentially jeopardizes their short- and long-term welfare.
The aim of this study is to measure short-term effects of transportation on puppy welfare metrics.
Project Leaders: Candace Croney (PI), Aynsley C. Romaniuk, Shanis Barnard, Traci Shreyer, Uri Baqueiro Espinosa
Funding Source: The Stanton Foundation
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