Updated June 2026
Moving is one of life’s biggest transitions. For your pets, it can also be one of the most unsettling. The sights, sounds and disruptions of moving day can trigger anxiety, disorientation and even escape behavior in even the most calm and well-adjusted animals.
The good news: with a little planning, you can protect your pet’s well-being every step of the way. American Humane Society has championed the welfare of companion animals for nearly 150 years.
The guidance below reflects our commitment to keeping animals safe, healthy and loved, no matter where home takes you next.
Before Moving Day: Preparation Makes All the Difference
The most important steps happen before the boxes are packed.
Update your pet’s identification now.
Check that your pet’s collar tags display your current cell phone number. If your pet isn’t microchipped, schedule that appointment as soon as possible. A microchip is permanent identification that cannot be lost the way a tag can. If your pet is already chipped, verify that your contact details are current in the national registry.
Schedule a pre-move vet visit.
For pets prone to car sickness or travel anxiety, a veterinary appointment two to three weeks before your move gives your vet time to recommend medications or feeding adjustments for the journey. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, anxiety-related stress during transport is one of the most common welfare concerns for pets during relocation, and it’s preventable.
Research pet-friendly lodging in advance.
For long-distance moves, map your route and book pet-friendly hotels before you leave. Resources like petswelcome.com and AKC.org maintain current listings. Last-minute searches often leave pet owners scrambling.
Moving Day Safety: Protecting Pets During the Chaos
Moving day is unpredictable. Doors open and close constantly, routines disappear and unfamiliar people move through your home. For pets, that’s a recipe for stress and accidental escape.
Secure your pet before the first box moves. Place pets in a closed room or crate before movers arrive and keep them there until you are ready to load them into your vehicle. This single step prevents most moving-day escapes.
Transport every pet properly.
- Cats, small dogs and other small animals belong in a secure well-ventilated carrier
- Larger dogs should be leashed or harnessed at all times
- Any pet traveling outside of a crate should be secured with a properly fitted harness attached to your vehicle’s seatbelt
- Never allow pets to roam freely in the car
Some transport options are never acceptable.
Do not transport any pet in an open truck bed, a car trunk or the storage compartment of a moving van. These spaces pose serious and potentially fatal risks regardless of trip length or weather conditions.
On the Road: What to Do During Long-Distance Moves
A long drive requires the same care and attention your pet would receive at home.
Build rest stops into your schedule.
Every time you stop, offer your pet fresh water and a chance to relieve themselves. Keep them leashed during every stop, rest areas and unfamiliar parking lots are among the most common places pets go missing during a move.
Never leave a pet in a parked vehicle.
Even on a mild day, temperatures inside a parked car can rise to dangerous levels within minutes. If you need to step away from your vehicle, bring your pet with you or arrange for someone to stay with them.
Watch for signs of stress.
Excessive panting, drooling, restlessness or hiding can indicate anxiety or heat distress. If you notice these signs, stop and give your pet time to decompress in a calm, shaded area before continuing.
Settling Into the New Home: Helping Your Pet Adjust
Arriving at a new home does not automatically mean your pet feels settled. Give them time and structure.
- Designate a quiet space for your pet when you first arrive, somewhere they can retreat while the unpacking chaos settles down
- Maintain feeding, walk and play schedules as closely as possible; familiar routines are powerful anchors for anxious animals
- Introduce your pet to new rooms gradually rather than all at once
- Watch for behavioral changes like loss of appetite, hiding or excessive vocalization in the first few days, these are normal responses to relocation stress but worth monitoring
Most pets begin to adjust within a few days to a few weeks depending on their temperament and environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Familiar scents are one of the most effective calming tools available. Placing a worn T-shirt or familiar bedding in your pet’s carrier can provide comfort during transport. For pets with significant anxiety, speak with your veterinarian before moving day about safe short-term options. Maintaining feeding and walk schedules as closely as possible also helps reduce disorientation.
American Humane Society strongly recommends microchipping all pets, especially before a major move or long-distance travel. A microchip provides permanent identification that cannot fall off or fade. Make sure it is registered and your current contact information is on file with the national registry.
Most domestic moves within the continental United States do not require a health certificate for pets traveling by car. However, Hawaii and some international destinations have specific entry requirements including health documentation and quarantine periods. Contact your destination’s state veterinarian or agricultural department well before your move date.
Contact local animal shelters and animal control agencies in both your departure and destination areas right away. Post clear photos on Nextdoor and local community Facebook groups. A current microchip registration significantly improves the likelihood of reunion if your pet is found.
Most pets settle into a new home within a few days to a few weeks. The timeline varies by species, age and individual temperament. Cats often take longer to adjust than dogs. Keeping routines consistent and giving your pet a defined quiet space in the new home accelerates the transition.
Your Pet Deserves a Safe Landing
Moving is stressful for everyone in the family, including the four-legged members. But with thoughtful preparation and the right precautions, relocation does not have to be a scary experience for your animal companions.
At American Humane Society, we believe that the bond between people and their pets is one of the most powerful and meaningful connections in life. That bond is worth protecting at every stage of the journey , including the moments in between homes.
For more guidance on keeping your companion animals safe and healthy, explore American Humane Society’s pet care resources or learn about our Companion Animal Welfare programs.
