Cross country moving guide for pet owners

A cross-country move is long and usually quite challenging. If you happen to be relocating cross country with a pet you need to be prepared and ready for your move properly. If you’re looking for a cross-country moving guide for pet owners, you’re in the right place. In this article, we are going to cover a few essential things you need to do when moving with your pet. Furthermore, we are going to discuss a few different rules and regulations various states have when it comes to pet relocation. Of course, in addition to this, we will be mentioning why it’s so important to have reliable and trustworthy movers such as Best Cross Country movers when relocating. Let’s take a closer look.

Prepare your pet for the relocation

Before the actual moving day comes it is important that your pet is ready and prepared for the move as well as you. Throughout the coming weeks before the moving date avoid changing anything of the daily routines of your pet. They are very sensitive to their daily routine and they do not like it when they are changed. While you know that the moving day is coming your pet does not. Since it cannot help you pack, it is best to let him continue with his standard daily routine. If you are moving cross-country to Alabama, a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is required both for cats and dogs. Move to Alabama with the right cross-country movers Alabama by your side.

Pet preperations as essentials for Cross country moving guide for pet owners.
Preparing your pet for the journey is essential in any cross-country moving guide for pet owners.

Prepare food and necessary supplies for your pet

It is important to stock up on essential supplies and food for your pet. You know your pet the best. So, know what your pet likes or dislikes when it comes to food and what kind of food it prefers. Make sure you bring all of their typical food for the duration of your relocation. This is important as you do not want to run out of supplies and food and have to buy something that your pet is not used to and may not like.

Another reason why it’s so important to keep their regular diet and also daily routine is that if a sudden change in diet happens, it can cause an upset stomach in many pets. When moving to California with pets, CVI or a certificate of veterinary inspection is not required. Domestic cats must be apparently healthy. Dogs older than 4 months must have a certificate of current rabies vaccination. Relocate to the state of California successfully with your pet by enlisting the help of trusted cross-country movers California.

Visit the vet before the move

A cross-country move is usually long and can take quite a while until you reach your designated destination. Therefore, it is best to be ready and prepared on time when moving with your pet cross-country. It is best to take a precautionary check with your vet. Take your pet and consult with the vet about whether it is ready for a cross-country move. This is a perfect opportunity to ask your vet for some tips and tricks and what you can do to keep your pet calm and relaxed. In the state of Colorado, you need CVI both for cats and dogs. This goes for other pets as well. Move to Colorado properly with reliable cross-country movers Colorado by your side.

A vet
Visit your vet to confirm your pet is ready for the journey.

Double check on all of the documents for your pet

When traveling cross country, you will likely keep all of your important documents with you and the same should go for your pet’s documents as well. Double check on all the previous vaccination dates of your pet, vet visits, and other important health information regarding your pet. Make sure that everything is in order and in one place so that you can have easy access to these documents if you need them. For Connecticut, a Certificate of Health is needed. It needs to be approved no more than 30 days prior to entry by a licensed veterinarian. A proper livestock sanitary official of state of origin needs to approve it. Relocate to Connecticut with the help of experienced Connecticut cross-country movers.

Try picking the best travel options for your pet

Pets are strictly prohibited on moving trucks and therefore you need to relocate your pet yourself. If you are unsure of how you will travel to your new home take your pet into consideration first. Make sure that you select the best possible option for your pet. If you’re flying, different airlines have different rules regarding pets. Obviously, sometimes you can bring your pet with you in a cabin but this will depend on its breed and size and many other factors. So check with your airline and see how they can transport your pet. Larger and more exotic animals will likely have to travel as cargo. When it comes to the state of Florida, dogs, and cats three months of age and older need a current rabies vaccination. A licensed veterinarian must provide this proof of vaccination. Move your items and your pet safely with reliable cross-country movers Florida.

A plane.
Pick the best travel option for your pet.

If you are unable to fly or drive with your pets, it is best to consider hiring a pet relocation service. These companies will ship your pet by ground or air depending on the type of your pet and other factors. This is a great idea for exotic animals as some might be banned on most airlines. This can sometimes be the case for certain breeds of regular dogs as well. Ensure that your pet has all the things necessary for a safe and stress-free relocation. Ensure that they have the following things in place before you hire your relocation service:

  • a contract
  • proper credentials
  • pit stops
  • proper communication
  • positive reviews

Ready your car for the journey with your pet

Make your own vehicle as comfortable as possible if you’re going by car with your pet. Make sure that your vehicle is prepared for your pet. Although you will have some belongings with you in your vehicle, clear enough space for a crate and for your pet to lie down and rest. As mentioned above in the article, take frequent stops and ensure your pet has enough of all the necessary supplies throughout the duration of your relocation journey. Hawaii is very specific when it comes to pet relocation. Pets need microchips to enter. They need health certificates as well. Also, the state of Hawaii requires an import form, two rabies vaccination certificates, and prepayment no less than 10 days before arrival. Prepare these documents and move with your pet to Hawaii with trusted cross-country movers Hawaii.

