What is the Best Way to Move Across Country With Pets?

The best way to move across country with pets is by car with proper safety gear and preparation. Driving offers the most control over your pet's comfort and safety, with regular breaks for bathroom stops and stress relief. For small pets under 20 pounds, flying in the cabin can work well, but larger pets should never fly in cargo due to risks of injury, loss, or death.

Planning Your Pet's Cross-Country Move

Start Planning Early

Moving across the country is quite an undertaking, especially when you have a dog or cat along for the ride. The key to success is starting your planning process at least 2-3 months before your move date.

Essential first steps include:

• Scheduling a vet checkup
• Researching your destination state's pet laws
• Getting updated ID tags and microchips
• Planning your route or booking flights

Update Your Pet's Information

Ensure that your dog or cat is microchipped, and the contact information is up to date. Provide the microchip company with your cell phone number, an emergency contact, and your new address. Moving can be scary for pets, and they might try to run away in new places.

Make sure your pet wears a collar with current ID tags during the entire move. Include your cell phone number and new address if you have one.

Check State Requirements

When you travel with a pet, your destination State or Territory may have animal health requirements, such as obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic testing, or administering treatments.

Visit the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website to find information on requirements for interstate pet transport. Some states have specific requirements for importing your pet, including specific vaccination and/or microchipping requirements and an official domestic health certificate.

Transportation Options for Cross-Country Pet Moves

Driving: The Best Choice for Most Pets

Why driving wins:

• Complete control over temperature and environment
• Regular bathroom and exercise breaks
• No size restrictions like airlines have
• Less stress for anxious pets
• Often cheaper than flying multiple pets

Cross-country pet transportation cost varies depending on the distance traveled. Most people expect to pay about $0.50 to $1.60 per mile when using professional ground transport services.

Car Safety Requirements

The safest place for a dog in the car is a crash-tested crate, but sometimes this isn't an option depending on the size of your car. Invest in a quality dog seatbelt and harness if not using a crate.

For cats, always use a secure carrier. Your cat should also be in a crash-tested crate. Since cats don't get walks and potty breaks, it's best to travel with the largest crate you can fit in your car. You'll need room for food, water, and a small litter box.

Flying: Limited but Sometimes Necessary

Flying works best for small pets that can fit in carriers under airplane seats. Most major airlines will charge between $95 and $125 per pet each way for domestic travel for in-cabin travel.

Important flying facts:

• Only pets weighing under 15-20 pounds typically qualify for cabin travel
• Some breeds of dogs, such as flat-faced ("brachycephalic") dogs, like Pugs and French Bulldogs, should never fly in a plane's cargo hold. They are at higher risk of heart issues, breathing problems, and heatstroke.
• Cargo travel carries risks and should be avoided when possible

Professional Pet Transport Services

Quotes we received suggested that moving a large-breed dog from New York City to Los Angeles would cost somewhere between $2,300 to $5,700.

Professional services work well when:

• You can't drive your pet yourself
• You have multiple large pets
• Your schedule doesn't allow for a road trip

Research companies carefully and read reviews. Make sure they're licensed and insured for pet transport.

Costs of Moving Pets Across Country

Driving Costs

DIY driving expenses:

• Gas: $200-800 depending on distance
• Pet-friendly hotels: $80-150 per night
• Food and supplies: $50-100
• Safety equipment (crates, harnesses): $100-300

Total DIY cost: $430-1,250

Professional Ground Transport

The required costs to relocate one small dog across the country by airplane within the United States are around $1,500 on average, while the required costs of private ground transport for one dog making a cross-country move typically land around $3,500.

Flying Costs

• In-cabin flights: $95-125 per pet per flight
• Cargo flights: $200-1,000+ per pet
• Required airline-approved carrier: $100-400
• Health certificates: $100-300

78% of American pet owners travel with their pets each year, showing this is a common need that many families face.

Preparing Your Pet for the Journey

Veterinary Preparation

Schedule a vet visit 2-4 weeks before your move. During this appointment, make sure your pet is current on all required vaccinations for the area you are moving to and discuss with your veterinarian what additional vaccines may be recommended.

Ask your vet about:

• Motion sickness medication
• Anti-anxiety medication for stressed pets
• Any health concerns for your destination climate
• Refills of current medications to last through the move

Crate Training and Preparation

Whether your pet is flying or riding in the car, it's important to help them feel comfortable in a crate or carrier. Start this process at least 2-3 weeks before travel.

Crate training steps:

1. Place the crate in a familiar area with the door open
2. Put favorite toys and treats inside
3. Feed meals near or inside the crate
4. Gradually increase time spent in the closed crate
5. Take short practice car trips

Pack a Pet Travel Kit

Essential items for your pet's travel bag:

• Food for the entire trip plus 2 extra days
• Collapsible food and water bowls
• Current medications
• Favorite toys and blankets
• Waste bags and litter box supplies
• First aid kit
• Recent photos of your pet
• Vaccination records and health certificates

Road Trip Tips for Cross-Country Pet Moves

Route Planning

Plan your route with pet needs in mind. Look for:

• Pet-friendly hotels along your path
• Rest areas with grass for bathroom breaks
• Emergency vet clinics along the route
• Dog parks for exercise stops

Nearly 64% of travelers prefer to travel with pets by car, making this the most popular choice for pet families.

Daily Travel Schedule

Keep these daily limits:

• 6-8 hours maximum driving time
• Bathroom breaks every 2-3 hours
• Longer meal and exercise breaks every 4 hours
• Overnight stops in pet-friendly hotels

Both dogs and cats thrive when they have a daily routine. While moving is inherently stressful, staying as close as you can to regular activities will help them through the process.

