How to Plan a Smooth Move When Moving with Pets

Moving with pets is like trying to sleep in a new hotel—you need familiar things around to feel at ease.

The bed might be comfy, and the view might be great, but without your pillow or your usual nighttime routine, it just doesn’t feel right.

And for your pets?

It’s no different. They feel the same way—except they can’t tell you that in words.

Once the packing starts, your pet notices.

Their daily routine? Gone.

Their nap spot? Boxed up.

Their stress? Very real.

In fact, 78% of American pet owners travel with their pets each year. That’s why planning is more important than ever.

With so many people relocating with pets, even a little preparation can turn a potentially stressful move into a smooth and safe transition for your furry family members.

If you’re moving across town or cross-country, these pet moving tips will help keep things calm, safe, and way more manageable.

So, let’s talk about how to relocate with pets the right way—less stress and more wagging tails.

Why Planning Matters When Moving with Pets

Moving with pets isn’t just about the logistics of boxes and furniture; it’s about ensuring your furry companions feel safe, secure, and supported throughout every step of the process.

Just like humans, pets are deeply affected by change.

That’s why early planning matters more than you might think. Start by identifying the most common stress triggers for pets during a move:

• Sudden changes in the environment
• Loud noises and unusual activity
• Unfamiliar people coming in and out of the home
• Loss of routine and regular feeding times
• Separation from owners during key stages of the move

Preparing Your Pet Before Moving Day

When it comes to moving with pets, the earlier you start preparing, the better. A few simple steps ahead of time can make a big difference in keeping your pet calm, safe, and ready for what’s next.

Schedule a vet visit: Before you move, book a quick check-up. Ensure vaccinations are up to date, refill prescriptions, and request a copy of your medical records, especially if you’re switching veterinarians.

Update ID tags and microchips: Your pet can’t tell someone where they live, so updated tags and microchip info are a must. Add your new address and phone number just in case they get lost during the move.

Introduce the crate early: Help your pet get used to their travel carrier ahead of time. Leave it out with treats, toys, or a cozy blanket to make it feel safe and familiar.

Pack gradually: Sudden changes can cause stress in pets. Try packing room by room and keep their favorite nap spots intact until the last possible day.

Pack a pet essentials bag: Set aside food, bowls, a leash, medications, toys, and any other essentials your pet needs to have easy access to. Think of it like their overnight bag for the move.

Local and Long-Distance Moves with Pets

Once you’ve handled the basics—such as vet visits and crate training—the next big question is how far you’re willing to go. Because when it comes to moving with pets, distance makes a significant difference

A short drive across town requires a different strategy than a multi-day road trip or a cross-country flight.

Short distance moves

Even a local move can throw your pet off, but it’s easier to manage with a few key steps:

Prepare the car: Make your car a comfortable space by adding a familiar blanket or toy. Keep the temperature cool and avoid loud music.

One dedicated trip: Avoid going back and forth with your pet in tow. Plan one calm, secure ride to their new home to limit stress.

Pet-proof the new space: Before bringing them in, check for hazards like open windows, cleaning supplies, or gaps where they might hide or get stuck.

Long distance moves

A longer journey, whether by car or plane, means more planning. Here’s how to relocate with pets the smart way:

Plan travel accommodation: If you’re driving over several days, book pet-friendly hotels ahead of time. Flying? Check your airline’s pet policies well in advance.

Handle paperwork: If you’re crossing state lines or borders, research travel regulations, vaccination requirements, and any health certifications your pet might need.

Stick to routines: Feed, walk, and rest your pet on their normal schedule as much as possible.

Transport Pets Safely and Comfortably

Now that your pet is prepped and calm, it’s time to get them from your old home to the new one. Whether it’s a quick drive or a long journey, the goal is the same: transporting pets safely with as little stress as possible.

Choose the right carrier: Ensure the carrier is sturdy, well-ventilated, and large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Add a familiar blanket or toy for comfort.

Secure the carrier in the car: Place the carrier in the back seat and secure it with a seatbelt or travel harness. Never let pets roam freely—they can become a distraction or get hurt if you must stop suddenly.