A dog in a car.
Prepare your car for your pet.

Remember that if you’re traveling with your own vehicle, never leave your pet alone in a car. It may be tempting to leave your animal even if it’s for a little while when you have to run and grab some lunch or do some erands but you should never do this. Temperatures can quickly rise or go down and your pet will not be able to get out of the vehicle on its own.  You should be with it at all times. To help prepare your pet for the move always make sure you bring along a scent from home. By putting something that smells like home in their crate or around the area they lie down, your pet will be relaxed and calmer. Buckle up your pet and bring a harness or a crash-tested carrier.

Specific moving tips by species

Obviously, there are all sorts of different pets out there not everything goes the same for each pet. Each pet requires different attention and preparations for a cross-country move. Let’s take a look at some of the different species and discuss some of the essential tips and tricks for relocating long-distance with these pets.

How to move with a dog

Dogs are famous for their habit and routines. Changing their routines or introducing different items and people foreign to them can really freak them out. It is essential to desensitize them with the travel crate moving boxes and dollies. This can be done throughout the days leading up to your move. Make sure you also give your dog treats while they’re around these items to create a positive association and of course, as mentioned above always maintain their regular routine intact as much as possible.

A dog.
Keep a close watch on your dog during the entirety of your relocation.

Keep the same feeding times and play with them regularly. Of course, if they’re not properly exercised and stimulated, they can get very bored and anxious. Try to work on some physical activity to keep your dog busy and occupied. Toys such as treat balls or stuffed animals are great for this. For the state of Kentucky, CVI is required. They need to be issued within 30 days prior to entry. Hire trusted cross-country movers Kentucky to help you with your move.

How to move with a cat

Relocating a cat is a little bit more challenging than if you were to relocate a dog. They’re not trained to sit, stay or walk on a leash which makes a relocation a bit more challenging. A cat will probably spend a lot of time in its carrier so it’s crucial that they’re comfortable while they’re in there. Start giving your cat meals inside a carrier before the moving day so that is used to it. Their litter box, litter pan, and scooper will also need to be packed. Pheromone supplementation with sprays or colors that reduce stress during the move is also recommended. The state of Louisiana requires an Official Health Certificate with all of the necessary immunization. Relocate to Louisiana with experienced cross-country movers Louisiana by your side.

A cat.
Entertain your cat throughout the relocation process.

How to move with a bird

If you’re relocating long-distance with a bird, it is extremely important that you make sure it doesn’t get stressed out. Keep them nearby as much as possible and keep an eye out for any changes in their behavior or appetite. If you’re traveling by car keep the carrier in the back seat. Of course, try to keep their temperature the same as their normal habitat. It is also important to bring a blanket that you can put over their carrier to prevent your bird from getting too much sunlight exposure. A large cardboard box if you have an extra can also be used for this. If you do end up packing all of your items on your own, make sure you know how to properly construct these cardboard boxes.

How to move with a reptile

Air travel for reptiles is not recommended as it is very difficult and quite stressful. Airlines will accept reptile pets but only as cargo. If you have to put your reptile on a plane, make sure that you inspect the cargo and check if it’s a comfortable place and zone for your reptile. For the state of Mississippi, proof of current rabies vaccination per guidelines outlined in the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Rabies Compendium is needed. You also need Proof of vaccination and CVI. Move there successfully with proper cross-country movers Mississippi.

How to move with a fish

The majority of fish can be individually scooped into a 5-gallon container alongside their aquarium water. You will want to keep the environment dark and cool. Minimize the amount of time they spend in their temporary homes as much as possible. So, if you’re traveling with your pet fish make sure you get to your destination as soon as possible. For NY, CVI is required within 30 days prior to entry. A New York destination address is also needed. Furthermore, no clinical evidence of infectious or communicable diseases, including external parasites and fungi are not present. Move to NY with trusted cross-country movers New York.

Get A Free Moving Quote

Step 1 of 3

City You Are Moving From(Required)
City You Are Moving To(Required)
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form