For dogs, cats & small animals
Moving With Pets on a Long-Distance Move
Pets cannot ride on the moving truck. Federal regulations and carrier policy both prohibit it. Here’s how to plan their travel separately.
Vet records & health prep
- Schedule a wellness visit 4 weeks before the move
- Update vaccinations (rabies must be current)
- Request a copy of the full medical history
- Get a USDA-endorsed health certificate within 10 days of travel if flying
- Refill prescriptions for 60+ days at destination
- Update microchip registration with new address
- Research vets and emergency clinics near your new home
Driving vs. flying
🚗 Driving (recommended)
Safer, less stressful. Plan stops every 2–3 hours for dogs, every 4 hours for cats. Pet-friendly hotels: La Quinta, Best Western, Red Roof, Kimpton.
✈️ Flying in cabin
Small pets under 20 lbs. $95–$150 each way. Book early — airlines limit in-cabin pets per flight.
📦 Flying as cargo
Riskiest option. Some breeds (snub-nosed) banned. $500–$1,500.
🐾 Pet relocation services
Door-to-door specialists. $1,500–$4,000 depending on distance.
Get them comfortable in advance
- Set the crate up in a familiar room with the door open
- Feed meals near, then inside, the crate
- Add familiar bedding and a toy
- Practice short closed-door sessions, gradually extending
- Take short car rides in the crate to build positive association
- For cats: soft-sided carrier works better than plastic kennel for car travel
Keeping pets calm during loading
- Confine pets to one quiet room with the door closed before crew arrives
- Better: board them for the day, or send to a friend’s house
- Open doors + strangers = high flight risk
- Update pet’s collar tag with your cell phone
- Feed lightly the morning of travel
- Don’t sedate without vet guidance
First week at the new home
Day 1
Set up one “safe room” with food, water, litter box, familiar bedding. Keep them confined while you unpack.
Day 2–3
Let them explore one or two more rooms. Keep doors and windows secured.
Week 1
Walk dogs on the same routes daily. Cats stay indoors minimum 2 weeks.
Watch for stress signs
Loss of appetite, excessive hiding, litter habit changes, lethargy beyond 3–4 days — call a vet.