12 Tips for Moving With Pets

If your dog hates when you pack a bag for a weekend away, you probably already understand how tricky moving with pets can be. Pets get anxious when their whole world starts getting packed up in front of them and they don’t know if they’re going to get left behind. 

At moveBuddha, we are here to help make moving easier for everyone involved, including our favorite furry family members. While it can be tricky, with a little support from the best pet shipping companies and other resources, your next move will be as smooth as a hairless cat.

12 tips and tricks for moving with pets

Whether you’re relocating with cats, dogs, or more exotic animals like birds and lizards, the moving process is far from stress-free. Luckily, there are several ways you can make the transition a little easier on your precious pet. As a bonus, the following tips and tricks might make the move a little easier on you, as well. 

1. Update your pet’s collar tag and microchip

The last thing you need is your pet getting lost with your old address on their ID tags. You can easily get a new tag engraved online or at a local pet store. 

Collar tags are great for getting in contact with pet owners quickly, but it is also crucial to microchip your pet. To update your pet’s microchip registration — including changing your address and phone number — check the manufacturer instructions. 

If your pet doesn’t currently have a microchip implant, consider getting one ahead of your move. It’s relatively painless and will ensure whoever finds them will know how to find you.

2. Make sure you have a secure crate, carrier, or harness

No matter what kind of pet you have, a well-ventilated, secure crate or carrier is essential if you’re transporting them via your own car or through pet shippers. A crate or carrier can also act as a safe space for your pet while movers are busy hauling furniture and boxes out of your house. 

For dogs, a crate is still ideal, but a harness and leash could suffice, particularly for older or more relaxed pups who aren’t likely to get spooked by moving crews or pace anxiously on a road trip. That said, dogs that are otherwise obedient off leash can still run away in stressful situations, so it’s important to keep them secure until they know where their new home is. 

If you’ve got a less social pet like a reptile or arachnid to transport, be sure to contain them in a mobile tank that has adequate holes for ventilation and a top that is tightly closed. Just make sure those holes aren’t too big — the last thing you need is to lose your garter snake or tarantula en route to your new house!

3. Begin packing early 

While putting out a box or two each week leading up to your moving date might stress your pet out a little, this is usually much more manageable for them than having their home uprooted all in the span of 48 hours. Doing a little bit at a time should help your nervous dog or cat get used to the changes moving day will bring about. 

It is helpful to slowly introduce your pet to other aspects of the move, too, like their carrier or crate. 

4. Schedule a vet visit

Set aside some extra time to take a car ride to check in with their veterinarian before the big trip for advice on how to handle the moving process. Ask them about car sickness remedies if that is an issue for your pet. Likewise, if your pet has any other specific needs or concerns like anxiety, your vet can make treatment recommendations for the move itself. 

It’s also a good time to let your vet know you are moving and make sure your pet is updated on vaccinations. Finding a new veterinarian can take time, so your current vet can also get you stocked up on any prescriptions your pet needs prior to moving.

Before the big move, remember to get electronic and hard copies of your pet’s shot history and medical records from your veterinary office. This will make getting established with a new office much easier.

5. Double-check housing accommodations

Although sites like Zillow offer a search filter for pets, it’s easy to overlook that when you’re rushing to relocate for a new job or just trying to jump on a great deal. 

When you’re searching for a place, consider the following:

• Does it allow pets? 
• Are there any specific breed or weight restrictions? 
• Do you think your pet would be happy there?
• Is there enough floor space? 
• Does it have a backyard or access to a nearby park? 
• Will you need to do any pet-proofing? 

6. Make arrangements for moving day

If moving day is stressful for you, it’s that much worse for your pet. For their safety and your sanity, make arrangements to get them out of the way on moving day. Some options include doggie daycare, hiring a pet sitter, or corralling them off in part of your home that won’t be affected by the move. 

7. Find pet-friendly hotels 

If you are driving with pets over the course of several days, it is a good idea to research pet-friendly hotels along the way. Looking up this information ahead of time will reduce the risk of any last-minute stress that can trickle down to your shaking chihuahua or hissing kitty!

8. Familiarize yourself with state laws

Pet laws vary state to state, so make sure to check your new state’s laws on importing animals. 

