Moving with pets can involve navigating airline rules, updating microchip info, finding a new vet, and keeping your pets calm during the chaos. This guide walks you through every step of the process, whether you’re relocating across town or across the country.
We’ll show you how to prepare your pet for travel, avoid common moving-day mistakes, and help your furry friend adjust to a new home. You’ll also find tips for choosing pet-friendly housing and when to consider professional help—like full-service movers that offer pet relocation services—so nothing gets overlooked. If you want to make your next move as smooth and stress-free as possible for both you and your pet, this is where to start.
Planning Ahead for Moving With Pets
Careful preparation will make the moving process much less stressful for you and your furry family member. Follow these steps as you calculate your moving costs and plan the logistics of your move.
Research Local Laws
First, consult the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website to determine what, if any, animal health requirements your pets must meet in your new location. Select your destination from the drop-down menu, and you will be redirected to the appropriate state-specific web page. Also, research the pet licensing laws or restrictions set by your new state, county, or municipal government.
Visit Your Veterinarian
Make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss your upcoming move. Only your vet can provide specific recommendations for your pet. Ask about steps to ease the transition, travel tips, and whether your pet will need medication for motion sickness or anxiety. Get copies of your pet’s health records, too. You may need to present proof of vaccination when booking travel or accommodations.
Keep in mind that some pets handle disruption better than others. Dog trainer Mary Hirshfeld notes: “Dogs that are fearful do not adapt well to changes in their environment.” Discuss your pet’s temperament with your vet so they can recommend the right combination of behavioral strategies and, if needed, medication to keep your animal calm throughout the move.
Find Pet-Friendly Housing
Keep your pet in mind as you shop for a new house or apartment. Some landlords and homeowners associations (HOAs) set restrictions regarding the type, size, or number of pets you can have. Consider where you will walk your dog or where the cat’s litter box will go. Look for potential pet dangers in your new neighborhood, such as unattended dogs, feral cats, or poisonous plants.
Update Pet ID Information
Quick Tip
- If your pet is microchipped, update the registry with your new address. If not, consider microchipping your pet before your move. Also, ensure that your pet has a collar with up-to-date ID tags. Make sure your name and phone number are easy to read.
The stakes of proper pet identification are real: The ASPCA assisted 30,000 pets in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy alone, according to Dick Green, EdD, of the organization’s disaster response team. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, the same risks of separation apply — so treat updated ID as a non-negotiable part of your moving checklist.
Pro Tip
- Dick Green, EdD, senior director of disaster response for the ASPCA, stresses: “If people would do those two things [ensure pets wear collars and tags, and never leave animals behind], we could greatly increase the number of families reunited with their pets.”
Make Travel Arrangements
Decide whether you will fly or drive to your destination and consider how your pet fits into those plans. Review the ASPCA’s travel safety tips for information about air travel and road trips with your furry friends. If you drive, look for pet-friendly hotels and read tips from licensed vets or seasoned travelers online.
When it comes to flying, it’s important to make early arrangements. Small pets, like cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, and even small-breed dogs, may be able to ride under your seat in the plane cabin, but it’s crucial to confirm these arrangements with the airline in advance. Larger pets can typically ride in the cargo hold in a USDA-approved shipping crate. Regardless of your pet’s size, it’s essential to carefully review the airline’s policies and, if possible, book a direct flight to minimize stress and potential risks.
Alternatively, research pet shipping companies and full-service movers that offer pet relocation services. Ask your vet for their thoughts. If you have room in your moving budget, let professionals safely and conveniently transport your pet.
Avoid Last-Minute Packing
We recommend packing gradually unless you hire a long-distance moving company or professional packers to help with your move. When moving cats, in particular, they may not handle sudden change well, and turning your home into a pile of boxes a few days before you move definitely would count as a sudden change.
Instead, bring the moving boxes into your home early and pack gradually. If your pet tends to eat or destroy packing materials, such as plastic wrap, packing peanuts, or cardboard, keep them off the floor. Keep your pets’ belongings in a familiar room and pack them last, so they have a safe retreat and plenty of time to adjust to the changes.
Acclimate Pets to a Crate
In most cases, your pet must be confined to a crate for their safety during the move. Purchase a USDA-approved crate that is appropriately sized a few weeks before moving day, and use it to help your pet acclimate.
Start by placing its food inside the open crate, then transition your pet to eating inside the crate with the door closed. Carry your pet inside the crate around the house or go on a few practice drives so it gets used to the motion. After each training session, provide a treat or playtime to help your pet develop a positive association with its crate.
Moving Day With Pets
Amidst the chaos of moving day, it’s essential to prioritize your pet’s safety and comfort. Follow these tips to make the moving experience as stress-free as possible.
