How to plan and execute a move with dogs, cats, or other pets, covering vet preparation, travel logistics, anxiety management, and settling your pet into a new home.
Last updated:
0 of 26 completed0%
Copied!
Veterinary Preparation
Schedule a vet visit 2-4 weeks before the move
Your vet can issue a health certificate (required for air travel and interstate moves), update vaccinations, and discuss anxiety medications. Health certificates are valid for 10-30 days depending on the airline or state.
Get a copy of your pet's complete medical records
Refill any medications for a 60-90 day supply
Update rabies vaccination if it's due within 3 months of the move
Most states and all airlines require proof of current rabies vaccination. If your pet's vaccination expires during the move period, some states will quarantine the animal for 10-14 days at your expense ($15-$25/day).
Ask about anti-anxiety medication for the travel day
Veterinary-prescribed calming medications cost $15-$40 for a move-day supply. Do a trial dose 1-2 weeks before the move to check for side effects. Over-the-counter calming treats work for mild anxiety but aren't enough for highly stressed animals.
Research veterinary clinics near your new home and register before arriving
Finding a vet after an emergency is stressful. Identify 2-3 clinics within 10 miles of your new home and call to confirm they're accepting new patients. Ask about emergency after-hours services—not all clinics offer them.
Pet-Friendly Housing Verification
Confirm your new home allows your specific pet type, breed, and size
Many rentals ban breeds over 50 lbs or restrict certain dog breeds entirely. Get pet approval in writing—verbal permission from a leasing agent isn't enforceable. Ask for the specific pet policy document.
Understand pet deposits and monthly pet rent at the new location
Pet deposits range from $200 to $500 (refundable) and monthly pet rent adds $25-$75 per pet. Some landlords charge both. These fees add $500-$1,400 annually to your housing costs per pet.
Inspect the new property for pet safety hazards before move-in
Check for gaps in fencing, toxic plants in the yard, exposed wiring, and unsecured balconies. A 3-inch gap in a fence is enough for a small dog or cat to squeeze through. Fence repair costs $100-$300 per section.
Verify the yard fence is secure with no escape points
Remove or block access to any toxic plants (lilies, azaleas, sago palms)
Travel Carriers and Equipment
Get an airline-approved carrier or a crash-tested car crate sized for your pet
Your pet should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down in the carrier. For air travel, hard-sided carriers meeting IATA requirements cost $40-$150. Start using the carrier 2-3 weeks before the move so your pet associates it with comfort.
Place familiar bedding and a worn t-shirt inside the carrier
Your scent calms anxious pets. Put the carrier out with the door open, bedding inside, and treats nearby for 2 weeks before the move. Feeding meals inside the carrier builds positive associations.
Pack a pet travel kit with food, water, bowls, waste bags, and medications
Bring enough food for 3-4 days in case of delays. A collapsible water bowl ($5-$8) takes up almost no space. Pack medications in your carry-on or personal bag, never in checked luggage or the moving truck.
Attach a current ID tag and travel label to the carrier
The carrier should have a label with your name, phone number, destination address, and pet's name. Pets that escape during transit are found faster with visible identification on the carrier itself, not just on the collar.
Moving Day Anxiety Management
Keep your pet in a quiet, closed room while movers load the truck
Open doors, loud noises, and strangers carrying furniture trigger escape attempts and extreme stress. Put your pet in a bathroom or bedroom with a sign on the door saying 'Pet Inside—Do Not Open.' Include water, a litter box (for cats), and a familiar toy.
Maintain your pet's normal feeding and walking schedule on moving day
Routine is the strongest anxiety reducer for pets. Feed at the usual time, walk at the usual time. Skip meals only if your vet recommends fasting before travel (common for pets prone to car sickness).
For car travel, stop every 2-3 hours for water and bathroom breaks
Dogs need to stretch and relieve themselves regularly. Always leash your dog before opening the car door at rest stops—unfamiliar locations trigger bolting. Cats generally do better staying in their carriers with a small litter pan.
Never leave pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes
Car interiors reach 120°F within 10 minutes on an 80°F day. In many states, leaving a pet in a hot car is a misdemeanor with fines of $100-$500. If you need to stop, one person stays with the pet in the running, air-conditioned car.
New Home Introduction
Set up one room as your pet's safe space before letting them explore
Put food, water, bedding, and familiar toys in one room with the door closed. Let your pet decompress there for 24-48 hours before giving access to the full house. Cats especially need this gradual introduction period.
Keep cats indoors for at least 2 weeks after the move
Cats that go outdoors too soon after a move often try to return to the old home—even from miles away. Two weeks of indoor-only time helps them reset their territory. Gradually increase outdoor time starting with supervised 15-minute sessions.
Walk dogs around the new neighborhood on a leash for the first week
Leashed walks let your dog learn the sights, sounds, and smells of the new area safely. Walk the same route for the first 3-4 days to build familiarity. Off-leash time in a new yard should wait until you've verified the fence is secure.
Watch for stress signals in the first 2 weeks: hiding, loss of appetite, excessive vocalization
Mild stress symptoms (reduced appetite, extra sleeping, clinginess) are normal for 1-2 weeks. If symptoms persist beyond 3 weeks or include aggression, destructive behavior, or refusal to eat for 48+ hours, consult your veterinarian.
Updated Identification
Update your pet's microchip registration with your new address and phone number
Microchip registration updates are free through most registries and take 5 minutes online. A microchip is only useful if the contact information is current. About 40% of microchipped lost pets have outdated registry info.
Get a new ID tag with your current phone number and new address
Pet ID tags cost $5-$15 and can be engraved at most pet stores while you wait. Include your phone number and the word 'REWARD' on the tag—studies show this significantly increases the return rate of lost pets.
Register your pet with the new city or county if required
Many municipalities require pet registration and proof of rabies vaccination. Registration fees are $10-$25 for spayed/neutered pets and $25-$75 for unaltered animals. Late registration penalties add $25-$50.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my cat calm during a move?
Confine your cat to one quiet room with their litter box, food, water, and a familiar blanket on moving day while movers work in the rest of the house. Feliway pheromone diffusers plugged in 48 hours before the move and at the new home reduce stress-related behaviors like hiding, refusal to eat, and inappropriate urination. After arriving, set up one room as a "base camp" and let the cat explore the rest of the home gradually over 3-5 days.
Do airlines allow pets in the cabin for long-distance moves?
Most US airlines allow small dogs and cats (under 20 lbs with carrier) in the cabin for $95-$200 per flight segment. Each flight limits cabin pets to 2-4 animals, so booking 4-6 weeks in advance is critical — these spots fill quickly. For larger pets, cargo hold transport costs $200-$600 per flight, though some breeds (brachycephalic dogs like bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers) are banned from cargo due to breathing risks.
What veterinary records do I need when moving to a new state with a pet?
Every state requires proof of current rabies vaccination, and most require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI or health certificate) issued within 10-30 days of the move. Hawaii has a mandatory 120-day quarantine or a 5-day-or-less program requiring microchip, two rabies titers, and extensive paperwork started 4+ months in advance. Request a full copy of your pet's medical history from your current vet before moving, since some records are difficult to transfer digitally between practice management systems.
How do I find a pet-friendly rental when moving?
Only 50-60% of US rental listings allow pets, and the percentage drops further for large dogs over 50 lbs. Pet deposits range from $200-$500 (refundable) with monthly pet rent of $25-$75 per animal on top of base rent. Breed restrictions are common in rentals — pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Dobermans are frequently restricted regardless of the individual dog's temperament, though some cities (like Denver and Dallas) have banned breed-specific legislation.