Moving with Pets: Complete 2026 Guide for Dogs, Cats & More

I've moved with two cats and a dog. The first time was chaos—one cat hid under the bed for three days, the dog had diarrhea from stress, and I felt like the worst pet parent ever. The second time? Smooth sailing. The difference? Planning.

Moving is stressful for pets. Their routine gets disrupted, strange people are invading their territory, and suddenly they're in a completely new environment. But with the right approach, you can minimize the stress and help them adjust quickly.

Before the Move: Preparation (4-8 Weeks Out)

Visit the Vet

Schedule a checkup 4-6 weeks before moving day. You'll need:

• Health certificate: Required for interstate moves (expires in 30 days)
• Updated vaccinations: Rabies, DHPP, etc.
• Medications refilled: Get enough for the move plus 2 weeks
• Microchip check: Ensure it's working and contact info is current
• Sedatives (if needed): For extremely anxious pets during travel

Ask your vet for recommendations for vets in your new city.

Update ID Tags and Microchip

This is CRUCIAL. Pets get lost during moves more than any other time.

• Order new ID tags with your new address and phone number
• Update microchip registration with new contact info
• Include both old and new phone numbers during transition
• Consider adding a GPS tracker during the move

Pet ID Tags with QR Code

Modern ID tags with QR codes can store more info than traditional tags.

Research Pet Regulations in Your New Location

Different cities and states have different rules:

• Breed restrictions: Some apartments/cities ban certain dog breeds
• Licensing requirements: Most cities require pet licenses
• Leash laws: Vary by city
• Pet limits: Some places limit number of pets per household
• HOA rules: May have size/breed/number restrictions

Find a New Vet

Research and select a vet in your new city BEFORE you move. Schedule a "new patient" appointment for 1-2 weeks after your arrival. Have your current vet send medical records.

Essential Pet Moving Supplies

Travel Carrier (Proper Size)

Your pet should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Don't cheap out—this is their safe space during the move.

Collapsible Travel Bowls

For water and food during travel. Collapsible ones pack easily and don't spill.

Calming Aid/Anxiety Wrap

For nervous pets, anxiety wraps provide gentle pressure that calms them during stressful situations.

Pet First Aid Kit

Accidents happen. Be prepared with a basic pet first aid kit.

Portable Litter Box (for Cats)

For bathroom breaks during long drives. Disposable ones are easiest.

Pet Seat Belt/Car Harness

For dogs riding in the car. Safety first—unrestrained pets become projectiles in accidents.

Moving Day Strategy

Option 1: Keep Pets Away from the Chaos

This is the BEST option if possible:

• Daycare: Drop pets at boarding facility for moving day
• Friend's house: Have them stay with a trusted friend
• Quiet room: Keep them in one room with door closed, post "DO NOT OPEN" sign

Why this works: Movers coming in and out stress pets. They might escape through open doors. Keeping them away prevents anxiety and escape risks.

Option 2: Designated Safe Room

If you can't remove pets from the house:

1. Choose a bathroom or spare bedroom
2. Pack that room LAST
3. Put pets in room with water, food, toys, bed
4. Post clear sign: "PETS INSIDE - DO NOT OPEN"
5. Tell movers multiple times
6. Check on them periodically

Traveling with Pets

By Car (Under 8 Hours)

Preparation:

• Don't feed pets 3-4 hours before departure (prevents car sickness)
• Give water up to 30 minutes before leaving
• Exercise them before the drive (tired pets = calmer pets)
• Put familiar blanket in carrier (smells like home)

During the drive:

• Stop every 2-3 hours for bathroom breaks
• Always leash before opening car doors (even if they "never run")
• Offer water at each stop
• Keep car temperature comfortable (AC in summer, heat in winter)
• NEVER leave pets in parked car (even for "just a minute")

Hotel overnight:

• Book pet-friendly hotels in advance
• Bring food, bowls, litter box, familiar bedding
• Keep do not disturb sign up (housekeeping startles pets)
• Don't leave pets alone in room (hotel policy violation)

By Car (Over 8 Hours)

For long drives, plan more carefully:

• Break into 2-3 day journey with overnight stops
• Map pet-friendly rest stops and hotels
• Pack essentials in car (not in moving truck)
• Bring enough food for entire journey
• Consider anxiety medication from vet

By Plane

Small pets (under 20 lbs): Can often fly in cabin in approved carrier. Much less stressful than cargo.

