Ultimate guide to long-distance moving with pets

Whether you’re moving to Europe or driving cross-country with a pet, this guide to moving with pets will help ensure the smoothest journey possible.

Dana Yewbank
·Contributing writer
·10 min read
Dog in a car window while driving
Dog in a car window while driving (Credit: Ignacio Amenábar via Unsplash)

Moving can be nerve-wracking — and moving with pets can make an already challenging situation even more complicated. Whether you're gearing up for a long-distance road trip or an overseas excursion, we compiled the best expert advice on how to safely and comfortably move with your pet.

Managing the emotional and physical effects a move can have on your animal is essential. Some pets are more sensitive than others, so it's important to plan accordingly to reduce stress for you and the fur babies.

According to experts like Mike Treuting, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Treuting Veterinary House Calls, preparation should ideally begin several months before a move. “Moving can increase anxiety for an animal,” Dr. Treuting says, but giving your pet time to ease into the process helps.

Regardless of how far you’re moving, Dr. Treuting recommends one key thing: “Get them used to that kennel.” Fill your pet’s kennel or carrier with their favorite toys and blankets, and let them move freely in and out before the move, offering treats whenever they’re inside. Dr. Treuting says this lets them develop a positive relationship with their kennel.

Early kennel training makes things easier since your pet will likely need to be contained during your move. After you arrive at your new home, your pet will have a familiar space where they can seek comfort as they become accustomed to the new space.

Before moving, fit your pets with collars and ID tags in case you get separated. Microchipping can be a wise choice, as conventional collars and tags can come loose during travel.

Introducing your pet to the smell of your new home before moving is a great way to prepare them for the change. If you can, travel to your new place before the move and snag a piece of fabric or a small item to introduce the scent to your animal.

Many pet owners rely on calming remedies to help their pets with travel stress.

When we talked to pet-care products specialist Chelsea Casanova from Pet Place Market, she shared four types of remedies pet owners can use to soothe pets during travel:

  • CBD products (CBD is legal in the U.S. but you should check applicable laws or travel restrictions when moving internationally.)

  • Pheromone sprays and diffusers

  • Herbal products (with safe ingredients for your pet)

  • Tranquilizers and sedatives

According to Casanova, this list should be approached in order: “Start with CBD, then move on to herbals, and the last-case scenario should be things like trazodone or gabapentin,” which require prescriptions. Casanova also recommends testing remedies early to make sure they work. “When the boxes start coming out” is when pet owners should get animals accustomed to things like CBD and pheromone sprays.

If you decide to use pet tranquilizers or sedatives, be extremely careful and avoid using them during plane travel. According to Australia’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), “sedation is generally not recommended for companion animals traveling by air due to health and safety concerns.” Over-sedation is the leading cause of death for animals during air travel, according to a report from the National Library of Medicine.

Packing an emergency bag for your pet can help navigate the unexpected.

Consider packing things like:

  • A pet first-aid kit

  • Pet medications

  • Pet-friendly calming remedies

  • A spare leash or harness

  • Extra food, water, and bowls

  • Treats and toys

  • Copies of your pet’s medical records

When traveling with different types of animals, consider packing separate emergency bags for each pet type.

There's no one-size-fits-all solution for moving with pets. It all depends on where and how far you're going and what types of animals you’re bringing along. Next, we’ll dig into the three main strategies for moving long distances with pets.

Whether it's a short move or a long U-Haul trek across the country, traveling by car is perhaps the safest option for transporting animals. Car travel lets you keep your precious pets close to you, minimizing stress and anxiety for you and your critters.

Here are some tips for making your car journey a success.

Set up a comfortable and secure place in your vehicle

Traveling by car with a pet means balancing comfort with safety. Your pet might like being free to roam, but you should keep them inside a secure carrier or kennel whenever your vehicle is moving. Your pet’s carrier should be spacious and comfortable. If you’re traveling with multiple pets, provide separate carriers for each one, especially when moving with different types of animals. If your pets get along, keeping them close together may comfort them. If not, you may want to consider separating them, if possible.

Plan pet-friendly accommodations

Not all hotels accept pets, so you’ll plan accordingly. Map out your route, and find where you can stay with pets. Note that some hotels charge pet fees.

Take plenty of potty breaks

No one likes holding it for too long on road trips, and pets are no different. Be sure to stop frequently to let animals outside. This keeps them comfortable and happy and reduces the risk of accidents.

Keep your pet on a leash or harness

Even obedient and loyal animals can become frightened and attempt to run away during a stressful experience like moving. Keep smaller animals like cats in a well-ventilated carrier. Large dogs and bigger animals should always be leashed, harnessed, or otherwise secured. Never transport an animal in an open truck bed.