Confine Pets to a Safe Place
Keep pets in a safe, quiet room away from the hustle and bustle of your final preparations. This is especially important if you hire local or interstate packers and movers, as the unfamiliar faces and flurry of activity will likely increase your pet’s anxiety. Confining your pet to its crate or a closed room will prevent it from darting out of an open door as you or the movers carry boxes outside.
Alternatively, you can board your pets at a familiar kennel, hire a pet sitter, drop them off at a pet daycare, or take them to a friend’s house for the day. As you think through your options, remember that the goal is to keep your pets safe and reduce their anxiety.
Stick to Your Normal Routine
On your moving day and the days immediately before and after, stick to your normal routine as much as possible. Pack your pet’s essentials, such as its bed and water bowl. Keep favorite toys handy, and make time for regular walks or playtime. Take frequent breaks during the drive and feed it on schedule. The fewer changes in your pet’s day-to-day life, the smoother the transition.
Keep a Travel Kit With You
Just as you would pack a bag of essentials for yourself, prepare a travel kit for your pet. Include food, bottled water, a bowl, a leash, basic grooming supplies, health records, treats, and any medication or supplements your vet prescribes. You should also pack a comfort item, such as a familiar blanket or a favorite toy.
Use Appropriate Restraints
If your pet travels with you by car to your new home, ensure it is properly restrained during the drive. Keep your pet in a crate or use a harness that attaches to the seatbelt. Keep the windows rolled up and avoid leaving your pet unattended in the car. Never transport a pet in an open truck bed or moving van.
Settling In With Pets
After move-in day, focus on helping your pets settle into their new surroundings. Here are a few tasks that should be on your post-move to-do list.
Choose a Home Base
Rather than letting your pets loose to explore the entire house immediately, designate one room as a home base. Keep your pet and everything it needs here while you pet-proof the rest of the house. Once your pet seems comfortable in this new space, gradually introduce it to other rooms in the house.
Pet-Proof Your New Home
As you unpack, take a little extra time to pet-proof your home. Ensure electrical cords are properly tucked away. Check that window screens are secure and install childproof latches to keep pets out of cabinets. Remove any plants and pest-control traps that are poisonous or otherwise dangerous to pets. Keep in mind that the persistent odor of animals that once inhabited the home might also upset your pet.
- Designate a quiet room or corner as your pet’s own space in the new house — a cozy nook with their bed, water, and a favorite toy helps them acclimate faster. As Massachusetts architect Stephen Holt, who has designed pet-friendly built-ins for homeowners, notes: “People are always looking for unique ways to solve the whole issue of pets living with the family and the realities of that.” A dedicated spot — whether it’s a crate tucked into a bookshelf cubby or simply a gated-off area — gives your pet a sense of security while you tackle the rest of your unpacking.
Find a New Veterinarian
If you haven’t already, find a vet in your new city and transfer your pet’s health records. Schedule a routine checkup with your new veterinarian and ensure your pet’s vaccines are up to date. It’s important to do this as soon as possible. Scheduling an appointment during an emergency will be much easier if your pet is already an established patient.
Comply With Local Laws
Quick Tip
- Comply with local pet laws, which may involve scheduling or providing proof of rabies vaccinations and paying a license fee. Check with your city or county government for more information.
Our Conclusion
Planning ahead and prioritizing your pet’s comfort can make your upcoming move a more pleasant experience for the entire family. Research local laws, talk to your vet, and update your pet’s microchip or ID tags before the move. Stick to your normal routine as much as possible and arrange pet transportation well in advance. Keep pets properly restrained on moving day, and allow them to adjust to their new surroundings gradually.
FAQs
How do I move out of state with animals?
Follow these steps for an interstate move with animals:
- Research state regulations for bringing pets across the border.
- Visit the vet for any necessary vaccines and health certificates.
- Make pet-friendly travel arrangements.
- Microchip your pets and update identification tags.
- Keep pet essentials and comfort items nearby.
- Introduce pets to their new environment gradually.
- Find a new veterinarian and comply with local pet laws.
What are the best ways to transport pets when moving?
The best way to transport pets when driving is in a crate or your car’s seatbelt harness. Research the airline’s crate requirements for air travel and book a nonstop flight if possible. Most moving companies will not move pets, but you can hire a pet relocation company if your pet cannot travel with you.
How long does it take for a dog to adjust to a move?
It depends. Some dogs adjust to a move within a few days, while others may take weeks to settle in fully. You can help by sticking to your pup’s normal routine and making extra time for play.
What is the “Rule of Three” for pets?
The “Rule of Three” for pets refers to how long it takes for your dog or cat to adjust to a new environment. The first three days will be the hardest for your pet, so focus on helping it feel safe and comfortable. It will adapt to its new routine and surroundings during the next three weeks. Your pet will be fully settled in after three months.
