Ok before I hit the hay. You can turn into an animal at will. Your clothes and such won’t turn with you but mass is not conserved so you can turn into something much bigger or smaller. It has to be a real creature that does or has existed and I guess if you want a plant that would be fair game. For me its an albatross. could travel around the world. might even manage to carry something that is not to large if packaged right. I am a bit torn though as the ocean is large so maybe a sea creature would be better. like a killer whale. of course then its not great for getting somewhere inland.
Yikes, imagine having to learn to fly. Sounds rough. I’d be a different human that I would call Rex so I could go to the store without worrying about anyone recognizing me. I’d just rather not have to worry about seeing anyone I know when I’m not in the mood.
so the idea is no real gotchas. you would have whatever natural instincts and aptitudes needed to function like the animal without it overwelming your judgement.