Moving with Pets in 2025: 15 Expert Tips for a Stress-Free Relocation with Dogs, Cats & More

Moving with pets adds a layer of logistics that most people don't plan for until moving day, when the front door is open, the crew is carrying furniture, and the dog is panicking. The movers can't work around an anxious animal, and an open door during loading is an escape risk. Planning ahead keeps the pet safe and the crew on schedule. Safebound Moving & Storage (USDOT 2900155) has completed 35,000+ moves with a 4.9-star rating from 2,401 Google reviews. Get a free quote or call 561-510-7191.

Before Moving Day: Pet Preparation

Vet visit 2 to 4 weeks before the move. Get updated vaccinations, a health certificate if crossing state lines, and copies of all records. Florida requires a health certificate issued within 30 days for dogs and cats entering the state. If your pet takes medication, get a 30-day supply to cover the transition between veterinarians.

Crate training starts early. If your pet isn't crate-trained, start 3 to 4 weeks before the move. Leave the crate open with treats inside. Feed meals in the crate. A crate-trained pet handles moving day with significantly less stress because the crate is already a familiar, safe space.

Update microchip and ID tags. Update the microchip registration with your new address and phone number. Get new ID tags made with the new address before the move. If the pet escapes during loading or unloading, current contact information is the fastest way to get them back.

Moving Day With Pets

Isolate the pet. Put the pet in a closed room that the movers don't need to enter, with water, food, a litter box (for cats), and a sign on the door that says "DO NOT OPEN — PET INSIDE." This keeps the animal away from open doors, heavy furniture, and crew foot traffic.

Load the pet last. The pet should be the last thing to leave the old home and the first thing set up at the new home. Transport in a secured crate in your vehicle, not the moving truck. Never put a pet in the cargo area of a moving truck.

First room setup at the new home. Before the movers start unloading, set up one room with the pet's bed, water, food, and litter box. Put the pet in that room with the door closed. Unload the rest of the house while the pet adjusts to the new environment in a controlled space.

Moving With Pets Across State Lines

Interstate moves with pets require documentation. Most states require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued within 30 days of entry. Florida requires this for dogs and cats. Some states have breed-specific restrictions or quarantine requirements for certain animals. Check the destination state's department of agriculture website before the move.

For long-distance moves from Florida, Safebound handles the household goods while you transport the pet in your vehicle. The delivery window for household goods ranges from 3 to 14 business days depending on distance. Plan your driving route with pet-friendly hotel stops if the drive exceeds 8 hours.

Moving Rates

Every local job includes 3 hours of labor plus 1 travel hour. Long-distance moves are priced by shipment size and distance. Request a free quote or call 561-510-7191.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my pet safe on moving day?

Put the pet in a closed room the movers don't need to enter, with water, food, and a sign on the door. Transport the pet in a secured crate in your vehicle. At the new home, set up one room with the pet's essentials before the crew starts unloading. Keep the pet in that room with the door closed until the movers leave.

Do I need a health certificate to move a pet to Florida?

Yes. Florida requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within 30 days of entry for dogs and cats. Visit your veterinarian 2 to 4 weeks before the move to get the certificate along with updated vaccinations and copies of all records. The certificate must be signed by a licensed veterinarian in the origin state.

Can the movers transport my pet?

No. Moving companies transport household goods, not animals. Safebound's crew handles your furniture, boxes, and belongings. You transport the pet in your personal vehicle in a secured crate. For long-distance moves, plan your driving route with pet-friendly hotel stops. Never place a pet in the cargo area of a moving truck.

How much do movers charge in Florida?

Safebound charges $135 per hour for a 2-mover crew, $180 per hour for a 3-mover crew, and $225 per hour for a 4-mover crew for local moves in South Florida. Every job includes a 3-hour labor minimum plus 1 travel hour, making the minimums $540, $720, and $900. Long-distance moves are priced by shipment size and distance. Call 561-510-7191.

How do I find a vet after moving?

Ask your current veterinarian for a referral in the destination city. Transfer records electronically before the move. Schedule a new-patient appointment within the first 2 weeks of arriving so the new vet has baseline information. For Florida moves, check that the new vet is licensed through the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine.

What if my pet is too anxious to crate?

Start crate training 3 to 4 weeks before the move using treats and meals inside the crate. If the pet still won't tolerate the crate, talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication for moving day. A sedated pet in a crate is safer than an anxious pet loose in a car or house with open doors and moving crew traffic.

Safebound Moving & Storage, headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, holds USDOT 2900155, MC MC00975408, and Florida license IM2839 with $750,000 in insurance coverage. BBB Accredited, ProMover Certified, AMSA Member, and Forbes Featured. License verification: fdacs.gov | safer.fmcsa.dot.gov