Pets can’t be packed in a box, but they still need a plan. Whether you have dogs, cats, birds, or other animals, moving presents real challenges for your pets, and ignoring the prep work leads to stressed, anxious animals and stressful moving days. Here’s how to do it right.
Before the Move: Preparation
Visit the vet. Schedule a checkup 4–6 weeks before your move. If you’re moving across state lines, you’ll likely need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate). Some states require this within 10 days of travel. Ask your vet specifically about interstate requirements.
Update ID and microchip info. Make sure your pet’s microchip registration has your new address. Update the ID tag with a current phone number. During a move, escape risk is highest, having current ID is critical.
Research your destination. If you’re moving to a new city or state, research local veterinarians, emergency animal hospitals, and pet-friendly housing (if you’re renting). Some neighborhoods have HOA rules about pets; verify before signing a lease.
Gather pet records. Vaccination records, prescription medications, and health records should travel with you (not on the moving truck). If your pet takes medication, ensure you have enough supply to cover the move period.
For dogs: If your dog struggles with car anxiety, discuss medication options with your vet. A 2-day drive in an anxious state is miserable for everyone.
On Moving Day: Keep Pets Separate
Moving day is the most dangerous day for pets. Doors are constantly open, strangers are moving through the house, and the normal routine is completely disrupted. Pets are highly likely to bolt.
Best option: Board your pets for moving day (and possibly the night before/after). This removes the risk entirely and lets you focus on the move.
Second option: Have a trusted friend or family member take your pets for the day.
If pets must stay home on moving day: Confine them to one room (bathroom or bedroom) with the door clearly labeled “DO NOT OPEN, PET INSIDE.” Put food, water, and their bed in the room.
Traveling with Pets
By car (the most common option):
- Use a secured crate or pet seat belt, this is about safety, not comfort
- Never leave pets alone in a parked car, even briefly (extreme temperatures develop fast)
- Stop every 2–3 hours to let dogs stretch and relieve themselves
- Keep water available throughout the drive
- Keep their routine as normal as possible, same feeding times, same commands
- Familiar items (their bed, a worn t-shirt of yours) reduce anxiety
On a long drive: Some dogs and cats do remarkably well. Others don’t. If your pet has never done a long car trip, do a few practice drives in advance to gauge their comfort level.
By plane: For small pets that can travel in the cabin as carry-on, this is usually fine with proper carrier preparation. For larger pets that must travel in cargo hold, research airline-specific policies carefully, not all airlines are equal on this. Summer and winter extremes make cargo travel higher risk.
Settling Into the New Home
Dogs: Establish the house boundaries immediately. Walk the perimeter of your new yard on leash before off-leash use. Dogs will investigate and need clear structure in the new environment.
Cats: Containment is critical at first. Set up a safe room, a bedroom or bathroom, with their litter box, food, water, bed, and something that smells like home. Keep them there for 24–48 hours before gradually introducing the rest of the house. Cats that escape into an unfamiliar neighborhood before they’re oriented often become lost.
Keep routines. Feeding times, walk times, and play sessions should stay as consistent as possible. Routine is what makes a new place feel like home to a pet.
Give it time. Most dogs settle into a new home within a few days to a week. Cats can take 2–6 weeks. A little extra patience and attention during this period goes a long way.
Special Considerations by Pet Type
Rabbits, guinea pigs, and small animals: These are more sensitive to temperature and stress than many people realize. Transport in a well-ventilated carrier, away from direct sunlight. Keep temperatures moderate. Minimize handling on moving day.
Fish: The most difficult pets to move. For local moves, transport in their tank water using sealed bags or small containers. For long-distance moves, consult a pet store or specialist, it may be worth rehoming fish rather than attempting a multi-day transport.
Birds: Highly sensitive to stress, fumes, and temperature change. Keep them in a well-ventilated carrier, away from drafts and direct sun. Moving day chaos particularly stresses birds, boarding is recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Should I take my pet with me on moving day or board them?
Boarding or having a friend/family member care for your pet on moving day is strongly recommended. Moving day is loud, chaotic, and full of strangers moving in and out of the house, a stressful environment for most animals. The risk of escape is also highest on moving day with doors constantly open.
How do I help my cat adjust to a new home?
Set up a single 'safe room' for your cat at the new home before letting them explore. Include their litter box, food, water, bed, and familiar-smelling items. Let them settle in this room for 1–2 days before opening the rest of the house. Most cats adjust within 1–4 weeks.
Can movers transport my pets?
No, professional movers cannot legally transport live animals. You'll need to arrange separate transport for your pets, whether by car, plane, or a specialized pet transport service.