How pets cope with flying: The realities of animal travel explained by an expert

An animal transport specialist explains the realities of flying pets long-haul, the emotional toll on owners, and why animals are more resilient than we think

Siobhán Sweeney, the relocation manager with Pets on Board Ireland, with two Irish wolfhounds. Picture: Moya Nolan

Airports can be stressful at the best of times, but having a Sumatran tiger as part of your precious cargo throws up an entirely different set of challenges.

Luckily, Siobhán Sweeney, an animal relocation manager with Pets on Board in Santry, Dublin, is always one to rise to the occasion.