Moving with Pets: How to Keep Them Safe and Less Stressed
Reviewed by Joey Padgett · Last reviewed September 2026
Moving is disruptive for animals. They don't know what's happening, they're sensitive to their owners' stress, and they're creatures of routine in an environment where everything is changing. A little planning before and during the move reduces that stress significantly.
Before the Move
Visit the vet. Schedule a checkup 2 to 4 weeks before moving day. Get an updated health certificate if you're crossing state lines (many states require one, especially for dogs). Update vaccinations. Get copies of all medical records to take with you, not just emailed to the new vet. Ask your vet about anxiety medication options if your pet has a history of stress or car sickness.
Update ID tags and microchip information. Before you move, update your pet's microchip registration with your new address or at minimum your cell phone number. New tags with the new address are inexpensive and worth doing immediately. A stressed pet that gets out in an unfamiliar neighborhood is in real danger without current identification.
Find a new vet. Research vets in your new area before you arrive. Having a vet already chosen means you're not scrambling if something comes up in the first week.
Research local requirements. Some municipalities require specific licenses or proof of vaccinations for dogs. Some states have quarantine rules for certain animals. Know the rules before you move, not after.
For interstate moves: Many states require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also called a health certificate, for pets crossing state lines. Timing, species covered, and specific requirements vary by destination state — don't assume a universal 10-day window applies to you. Check the USDA APHIS interstate pet travel requirements and your destination state's department of agriculture before you book transport.
Moving Day
Moving day is the highest-risk day for pets. Doors are open constantly. Strangers are coming and going. The animal's safe hiding spots are disappearing. Pets that are normally calm can bolt.
Keep pets out of the action. Confine your pet to a single room that's packed last and emptied last. Put up a sign on the door so movers know not to open it. Bring food, water, their bed, and familiar toys into that room.
Or board them for the day. If you have the option, boarding your pet for moving day removes the stress for them and the distraction for you. Pick them up once you're in the new place with the basics settled.
Never leave pets in a car without climate control. If it's warm outside, a parked car can reach dangerous temperatures in minutes. If pets are traveling with you and you need to stop, plan for it.
Carry medications, records, and food in your vehicle. Don't put pet supplies in the moving truck. If delivery is delayed or something goes wrong, you need access to your pet's essentials.
During Transport
For dogs: Most dogs travel reasonably well in a car with a familiar owner. A crate secured in the backseat or cargo area is safer than a loose dog. Take breaks every 2 to 3 hours for dogs to stretch, drink water, and relieve themselves.
For cats: Cats are often worse travelers than dogs. A sturdy carrier with a familiar-smelling blanket inside helps. Cover the carrier with a light cloth to reduce visual stimulation. Don't open the carrier in the car. Cats in transit can panic and hide in places that create serious problems.
For long drives: Plan where you'll stay overnight and confirm the hotel or motel accepts pets before booking. Not all "pet-friendly" hotels take all pets. Traveling with a cat that isn't disclosed as a policy violation isn't worth the stress.
Feeding: Feed pets a light meal a few hours before travel rather than right before. Motion sickness is real for animals. Avoid large meals immediately before getting in the car.
At the New Home
Set up a safe room first. Before the chaos of unloading, set up one room as your pet's space: their bed, food, water, litter box (for cats), familiar toys. Let them stay in that room while the movers work and the rest of the home gets arranged.
Introduce the new space gradually. Let cats explore room by room over a few days rather than having full run of an unfamiliar home immediately. Dogs often adapt faster but benefit from a clear routine from day one.
Keep routines consistent. Feed at the same times, walk at the same times, give attention at the same times. Routine is reassuring when everything else is new.
Watch for signs of stress. Hiding (cats), reduced appetite, increased vocalization, changes in bathroom habits. Some adjustment period is normal. If symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks or are severe, contact your new vet.
Update registrations. Dog licenses are often issued by city or county. Update the license for your new location.
Moving with Fish, Birds, and Other Animals
Fish: Moving aquariums is one of the harder moving tasks. For local moves, transport fish in plastic bags with oxygen (your fish store can help) or in well-aerated containers. Drain and wrap the tank carefully. Set up the system immediately at the new home. For long-distance moves, rehoming fish or arranging aquatic transport services is worth considering.
Birds: Stress-sensitive. Keep them in a covered carrier in a temperature-controlled environment. No extreme temperatures, no direct sun on the carrier. Birds can be affected by fumes, so be careful with paint or cleaning products at the new home.
Reptiles: Temperature regulation is critical. Transport in insulated containers with appropriate heat sources. Check destination state laws since some states restrict certain reptile species.
For moving-day timing and your open-first box essentials (including pet supplies), see Moving Tips and Advice. For the full 8-week timeline including when to visit the vet, see the Moving Checklist.