Moving with Pets

Most people move with their pets in the same vehicle without any additional service. A pet moving company becomes relevant in three situations: you are moving long-distance and cannot have your pet in the car for the full journey, you are moving internationally (which involves documentation, quarantine, and regulatory requirements), or your pet has specific medical or behavioral needs that make standard travel difficult.

Costs vary significantly based on the scope of service. Domestic moves within the United States typically range from $500 to over $1,000 depending on distance and services included. International pet transport generally starts at $2,000 and increases based on destination requirements.

What pet movers typically handle

• Ground or air transportation (door-to-door or terminal pickup)
• Health certificates, import permits, and regulatory documentation
• Quarantine coordination for international destinations
• Custom crating and handling for oversized or exotic animals

A professional pet mover manages the logistics of your animal's journey the same way a freight company manages a shipment — with documentation, routing, and handling protocols for each leg of the trip.

For domestic moves, this typically means coordinating ground transport or air travel in climate-controlled vehicles or aircraft cargo holds, with regular check-ins along the route. For international moves, the mover liaises with the destination country's consulate to confirm vaccination records, microchipping requirements, and any quarantine period that applies.

Premium services — sometimes called "white glove" — include dedicated attendants who travel with your pet and provide updates throughout the journey. These run significantly higher in cost but are worth considering for elderly animals, pets with anxiety, or very long journeys.

The pet moving industry has no universal licensing requirement, so the difference between reputable companies and unreliable ones is significant. Here is what to look for.

• 1IPATA membership — the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association sets industry standards and requires members to be registered with the USDA's Animal Welfare Act. This is the most important credential to verify.
• 2At least five years in operation — experience handling diverse routes, animal types, and documentation requirements is hard to replicate.
• 3No sedation recommendations — reputable movers will not recommend sedating your pet for travel. Sedation increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular complications during air transport.
• 4Verifiable references — request contact information for past customers, not just testimonials on their website.
• 5Clear emergency protocols — ask specifically about what happens if your pet becomes ill or injured during transport, and what insurance coverage applies.

Before committing to a pet moving company, get answers to these questions in writing.

• What is included in the quoted price, and what triggers additional charges?
• How do you handle medical emergencies during transport?
• What insurance coverage is provided for loss, injury, or death?
• What documentation will you prepare, and what do I need to provide?
• How often will I receive updates during the journey?
• What are the feeding and water protocols for the journey length?
• Do you have experience moving animals to my specific destination?

Regardless of whether you use a professional service or transport your pet yourself, preparation makes the transition easier for your animal.

• 1Update microchip records and ID tags with your new address before move-in day.
• 2Get a health certificate from your vet — most airlines and some states require one issued within 10 days of travel.
• 3Crate train in advance — if your pet will be traveling in a crate, introduce it weeks before the move so it is a familiar space rather than a stressful one.
• 4Maintain a consistent feeding schedule in the days leading up to the move. Disrupted routines contribute to travel anxiety.
• 5On move-in day, set up a quiet room for your pet first — before the chaos of unloading begins. Familiar items like their bed, toys, and water bowl make the new space feel less foreign.

International moves involve additional preparation: research your destination country's vaccination requirements (rabies certificates are standard; some countries require a titer test), and confirm whether a quarantine period applies. Your pet mover should guide you through this, but start the process early — some quarantine requirements can extend from 10 to 180 days depending on the destination.