Moving with Pets: A Stress-Free Guide for Cats, Dogs, and More

Before move day

• Update microchip and ID tag information with your new address as soon as it's confirmed.
• Find a vet in your new city ahead of time, and request copies of vaccination records and any prescriptions before you leave your current vet.
• Check breed and pet restrictions at your new address, especially for rentals — some cities and HOAs also restrict certain dog breeds.
• Keep routines consistent in the weeks leading up to the move — same feeding times, same walk schedule — since pets pick up on household disruption quickly.

On move day

• Set up a quiet "safe room" with food, water, and bedding, away from the front door and the moving crew's foot traffic.
• Consider boarding or a pet sitter for the busiest hours if your pet is anxious around strangers or loud noises.
• Never let movers load a pet carrier onto the truck — pets should always travel with you, not with the shipment.
• Pack a "pet essentials" bag separately — food, medication, a favorite toy, and waste bags — so you're not digging through boxes on arrival.

For long car rides

• Acclimate cats and dogs to their carrier or crate for short trips in the weeks before the move
• Plan stops every 2–3 hours for water, bathroom breaks, and a stretch
• Never leave a pet alone in a parked car, especially in warmer climates like Texas, Arizona, or Florida
• Bring a printed copy of vaccination records if you're crossing state lines

For flights

If your move requires air travel, check airline-specific pet policies well in advance — cargo hold rules, carrier size limits, and health certificate requirements vary by airline and can require paperwork completed within 10 days of the flight.

Settling in

• Set up familiar items (bed, bowls, litter box) in the new home before bringing your pet in
• Keep cats indoors-only for at least 2 weeks to let them adjust before any outdoor access
• Walk dogs on a leash around the new neighborhood before off-leash time, even in a fenced yard
• Expect some appetite changes or clinginess for the first week or two — this is normal and usually resolves on its own

Have questions about pet policies with a specific partner mover? Mention it when you request your quote and we'll factor it into your match.