Nearly every state requires a pet to be up to date on its rabies vaccination and have a valid health certificate ahead of arriving. However, some states have a much stricter take on those minimum mandates. 

Hawaii, for example, requires not one but two rabies vaccinations and an additional antibody test within five days of arrival. And according to New York companion animals laws, a health certificate is only considered valid if it is issued by a veterinarian in 30 days or less than the scheduled arrival date.

9. Prepare a pet emergency kit

In addition to necessities and comfort items like a favorite toy, prepare a kit in case of emergencies. The idea is that if anything goes wrong during your move and you’re delayed a few days, your pet will have everything they need. 

A good pet emergency kit will have:

• At least a three-day supply of food and water
• Collapsible bowls or dishes
• A pet first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, and other supplies
• Medications and medical records
• Emergency contacts (including your vet) and pet insurance documents
• Microchip information
• ID tags 
• A blanket or bed
• Toys or other comfort items
• Litter box and litter scooper for cats
• Poop bags for dogs
• Pet-friendly sanitizer
• Paper towels or wipes
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• An emergency blanket

10. Pack up their items last (and unpack them first) 

If your dog or cat doesn’t respond well to signs of packing up, leave some of their toys, food bowls, litter box, and other familiar items out until you’re ready to go. 

Once you get to your new home, set up a familiar environment for them right away. This will help them get used to their new surroundings and reduce their stress. 

Conveniently, packing up their stuff last will make finding and setting it all up at your new home that much easier. 

10. Take plenty of road-trip breaks

There are many ways to move with a pet (more on that later). But if you’re choosing to transport them in a car, try to take as many bathroom, water, and playtime breaks as possible. While this is to make the trip more comfortable for them, you could probably use the breaks, as well! 

11. Keep familiar routines 

Along with taking lots of water and bathroom breaks, stick to the feeding, walking, and activity schedules your pet is used to as much as possible. While it can be hard to remember dinnertime when you’re moving to another state, it will make the transition much less stressful for them. 

This also applies to helping your pet get acquainted with — and comfortable in — your new location. The more your house feels like home to your pet, the sooner they will settle in.

How to move your pet

The only thing that is almost as stressful as moving your pet is making a decision about how to move them. If you’re planning to pay for a full-service mover, some of the top moving companies can also accommodate or help coordinate transport of your furry family members. If your moving approach is more DIY, you can always opt to just take them along for the ride with you. 

However, using a pet shipping company might be the most optimal solution, particularly for logistically complicated moves. Pet shippers specialize in handling paperwork and ensuring animals’ safety, and some even offer door-to-door service. These assurances will allow you to focus on your move without worrying about the wellbeing of your best four-legged buddy.

By plane

Traveling by plane may be an efficient way to move with small dogs or cats, particularly with airlines like United and American that allow pets to sit in the cabin (size and weight restrictions apply). Some airlines even allow rabbits and other small animals in the cabin as long as they’re stored below the seats in appropriate carriers. 

Snakes on a plane? Not likely! Reptiles and other pets like larger dogs are required to fly in the cargo area of the plane. If that’s a concern, other options may be worth exploring. 

Either way, it’s important to speak with a customer service representative at each airline to make sure you understand their policies, including crate, weight, and size requirements. 

By car

Moving your pet by car can be a better option for animals with separation anxiety, dogs that are too large for plane cabins, and pets that can easily be contained in a mobile aquarium. This is also the cheapest option for moving your pets.

The trade-off here is that driving long distances can be tiresome — and time-consuming. Considering that, moving your pet by car might work better for local moves than cross-country treks.

Through a full-service mover

If you don’t want your pet on a plane and don’t have time to do the driving yourself, a few full-service moving companies can help get your pet to their new home. 

For example, JK Moving, one of our picks for best interstate movers, offers pet shipping as an add-on service through their sister company CapRelo, which handles local, long distance, and international moves. Top interstate moving company International Van Lines provides domestic and international pet transport, complete with door-to-door delivery. 

If you’re not planning on hiring full service movers but still need support transporting pets, a pet shipping company may be a better fit. 