Plan for breaks: If you’re driving a long distance, stop every few hours for water, bathroom breaks, and a short walk (for dogs). This helps reduce restlessness and anxiety.

Know the air travel rules: Flying? Check with your airline well in advance. Some pets can travel in the cabin, while others must travel in cargo. Each airline has different requirements for carrier size, documentation, and weather restrictions.

Pack a travel kit: Bring food, water, a collapsible bowl, waste bags, and any necessary medication for your pet while traveling. Planning helps you stay calm and keeps your pet comfortable.

Provide Proper Pet Care on Moving Day

The boxes are packed, the movers have arrived, and it’s go-time. But for your pet, all the hustle and noise can feel overwhelming.

That’s why moving day pet care is all about minimizing stress and keeping things as calm as possible.

Create a quiet space: Set up a secure, quiet room away from the hustle and bustle. Add their bed, toys, water bowl, and something that smells like you. A closed-door can-do wonders.

Assign a pet sitter: Have a trusted friend or family member care for your pet during the move. That way, they’re away from the chaos, and you can focus on logistics.

Avoid feeding right before travel: Stick to light meals a few hours before departure to avoid upset stomachs, especially if your pet tends to become anxious in the car.

Keep noise and traffic low: Try to limit strangers coming in and out, loud voices, or heavy movement near your pet’s safe space. Less stimulation means that keeping pets calm during a move becomes much easier.

Settle Your Pet into Their New Home

You’ve made it—boxes unpacked, furniture in place, and your pet has officially arrived. But for them, this unfamiliar environment can feel a little like waking up in someone else’s bed.

That’s why settling pets into a new home takes a bit of patience, routine, and a lot of reassurance.

Unpack familiar items first: Before setting up anything else, arrange their bed, toys, food bowls, and litter box (if applicable). The sight and smell of these items offer instant comfort.

Start with one room: confine your pet to a single space initially. It reduces overwhelm and gives them a chance to adjust slowly. Once they’re calm, gradually introduce them to the rest of the home.

Stick to routines: Feeding, walking, and playtime—keep them all on schedule. Routine is one of the most effective ways to keep pets calm during a move and help them feel at home.

Watch for signs of stress: Hiding, pacing, skipping meals, or extra clinginess are all normal at first. However, if it persists, please call your vet—just to be safe.

Offer comfort and attention: A little extra cuddling or quiet time can help reassure your pet that, even though the space is new, the love is the same.

Essential Pet-Friendly Moving Checklist

After all the planning, packing, and settling in, it’s helpful to have a simple list to ensure you’ve covered everything. A solid pet-friendly moving checklist can keep you organized and confident every step of the way, from pre-move prep to post-move routines.

Pre-move tasks

• Schedule a vet visit and update vaccinations
• Update ID tags and microchip info
• Get pets comfortable with travel crates
• Pack slowly to reduce anxiety
• Gather medical records and prescriptions

Moving day essentials

• Prepare a quiet, secure room away from chaos
• Pack a pet essentials bag with food, water, a leash, toys, and medication
• Avoid feeding pets right before travel.
• Assign a sitter if possible.
• Keep stress triggers (noise, foot traffic) to a minimum

Post-move settling tips

• Unpack your pet’s things first
• Start with one familiar room
• Stick to routines for feeding and play
• Monitor behavior and look for signs of stress
• Schedule a check-in with a local vet if needed.

Special Moving Tips for Dogs, Cats, and Small Animals

Every pet has their personality and species-specific needs. While most of the core pet moving tips apply across the board, here are a few additional pointers tailored to the type of animal.

Dogs: Give them extra exercise before travel to release nervous energy. Take leash breaks during the trip, and bring a chew toy for comfort. A walk around your new neighborhood helps them adjust faster.

Cats: Line their carrier with something that smells like home. Set up quiet hideaway spots in the new place and keep familiar bedding nearby to help ease the change.

Birds, reptiles, and small mammals: Keep enclosures secure and well-ventilated and minimize excessive handling to ensure their well-being. Cover bird cages during travel to minimize stress and closely monitor temperatures for reptiles.