Large pets: Must fly in cargo. Considerations:

• Book direct flights only (no layovers = less stress)
• Fly during mild weather (not hot summer or freezing winter)
• Use airline-approved crate, secure with zip ties
• Attach food/water bowls inside crate
• Label crate with "LIVE ANIMAL" and contact info
• Consider professional pet relocation service for valuable/anxious pets

Moving with Dogs: Specific Tips

Before the Move

• Maintain regular walking schedule (routine = security)
• Extra exercise during packing week (burns nervous energy)
• Introduce crate gradually if not crate-trained
• Practice car rides if your dog isn't used to them

At the New House

• Day 1: Walk them around the neighborhood immediately. Let them sniff and explore.
• Establish routine fast: Same feeding times, walking schedule, bedtime
• Unpack their stuff first: Food bowls, bed, toys—make one room "theirs"
• Check fence security: Walk entire fence line, check gates, look for escape routes
• Gradual freedom: Keep in one room at first, expand access as they settle

Adjustment Period

Expect:

• Clinginess or hiding for first few days
• Accidents in the house (even house-trained dogs)
• Anxiety-related behaviors (whining, pacing)
• Takes 2-4 weeks to fully adjust

Moving with Cats: Specific Tips

Before the Move

• Keep routine exactly the same (cats HATE change)
• Don't rearrange furniture during packing (too much change)
• Get them used to carrier—leave it out with treats inside
• Use Feliway (calming pheromone) spray 2 weeks before move

During Packing

• Pack cat's belongings last
• Leave familiar items out (scratching post, favorite blanket)
• Don't wash bedding before move (familiar smells = comfort)

At the New House

• Set up base camp: One room with litter box, food, water, hiding spots
• Keep them confined: 3-7 days in base camp before exploring
• Gradual exploration: One room at a time over several weeks
• Indoor cats: MUST stay inside for 4-6 weeks (or they'll try to "go home")
• Litter box placement: Start in base camp, gradually move to permanent location

Hiding is Normal

Cats commonly hide for 1-7 days after moving. Don't force them out. Just ensure they have access to food/water/litter. They'll emerge when ready.

Moving with Other Pets

Small Animals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters)

• Transport in their cage (covered with light blanket)
• Secure cage so it doesn't slide in car
• Bring portable carrier for hotel overnight if needed
• Maintain same bedding/food (don't change brands during move)
• Keep temperature stable (small animals overheat easily)

Birds

• Use travel cage (smaller, more secure than home cage)
• Cover cage partially (reduces stress)
• Avoid sudden movements while transporting
• Temperature control critical (birds are sensitive)
• Set up home cage first thing at new place

Fish

• Short distance (under 50 miles): Transport in bags with oxygen
• Long distance: Find them new homes, buy new fish at destination
• Moving fish cross-country rarely works, high mortality rate
• Save aquarium equipment, set up new tank, new fish

Reptiles

• Transport in secure container with air holes
• Use heat packs (activated) in cold weather
• Don't feed 24-48 hours before move (digestion issues)
• Maintain temperature during transport
• Set up habitat immediately upon arrival

Pet Essentials Box (Pack in Your Car)

Keep these accessible during the move, not packed in the truck:

• Food (at least 3 days worth)
• Treats
• Medications
• Bowls for food and water
• Leash and collar
• Waste bags
• Litter and litter box (cats)
• Favorite toys
• Bedding/blanket
• Vet records
• Recent photo (in case they escape)
• First aid kit

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Letting pets roam freely on moving day

✅ Confine to safe room or boarding facility

❌ Forgetting to update microchip info

✅ Update before the move with new address/phone

❌ Changing food during the move

✅ Keep same food for 2-3 weeks after move (one less change)

❌ Introducing new pet immediately

✅ Wait 4-6 weeks for everyone to settle before adding new pets

❌ Letting cats outside too soon

✅ Keep indoor-only for 4-6 weeks minimum (or they'll try to "go home")

❌ Leaving pets in hot car "for just a minute"

✅ Take them with you or don't go (cars heat up FAST)

When to See a Vet After Moving

Contact your new vet if you see:

• Refusal to eat for 48+ hours
• Excessive hiding beyond 7 days
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Aggressive behavior toward family members
• Self-harm (excessive licking, scratching)
• Unusual lethargy

Some stress is normal. Extreme or prolonged symptoms need professional attention.

Timeline for Pet Adjustment

Here's what to expect:

• Days 1-3: Most stressful. Hiding, not eating, clingy behavior all normal.
• Days 4-7: Starting to explore cautiously. May still have accidents.
• Weeks 2-3: Settling into routine. More confident exploring.
• Weeks 4-6: Mostly adjusted. Comfortable with new home.
• 3+ months: Fully settled. New house = home.

Every pet is different. Some adjust in days, others take months. Be patient.

Final Thoughts

Moving with pets is stressful for everyone. But remember: your stress becomes their stress. Stay calm, maintain routines as much as possible, and give them time to adjust.

That first week in the new place is tough. Your cat might hide under the bed. Your dog might whine at night. They might have accidents. It's normal. They're not being bad—they're scared and confused.

But within a month, they'll be back to normal. They'll claim their favorite sunny spot. They'll establish their new routine. They'll be home.

And honestly? Watching your pet settle into the new place—that moment when they finally relax and seem happy again—makes all the stress of moving worth it.