With a pet shipper

Hiring a pet shipping company might sound scary, especially if you’ve never moved with an animal before. You might be picturing Fido being hauled off like your furniture, but rest assured that professional pet shippers are experienced in moving beloved fur babies with care through customized travel plans.

CitizenShipper, for example, has earned a positive reputation since opening in 2008 for providing door-to-door pet delivery services nationwide — and sending pet owners plenty of updates with pictures along the way.

If you’re moving overseas, a pet shipping company can not only move your animal but also help you with documentation, quarantine requirements, and other mandates in your destination country.

Starwood Pet Travel partners with CitizenShipper for moves in the United States, but also provides international pet shipping services for dogs and cats. Airpets International can handle ground or airline transport of your small pets (including rabbits) domestically and can coordinate pet-friendly, luxury international flights. 

Pet shipping can get costly, but you don’t have to rule it out altogether if you’re on a tighter budget. uShip is an online marketplace that offers pet shipping and other moving services at flexible rates. But it’s important to note that uShip is not specifically a pet shipping company. 

As a marketplace, uShip provides a platform for independent movers and pet shippers to rent out extra space on their trucks. This means it is on you to carefully read reviews and vet drivers before hiring them.

Such due diligence can be a bit of a gamble when it comes to shipping your best friend, and a higher price point may be worth the added peace of mind that reputable pet shipping services provide. For instance, CitizenShipper customers get a $1,000 Pet Protection Plan, access to 24/7 televet care, and a booking assurance guarantee in case a driver cancels. 

FAQ

Is moving stressful for pets?

Moving can be stressful for pets. Every pet’s temperament is different, but there is ample evidence that many domestic animals experience stress when moving. A study on transporting beagles revealed that breed experiences increases in the stress hormone cortisol, as well as changes in white blood cells that indicate a stress response. In addition to our tips above, another way to mitigate this stress is to get your pet acclimated to transport prior to moving by taking short car rides and driving at a slower speed. 

What should be included in a pet travel kit for moving day?

The following should be included in a pet travel kit for moving day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA):

• Food
• Food and water bowls
• A leash
• Plastic bags or something to pick up waste 
• A portable litter box (for cat owners)
• Grooming supplies
• Medication and first-aid supplies
• Any medical or travel documents

For car transport, remember to pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of comfort to reduce their stress. If you are traveling by plane, airlines allow items like blankets but may have more limitations on toys and other items. Airlines also have strict carrier requirements, such as attached food and water dishes. It is alway important to double-check those requirements ahead of time. 

What is the best way to transport multiple pets during a move?

The best way to transport multiple pets during a move depends on several factors, including your budget, the type of pets you are moving, and how they react to other stressful situations, such as being taken to the vet. 

As a general rule, it’s always important to give pets their own crates, even if they typically get along, because moving is not a typical circumstance. Pet shipping companies like CitizenShipper also offer VIP options for furry friends to travel to their new home together, whereas standard packages will have them traveling with other pets while crated. 

What are the best ways to keep my pet calm during a move?

The best ways to keep your pet calm during a move include slowly introducing moving boxes and other packing supplies, as opposed to all at once. The same thing goes for getting them used to their crates or carriers. Take some time to introduce them to these spaces slowly, and even take them for a few test rides. 

Along with providing them with a toy or other comfort item, try to keep them on a regular schedule with walks and feeding, unless they are traveling by airplane. Experts generally do not recommend feeding pets before flights, but pet shipping services like Starwood Pet Travel will feed animals during long layovers. Always give your pet access to water and check on them for refills when possible. 

Animal advocacy organizations like the ASPCA generally advise against sedating pets to keep them calm during air travel because there is a risk for respiratory and cardiovascular problems at a higher elevation. Airlines and pet-shipping services can refuse to transport your pet if they suspect they’ve been drugged.

Are pet relocation services worth it?

Pet relocation services can be worth it for anyone who is moving a long distance on a strict timeline, especially internationally. In addition to companies that specialize in animal transport, full-service movers like JK Moving and International Van Lines can also help facilitate pet relocation.

If your timeline is more flexible and you’re willing to research individual providers and their credentials, uShip often offers pet-shipping at discounted rates. It is really a matter of what you’re willing to spend more of — your time or your money.