How to help your pet feel comfortable in a transport carrier

For many pet parents, travel is part of everyday life. But for some cats and dogs, travelling can be a source of fear, especially if it’s unfamiliar or if their travel carrier hasn’t been introduced in a positive way beforehand. 

The good news is that you can help your pet feel more comfortable in their carrier. By introducing the carrier early, using positive reinforcement, and taking the training slowly, your pet can learn to see it as a safe and familiar place rather than something to avoid. Over time, reward-based training helps build positive associations, making travel easier and less stressful for both of you. 

In this blog, we’ll look at why some pets feel anxious about carriers and how to recognise the signs of travel stress. We’ll also share simple tips for carrier training and practical steps to help make trips smoother and more comfortable for you and your pet.  

Table of contents 

1. Why safe pet travel matters

2. Why travelling can be stressful for pets

3. Signs your pet may be stressed while travelling

4. How to train your pet to feel comfortable in a travel carrier

5. What to consider when flying with cats and dogs

6. How pet insurance can help you and your pet while travelling

Why safe pet travel matters 

Using a secure and appropriately sized carrier when transporting your pet helps keep both of you safe. A carrier prevents pets from moving freely around the vehicle, which can reduce driver distractions and lower the risk of injury during sudden stops or from shifting luggage or loose items. 

Transport carriers also give your pet a familiar, contained space. When introduced in a calm and positive way, a carrier can become a place where your pet feels safe during travel, whether it’s a quick drive or a longer journey. 

For many pets, travel carriers are typically needed when: 

• Visiting the vet 

• Travelling by car 

• Travelling on public transport 

Helping your pet feel comfortable in their carrier can make travel less stressful and safer for everyone involved. 

How to know if a carrier is the right size for your pet 

Choosing the right-sized carrier plays a big role in how comfortable and safe your pet feels during travel. A carrier that’s too small can feel cramped, while one that’s too large may leave your pet sliding around during the trip. The ideal carrier should be about 1.5 times the size of your pet. 

Your pet’s carrier is likely a good fit if your pet can: 

• Stand upright with their head up without crouching 

• Turn around comfortably in one smooth motion 

• Lie on their side with their limbs fully extended 

A few extra things to keep in mind: 

• For anxious pets: A slightly more enclosed, den-like space can sometimes help them feel calmer and more secure 

• For longer trips: A little extra space can be useful to include water or food bowls 

A carrier may be too small if your pet: 

• Has to crouch or bend their neck to stand 

• Can’t turn around comfortably 

• Shows signs of stress such as panting, drooling, or scratching at the carrier walls 

A carrier may be too big if your pet: 

• Slides around during car rides 

• Seems anxious or unsure, rather than snug and supported 

Why travelling can be stressful for pets  

Some pets find travelling stressful because it involves unfamiliar movement, loud noises and new environments. Being placed inside a carrier can also feel restrictive, as it limits your pet’s ability to move freely, make choices, and interact with the environment around them. For some animals, this loss of control can make the experience feel overwhelming, especially if they haven’t been gradually introduced to it. 

Pets may also associate travel carriers with negative experiences. For example, if the carrier is only brought out for vet visits or other stressful events, your pet may start to feel anxious as soon as they see it. 

The good news is that these associations can change. By introducing the carrier in a calm and positive way, you can help your pet feel safer and more relaxed while travelling. 

Signs your pet may be stressed while travelling 

Being able to read your pet’s body language can help you understand how they’re feeling, especially while travelling. Different pets may show stress in different ways, but small changes in their behaviour can often give you clues that something isn’t quite right. 

Things like changes in posture, ear position, vocalisations, or restless movement can all be signs that your pet is feeling anxious or uncomfortable. By noticing these signals early, you can better support your pet while travelling.  

Common signs of stress in dogs  

Dogs can show stress in a range of ways while travelling. Some of the more common signs include: 

• Excessive panting or drooling 

• Yawning or frequent lip licking 

• Whining or barking 

• Trembling or shaking 

• Restlessness or pacing, such as circling or trying to escape the carrier 

• Ears pinned back 

• Tail tucked or held low 

• Showing the whites of their eyes (sometimes called ‘whale eye’) 

• Refusing food, water, or treats 

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhoea 

Common signs of stress in cats 

Cats may show travel stress in slightly different ways. Signs to watch for include: 

• Ears flattened sideways or backwards 

• Dilated pupils (large, wide eyes) 

• Hissing, growling, or yowling 

• Crouching low in the carrier 

• Trying to hide at the back of the carrier 

• Tail flicking or wrapped tightly around the body 

• Excessive grooming 

• Freezing, becoming very still, or hiding 

• Open-mouth breathing or panting 

• Refusing food, water, or treats 

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhoea 

It’s not unusual for some pets to struggle with travel anxiety, even after lots of patient training. While many animals do become more comfortable with travel over time, others may still find the experience overwhelming. In these cases, it’s a good idea to seek further guidance from your vet or a clinical animal behaviourist. 

