Discover Magazine

Studies on various animals have also found their stress levels do rise during air transport — especially during phases of planing and deplaning, for example. One study tracked the physiological responses of air journeys in 24 beagles and found the greatest increases in their heart rates occurred while loading and unloading. “Our pets are very routine-oriented, and [travel is] a big disruption to their routine,” says Lori Teller, veterinarian and Texas A&M University clinical professor.