Moving is a stressful endeavor, and the challenges can multiply when you have furry friends in tow. When moving with pets, it’s up to you to prepare them for the move, secure their safe relocation and help them adjust to their new surroundings, all while keeping abreast of health and licensing requirements.
A low-stress pet relocation requires planning and preparation, such as maintaining your pets schedule or introducing calming aids.
You have three options for transporting your pets: driving, flying or using pet relocation services.
When moving to a new state, research the specific licensing requirements for your pets beforehand.
How hard is it to move with pets?
The difficulty of moving with pets can be as varied as their personalities. The number of pets you have and their type, temperament, age and health all play a role in planning their relocation. For example, the needs and adaptability of a playful puppy differ vastly from those of a temperamental senior pet.
Per the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), you can mitigate the challenges of moving to a new area with your pets by taking the following measures:
- Choose a pet-friendly new house or apartment: Make sure your new neighborhood and home can accommodate your pets. There should be enough space for their unique needs, like vertical space for your cat, a yard for your puppy who’s being potty-trained or minimal stairs for your senior pup.
- Comfort your pets throughout the process: Make sure familiar toys, blankets, bowls and other comfort items are available to help your pets feel at ease during the moving process and when you arrive at your new home.
- Pet-proof your new space: Make sure all windows have secure screens and confirm that there are no pest control traps anywhere your pets can access. Outside, check for any poisonous plants, and ensure the yard is fully enclosed so they can’t escape into a new environment.
How do you prepare your pets for a move?
Moving with pets adds complication to an already difficult experience. “Keep in mind that your pets will be looking to you for grounding, so try to stay calm throughout the process,” Traina said. “And remember that the key to making things as stress-free as possible is proper planning.”
Here are some steps you can take to reduce your and your pet’s stress levels during the moving process.
Pack gradually
Instead of hastily packing everything up in one go, spread the process out over several days or even weeks. Begin by packing items your pet doesn’t use frequently. Your pet’s essential items — including their favorite toys, bed and feeding bowls — should remain accessible. This gradual approach helps prevent sudden disruptions, giving your pets the time to adjust.
Adhere to their regular schedule
Stick to your pet’s daily routine for feeding, playtime, walks and sleep as closely as possible. Keep their food and water bowls — and litter box, if applicable — in the same spot. Maintaining a familiar schedule can reduce anxiety and reassure your pets that their world is still reliable.
Introduce the crate or kennel
If your pets will be traveling to your new home in a crate or kennel, you should acclimate them to it before moving day. You can create a positive association by leaving toys and treats in the kennel to encourage them to spend time inside it. Once they’ve gotten used to the crate in your home, take them on short car rides around your neighborhood, gradually increasing the duration of the rides to prepare them for the actual move.
Consider sedatives or other calming aids
For pets that suffer from anxiety, Traina recommends asking your vet about sedative medications that can help reduce stress. She also suggests conducting a trial run with the medications before the trip to check for dosage accuracy and make adjustments.
You can also consider calming supplements or pheromone products, such as calming collars or wipes and sprays that can be applied to crates, kennels or cars.
What should you do with your pets on moving day?
Your pets may feel stressed and unsafe with open doors, moving furniture, professional movers and lots of noise on the big day. Here are some options to consider for keeping them comfortable:
- Keep them secluded in one room: Designate a quiet room in your home where your pets can stay during the hustle and bustle. Fill this room with their bed, toys, food and water.
- Send them away with a friend or family member: Having a trusted pet sitter to care for your pets during the move can be a great solution. This provides a secure and controlled environment for your pets to receive proper care, attention and exercise while you manage the moving process.
- Use a vet or daycare service: A kennel, cattery or daycare facility is another excellent choice for getting your pet out of the house. This will allow you to focus on the logistics of the move without worrying about their well-being.
Whichever option you choose, inform those involved about your pet’s needs and habits. Keeping your pet’s routine as consistent as possible throughout the process and on moving day will help keep them calm as you embark on this new chapter together.
How do you move pets to a new state?
Start by researching and understanding your new state’s local pet ownership laws and regulations, including breed-specific regulations, vaccination requirements, licensing and leash laws. Most states require a current rabies vaccination, at minimum.
Next, schedule a visit with your pet’s veterinarian well before hiring your interstate moving company. Some states have specific health requirements for incoming pets, so being well-prepared with health certificates and documentation will simplify and expedite the process.
“It’s recommended to have an annual exam performed by a veterinarian one to three months in advance and obtain a health certificate at least three to four weeks before traveling to a domestic location,” said Traina. “For international destinations, you should search all the requirements months in advance to ensure the proper timeline.”
For moves of any distance, ensure your pets are microchipped and have a visible ID tag with your current phone number and new address. In the event of an accidental separation during the move, these identification measures significantly increase the chances of a swift reunion.
Is it better to drive or fly with pets?
The decision to drive or fly with your pets during a long-distance move depends on various factors, including the size and temperament of your pet as well as your personal preferences.
Driving provides a more hands-on approach, allowing you to monitor your pets closely, take breaks for walks and create a familiar environment within the vehicle. If you choose to drive, Dr. Traina recommends bringing extra food (more than you anticipate needing for your road trip), towels, blankets and cleaning supplies for any unexpected accidents or spills.
Air travel can be quicker and more convenient for long-distance moves, and it may be necessary for international relocations. Regulations vary per airline, but small pets typically ride with you in the cabin, and larger pets fly in the cargo area beneath the cabin. In either case, you must pay a transport fee and ensure your pet’s carrier adheres to the airline’s weight and dimension requirements.
Pets that travel beneath the cabin must be in kennels that adhere to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). They must also meet individual airline requirements.
Do you have to license your pets in your new state?
In most states, you must license your pets within a specific time frame after moving there. Licensing regulations vary, so you’ll need to check your new state’s particular requirements.
You can do this by contacting local animal control or the city/county clerk’s office to obtain information on the licensing process, which typically involves providing proof of vaccinations, proof of spaying or neutering, and proof of a microchip. You’ll also pay a small fee.
Remember that licensing ensures compliance with local regulations and helps reunite you with your pets in case they get lost.
What’s next?
Pet relocation services can be worth it if you can work them into your moving budget or if your moving situation doesn’t enable you to handle your pet’s moving logistics yourself. Pet relocation services provide comprehensive solutions such as personalized travel itineraries, assistance with documentation and regulation adherence, and even pet transportation.
By entrusting professionals to handle your pet’s journey, you can focus on the other aspects of your move, knowing that your pets are in expert hands. This additional support can be particularly beneficial for those who are moving internationally or have multiple pets.