You can also refer to the RSPCA Knowledgebase to learn more about your cat or dog’s body language and what they may be trying to tell you. 

How to train your pet to feel comfortable in a travel carrier 

Helping your pet feel comfortable in their carrier starts with giving them time to get used to it gradually. When introduced in a calm and positive way, the carrier can become a familiar and safe space rather than something your pet only sees before a stressful trip. 

Taking the time to build these positive associations can make a big difference. Not only can it help reduce travel stress for your pet, but it can also make trips easier for you and safer for vets or anyone else who may need to handle your pet during appointments. 

To help your pet build these positive associations, you can follow our step-by-step guide to introduce the carrier gradually and positively. By breaking the process down into small, manageable steps, you’ll give your pet the confidence and comfort they need to enjoy travel rather than dread it. 

A step-by-step guide to stress-free carrier training 

Step 1: Introduce the carrier in a familiar space 

Place the carrier in a quiet area of your home where your pet already feels comfortable. Avoid busy areas, but choose a spot where your pet spends time, so the carrier becomes a normal part of their environment rather than something that only appears before travel.  

Step 2: Make it inviting 

Add your pet’s favourite bedding or toy, a soft blanket, or something that smells like you, like an item of clothing you’ve worn. The goal is to make the carrier feel comfortable, familiar, and safe.  

Step 3: Let them explore at their own pace 

Allow your pet to investigate the carrier voluntarily. This may involve sniffing, circling, or even actively ignoring it at first. 

Step 4: Reward any interaction 

Reward your pet every time they interact with the carrier (for example, if they’re sniffing or touching it, or stepping inside) with praise and treats. This helps them build a positive association and encourages them to investigate the carrier further. 

Step 5: Reinforce settling inside 

If your pet chooses to sit or lie down inside the carrier, reward them calmly by offering praise and treats. Positive experiences with the travel carrier early on will help your pet learn that it’s safe, comfortable, and rewarding. 

Step 6: Encourage gentle entry

If your pet is hesitant to enter the carrier, give them more time to become comfortable being near it. Then encourage them inside using treats, toys, or by allowing them to have their regular meals inside the carrier. Reward even small steps like looking inside or entering the carrier one paw at the time, and then gradually build from there. 

Step 7: Keep the door open at first 

Allow your pet to move freely in and out of the carrier. This helps prevent feelings of confinement and builds confidence. 

Step 8: Introduce door closure slowly 

Once your pet is comfortable inside the carrier, gently close the door for a few seconds and reward them immediately. If your pet is calm and they seem comfortable with the door being closed, you can try to increase the time the door stays closed each time. Allowing your pet to have their regular meals inside the carrier can provide a helpful distraction and opportunity to practise this exercise.   

Step 9: Extend the time inside 

Gradually increase the amount of time your pet spends in the carrier with the door closed. Don’t rush, and always monitor their behaviour to make sure they’re comfortable. 

Step 10: Practice lifting and moving the carrier 

Being lifted off the ground while in a container may be alarming for your pet, so this is also something that needs to be introduced gradually. When your pet is relaxed inside with the door closed, you can gently lift the carrier off the ground for a few seconds. Make sure to reward your pet as soon as you lower the carrier back down. Over time, slowly increase height and duration. Once your pet is comfortable with lifting, add a few gentle steps and eventually, short walks around the house or to the car. Always remember to reward calm behaviour. 

Step 11: Introduce travel-related noises 

When your pet is confident being in the carrier you can start exposing them to the types of sounds they may hear on a journey, such as car engines, doors closing, or unfamiliar voices. Keep sessions short, positive, and paired with treats. 

Step 12: Try short trips in the car 

Once your pet is comfortable with travel-related noises, you can start to introduce short trips in the car. These should always be paired with positive reinforcement such as treats and praise to maintain the positive association. You can gradually increase duration of car rides if your pet is coping well. 

