Pets guide

Moving a pet across the country: what to prepare and when

A week by week checklist for vet visits, crates and travel day so your pet arrives calm.

Rachel K.Sep 29, 2026 · 6 min read

A calm trip for your pet starts weeks before travel day. This timeline covers what to do and when, so nothing is left to the last minute.

Six weeks before

Book a vet visit to check vaccinations and microchip details. Ask about any health certificate your destination needs.

Four weeks before

Get the travel crate and leave it open at home with a blanket inside. Let your pet nap in it so it feels familiar.

Crate checkYour pet should be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably inside the crate.

On travel day

Give a light meal a few hours before pickup, add a worn t-shirt that smells like home, and attach water bowls that can be filled from outside the crate.

Written byRachel K.

Rachel coordinates pet moves across the country and abroad, from crates and vet papers to the final handover.

Comments

1 comment

  1. Sara Lind

    Clear and practical. Sharing this with our purchasing team.

Keep reading

All articles