Managing Pet Stress on Long Drives

Stress reduction tips:

• Keep feeding times consistent
• Bring familiar bedding and toys
• Play calming music
• Never leave pets alone in hot cars
• Keep car temperature comfortable

Take some time during each day to stop and play with your pet to alleviate stress and anxiety.

Hotel Stays with Pets

Finding Pet-Friendly Hotels

About 75% of luxury, mid-scale, and economy hotels allow pets, but policies vary widely. Always call ahead to confirm.

Popular pet-friendly hotel chains:

• La Quinta (no pet fee at most locations)
• Kimpton Hotels (no size or weight restrictions)
• Motel 6 (small pets usually welcome)
• Holiday Inn Express (varies by location)

Hotel Etiquette

• Keep pets crated when you're not in the room
• Clean up any accidents immediately
• Don't leave pets alone if they bark or cry
• Bring your own pet bedding
• Walk pets in designated areas only

Safety During Your Cross-Country Move

Moving Day Safety

When moving day arrives, your pet should be looked after or kept away from the activity for their safety, and the safety of the move crew. Consider these options:

• Ask a friend or family member to pet-sit
• Keep pets in a quiet, closed room away from movers
• Board pets for the day at a local facility
• Use a professional moving service that understands pet safety

Emergency Preparedness

Always have emergency contacts ready:

• Your regular veterinarian's information
• Emergency vet clinics along your route
• Your destination area's emergency vet clinics
• Pet poison control hotline: 888-426-4435

Keep a first aid kit with basics like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any emergency medications your vet recommends.

Special Considerations for Different Pets

Moving with Dogs

Dogs usually adapt well to car travel but need regular exercise breaks. Dogs make up 58% of the pets traveling around the world, making them the most commonly transported pets.

Dog-specific tips:

• Use familiar leashes and harnesses
• Bring favorite toys for comfort
• Plan for bathroom breaks every 2-3 hours
• Consider dog parks along your route for exercise

Moving with Cats

Cats often find moving more stressful than dogs. Keep in mind, cats often won't eat, drink, or eliminate when scared. So, don't panic if they avoid food, water, and the litter box for a day. However, anything beyond 24 hours is a concern.

Cat-specific tips:

• Use carriers they're familiar with
• Bring a small travel litter box
• Pack extra litter and cleaning supplies
• Consider calming pheromone sprays
• Keep carriers covered to reduce stress

Moving with Multiple Pets

Multiple pets require extra planning and patience. 5 cats in one vehicle may be tough. I would encourage you to enlist a friend or family member to do the drive with you when moving several pets at once.

Multi-pet strategies:

• Use separate carriers to prevent fighting
• Have a helper for bathroom breaks
• Book larger hotel rooms or suites
• Consider professional moving assistance for complex moves

After Arrival: Helping Pets Adjust

First Days in Your New Home

While they're in their crate, introduce your pet to the room they'll be in the most. Leave the door open and add their favorite things like toys, treats, and a blanket.

Adjustment tips:

• Set up a quiet "safe space" with familiar items
• Keep routines as normal as possible
• Gradually introduce pets to different rooms
• Watch for signs of stress or illness

Finding New Veterinarians

Research veterinarians in your new area before you arrive. Ask your current vet for recommendations, and schedule a meet-and-greet appointment within your first week.

Transfer medical records and prescription information to ensure continuity of care.

Pet Registration and Local Requirements

Check your new city's pet registration requirements. Many cities require:

• Annual pet licenses
• Updated rabies vaccination records
• Breed-specific regulations
• Leash laws and pet limits

Cost-Saving Tips for Pet Moves

Budget-Friendly Options

Ways to save money:

• Drive instead of flying when possible
• Pack your own pet food and supplies
• Use apps to find cheaper pet-friendly hotels
• Travel during off-peak seasons
• Consider staying with friends or family along the route

When to Invest More

Worth spending extra on:

• High-quality, crash-tested pet carriers
• Travel insurance for valuable pets
• Professional transport for elderly or sick pets
• Emergency vet fund for unexpected issues

37% of owners take shorter vacations because of their pets, but planning ahead can help you avoid this compromise during a move.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planning Mistakes

• Waiting too long to start planning
• Not researching destination state requirements
• Forgetting to update microchip information
• Skipping practice trips for anxious pets

Travel Day Errors

• Feeding pets large meals right before travel
• Leaving pets unattended in vehicles
• Not bringing enough water and supplies
• Rushing the journey without adequate breaks

Post-Move Problems

• Letting pets outside without proper ID tags
• Not pet-proofing the new home first
• Changing too many routines at once
• Skipping the new vet visit

For families planning long-distance moves in the Alberta area, remember that professional movers understand the challenges of relocating with pets and can help coordinate timing to reduce stress.

Final Thoughts

Moving across country with pets takes careful planning, but it's absolutely doable with the right approach. The best method for most families is driving, which gives you complete control over your pet's comfort and safety. Start planning early, prioritize your pet's health and safety, and don't hesitate to invest in proper equipment and professional help when needed.

Remember that 78% of American pet owners travel with their pets each year, so you're not alone in wanting to keep your furry family together during a big move. With proper preparation, your cross-country adventure can be the start of wonderful new memories in your new home.

If you're planning a move in Alberta and need professional assistance, contact Last Stop Moving for expert help with timing and coordination to make your pet-friendly move as smooth as possible.