Additional carrier training tips for cats  

For cats, carriers with removable lids can make training easier. These allow your cat to become comfortable with the base first and can also help reduce stress during vet visits, as your cat can remain in the base of the carrier during examinations. 

Step 1: Start with the carrier lid off 

Place a soft blanket, toys, and treats in the base of the carrier to make it inviting. Let your cat explore and rest there freely. 

Step 2: Add the lid without the door 

Once your cat is comfortable using the base as a resting spot, place the lid on the carrier but leave the door off. Encourage exploration and reward calm behaviour. 

Step 3: Add the door and keep it open 

Next, attach the door but keep it open. Allow your cat to explore, step inside, and settle naturally, rewarding their calm behaviour. 

Step 4: Close the door gradually

Once your cat is relaxed with the door attached, close it for short periods. Keep sessions positive and go at your cat’s pace. 

From here, the remaining training steps such as introducing travel noises and short car rides follow the same approach as shown for dogs. 

Remember: Every pet learns at their own pace. Some pets may move through the steps quickly, while others may need more time. Be patient, take things slowly, and repeat steps if your pet needs extra practice. 

What to consider when flying with cats and dogs 

If you’re planning to fly with your pet, you’ll need to make sure their carrier meets your airline’s requirements, which can vary depending on whether your pet is travelling in the cabin or in the cargo hold. In Australia, IATA guidelines provide the baseline for safe animal transport, but airlines may have their own additional policies on carrier size, crate type, and booking procedures, so it’s important to doublecheck the specific requirements of the airline you’re flying with. 

The carrier training steps explained above can still help prepare your pet for air travel. Just make sure you train using the same carrier your pet will fly in, so it feels familiar and safe. You can also introduce air travel sounds, such as aircraft engines, during the training process to help your pet become more comfortable before the big day. 

Before booking a flight, there are several important factors to consider: 

Is your pet healthy enough to fly? 

Speak to your vet to ensure your pet is fit to handle the physical and emotional demands of travel. Doing this well in advance will give you time to come up with a back-up plan, or complete any recommended health checks, vaccinations, treatments, or training before the trip. 

How will your pet cope with the stress of air travel? 

Every animal is different. Some pets are able to stay relaxed in noisy, crowded, or unfamiliar environments, while others may become overwhelmed. Think about how your pet reacts to new people, other animals, and busy settings. Being familiar with their carrier and having some prior travel experience (even by car) can make flying much easier. 

Have you fully prepared for the journey? 

Understanding each stage of the journey (check-in, security, time in the terminal, the flight, and arrival) can help you decide whether your pet is truly ready to fly. This also gives you time to arrange extra training, plan for vet support, or consider whether flying is the right choice for your pet. 

If your pet is particularly stressed by air travel, it may be worth considering an alternative mode of transport, such as travelling by car or ferry. These options can feel more familiar and allow for breaks along the way, making the journey more manageable for your pet. 

In some cases, the kindest option may be for them to stay at home with a family member, trusted pet sitter, or in a reputable boarding facility. 

Ultimately, it’s about choosing what’s best for your pet. whether that’s travelling with you or staying somewhere they feel safe and settled. 

Can you safely manage your pet throughout the journey? 

Think about whether you’ll be able to keep your pet controlled and secure at all times using a harness, leash, or carrier. Being able to safely manage your pet helps protect their wellbeing, as well as the safety and comfort of the people around you. 

How pet insurance can help you and your pet while travelling 

Travelling with your pet can be a wonderful experience, but even with careful planning, things can still take an unexpected turn. Pets can become sick or injured while travelling, and this may mean needing vet care and dealing with unexpected vet bills. 

Depending on the level of cover selected, pet insurance may help with eligible unexpected vet bills, giving you greater peace of mind so you can focus on your pet’s wellbeing. 

RSPCA Pet Insurance offers cover for pets living in Australia, and you can also choose to add optional cover for overseas vet costs while travelling with your pet in Norfolk Island and New Zealand. And, if you’re unexpectedly unable to look after your pet, we also offer cover for emergency boarding costs. 

To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online. 

Disclaimer 

As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.  

 

References 
 

[1] RSPCA Australia. How can I train my pet to feel comfortable in a travel carrier? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/pets-and-holidays/how-can-i-train-my-pet-to-feel-comfortable-in-a-transport-carrier