Moving with Pets (Domestic)

Preparation Before the Move:

• Visit Your Veterinarian: Schedule a check-up well before your move.
  • Discuss travel plans and any potential health concerns or need for anxiety medication (use only under vet guidance).
  • Ensure all vaccinations, especially Rabies, are up-to-date. This is critical for interstate travel, particularly for dogs and sometimes cats.
  • Obtain a copy of your pet's complete medical and vaccination records.
  • Health Certificate (CVI): Ask your vet if a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also known as a health certificate, is required by your destination state for your specific pet type. Requirements vary, but many states require a CVI issued by an accredited veterinarian within a specific timeframe (often 10-30 days) before entry, certifying the pet appears healthy and free of contagious diseases. Airlines often require one even if the state doesn't.
• Check Destination State Requirements: This is crucial! Each state has its own rules for animal importation.
  • Visit the USDA APHIS State & Territory Animal Health Requirements page and select your destination state.
  • Contact the State Veterinarian or Department of Agriculture in your destination state directly to confirm specific entry requirements for your type of pet (e.g., vaccinations, tests, permits, especially for exotic pets or livestock).
• Update Identification:
  • Ensure your pet wears a collar or harness with clearly legible ID tags showing your name and current phone number. Consider adding a temporary tag with your new address and contact info or a contact person along your route.
  • Microchip Update: If your pet is microchipped (highly recommended!), update your contact information (address, phone, email) with the microchip registry company *before* you move. Use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool to find which company your chip is registered with if you're unsure.
• Prepare Travel Supplies:
  • Carrier/Crate: Ensure you have a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier or crate that is the appropriate size (pet can stand, turn, lie down comfortably). Acclimate your pet to the carrier well before the trip by making it a positive space.
  • Travel Kit: Pack readily accessible food, water (bring some from home initially), bowls, leash/harness, waste bags/litter supplies, medications, copies of vet records/CVI, familiar bedding/toys, and first-aid supplies.
• Research Pet-Friendly Housing/Accommodations: If renting in your new state, confirm pet policies (size/breed restrictions, pet fees/rent) *before* signing a lease. If driving and needing overnight stops, identify and book pet-friendly hotels along your route in advance using sites like BringFido or specific hotel chain filters.

Traveling by Car:

Driving is often the most common and generally least stressful way to move pets domestically.

• Safety First - Secure Your Pet: Never let pets roam freely in the car. This is extremely dangerous for them and for you.
  • Use a well-secured, appropriately sized crate or carrier. Position it so it won't slide or tip over.
  • Alternatively, use a tested and approved pet seatbelt harness attached securely to the car's seatbelt system.
  • Cats should generally always remain in their carrier during travel.
• Plan Frequent Stops: Stop every 2-4 hours for dogs to stretch their legs, relieve themselves (on leash!), and drink water. Cats may prefer to stay in their carrier but check on them regularly.
• Never Leave Pets Unattended in the Car: Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise or fall to dangerous levels extremely quickly, even on mild days or with windows cracked. This can lead to heatstroke or hypothermia. Take pets with you during stops whenever possible, or have someone stay in the car with them (with AC/heat running appropriately).
• Feeding & Water: Stick to their regular feeding schedule as much as possible. Avoid feeding large meals right before or during travel to minimize nausea. Offer small amounts of water frequently during stops.
• Comfort & Anxiety: Include familiar items (blanket, toy) in their carrier. Use calming pheromone sprays (like Feliway for cats, Adaptil for dogs) if helpful. Discuss anti-anxiety medication with your vet *well before* the trip if your pet suffers significant travel stress (never self-medicate).

Traveling by Air (Domestic):

Flying domestically with pets is possible but requires careful coordination with the airline.

• Contact Airline EARLY: Policies vary significantly. Check the airline's specific rules regarding pet size/weight limits for in-cabin travel, breed restrictions (especially snub-nosed breeds often prohibited from cargo), carrier requirements (dimensions, type), health certificate/vaccination requirements (often stricter than state rules), fees, and booking procedures. Book your pet's spot when you book your own ticket, as cabin space is very limited.
• In-Cabin Travel: Only very small dogs and cats (meeting weight limits and fitting comfortably in an airline-approved carrier under the seat in front of you) are typically allowed in the cabin. The carrier counts as your carry-on item. Pets must remain in the carrier for the entire flight.
• Cargo Travel: Larger pets must travel in the temperature-controlled cargo hold. This can be stressful for animals and carries more risks. Airlines have strict rules about crate specifications, temperature restrictions (may not fly pets during extreme heat/cold), and check-in procedures. Some airlines have suspended or restricted pet cargo services. Consider professional pet shippers if cargo travel is necessary.
• Health Certificate (CVI): Most airlines require a CVI issued by a vet within 10 days of travel for both cabin and cargo pets.
• Direct Flights Preferred: Minimize stress and potential connection issues by booking direct flights whenever possible.

Helping Pets Adjust to the New Home:

• Introduce Gradually: When you arrive, initially confine your pet to one quiet room with their familiar items (bed, food, water, litter box). Let them explore the rest of the house slowly over hours or days as they feel comfortable.
• Maintain Routines: Stick to familiar feeding times, walk schedules, and playtime routines to provide stability.
• Familiar Scents: Use their existing bedding and toys. Avoid washing everything immediately. Familiar smells are comforting.
• Supervise Outdoors: Keep dogs on leash initially in the new yard until they are familiar with the boundaries and you've checked for potential hazards. Ensure fences are secure. Keep cats indoors, especially initially, as they can easily get lost in unfamiliar territory.
• Patience is Key: It can take days, weeks, or even months for some pets to fully adjust. Provide extra attention, reassurance, and positive reinforcement. Watch for signs of stress (hiding, changes in appetite, inappropriate elimination) and consult your new vet if concerns persist.