Pros

Cons

The major benefit of traveling by car with your pet is that you can stick together from point A to point B. Going by car is also likely the least expensive option, as you won't have to pay airline fees or hire a moving service.

You'll be limited in where you can stay since not all hotels allow pets. Many hotels offer pet-friendly rooms but usually require an added cost. Any time you travel with an animal in a car over a long distance, you may also have to deal with accidents.

If you're moving overseas or unable to travel by car, you may need to move with your pet via an airline.

Here are some things to consider when planning a plane trip with your pets.

  • Airlines have different policies and fees for pet travel, and most require prior arrangements.

  • Most major airlines no longer allow pets to travel in the cargo hold.

  • Cats and dogs are usually allowed in the cabin but carry-on pets must be kept in carriers small enough to fit beneath an airplane seat (except in the case of fully trained service dogs).

  • Some but not all airlines allow certain types of exotic pets such as birds.

  • Airlines limit the number of pets a passenger can bring aboard a flight.

  • Fully trained service dogs are typically allowed on all airlines without carriers, but other types of service animals and emotional support animals must be contained.

Pros

Cons

Traveling by air with your pets lets you move across larger distances faster. For an overseas move, DIY plane travel with your pet is the most accessible and affordable option.

Traveling by air is more challenging for people with large pets, multiple pets, or uncommon pet varieties. Generally, pets can only travel in a plane’s cabin if they’re small enough to fit in a carrier beneath the seat. Most airlines no longer allow animals to be checked as cargo. For example, major carriers like American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines allow only military personnel to check animals. Flying with pets can also be expensive; most airlines charge pet fees ranging from $100 to $200 for one-way domestic flights. Exceptions are typically only made for fully trained service dogs.

If traveling with your pets by your side isn’t an option, a dedicated pet moving company can help with domestic and international pet relocation.

According to the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), professional pet movers can coordinate:

  • Flight regulations

  • Pet policies

  • Container requirements

  • Pickup and delivery arrangements

  • Quarantine

  • Boarding

  • Import and export

  • Identification requirements

To start you should search for an IPATA-approved pet shipping service near you. IPATA’s network of service providers represents over 175 companies from nearly 50 countries.

A few of the highly rated pet transport companies in IPATA’s network include:

Pros

Cons

Pros: Working with a professional pet shipper is ideal for people with large pets, multiple pets, or exotic animals. Paying a trusted pet transport service to handle the logistics lets you focus on your move and trust your pets are in good hands.

Using a professional pet relocation service is the most expensive way to move with pets. Professional relocation services can cost anywhere from $2,000 for basic domestic services to nearly $10,000 for . Another major con of shipping a pet is the stress it can create for the animal. Pets like cats and dogs are sensitive, forming strong emotional attachments to their owners. Prolonged separation can add significant stress.

Woman holding cat transporters closeup.
Woman holding cat transporters closeup. (Dalibor Cerskov via Getty Images)

If your pet is prone to motion sickness (or if they’ve never traveled), consider getting a prescription for a medication like maropitant or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) from your vet.

Just like humans, different animals have different capacities for navigating change. If your animal is already a seasoned road dog, you may not need to prepare them for a big move, but other animals will need help.

According to Casanova from Pet Place Market, “cats are more sensitive than dogs when it comes to change, even if all you do is move the couch six inches to the left.” This means cat owners will likely need to lay more groundwork. If you’re moving with different types of animals — for example, a cat and a bird — consider the unique needs of each animal when preparing for your trip.

Dr. Treuting says pet owners should reach out to a new vet immediately. “The same way you would get your ducks in a row for your own personal healthcare after a move, you should do the same for your pet,” Dr. Treuting says. Even if no problems surface quickly, experts recommend establishing a rapport with a new vet early. “Don’t wait until it’s an emergency.”

Even if you prepare your pet for the transition, they’ll still need time to adjust to your new home. According to Dr. Treuting, the time it takes for a pet to settle “depends on the animal and their stress levels,” but pet owners should allow about four to eight weeks.

After a move, your pet might experience changes related to:

  • Appetite or eating

  • Sleeping

  • Obedience

  • Urination

  • Destructive behaviors, such as chewing or scratching

The process of moving with pets doesn’t have to feel daunting — it just requires some extra planning. Driving with pets is one of the simpler options, as it lets you travel with multiple animals, including uncommon pet varieties. If you’re moving overseas, flying alongside your pets or hiring a pet relocation service can get the job done.

Regardless of your strategy, spend a couple of months preparing your pets for the change before you leave. Things like soothing remedies and kennel training can be a big help, especially for anxious animals. After the move is done, your pets may need some time to adjust. The best way to help your pet adjust after a move is to be patient and help them feel as comfortable and safe as possible.

According to Dr. Mike Treuting, “You just have to give them some time.”

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