Preparing Your Pets for a Major Move: Tips from Air & Ground Travel Experts

Moving is stressful. It creates anxiety from all the different factors. From coordinating with movers to carrying boxes to organizing the house, the stress imposed is just paramount. But the stress isn’t just directed at you; pets also feel it. In fact, according to DVM360.com, “Moving is stressful for everyone, pets included; 70% of respondents said their pet could tell something was up while their owners were packing.” That’s why it’s important to prepare your pets for moving. 

We’ll gather the tips and tricks that ground and air travel experts have to make the moves easier for everyone involved. Let’s go through this pet moving guide.

Why Proper Planning Matters for Long-Distance Pet Relocation

Proper planning is something that’s really important. You have to plan in coordination with movers to make sure that everything is in the proper place by moving day. Another thing you have to be cognizant of is that you have to arrange pet transport. If you’re scrambling around on moving day, arranging that pet transport, your pet’s mental health will suffer. It’s important to plan ahead so that your pet is as comfortable as possible. 

Stress, Safety, and the Importance of Choosing the Right Transport Mode

It is important that you choose the right transport mode. There are going to be safety issues that you need to consider, as well as the stress of your pet. That’s why proper planning is essential and making long-distance pet relocation a success for you and your pet. 

Once you understand that proper planning matters, as well as the stress levels and safety of your pet, you can then weigh the pros and cons of each transport mode that you have available. 

Understanding Your Pet’s Needs Before Choosing a Travel Method

Choosing the right transport mode is very important. Sometimes your options are quite limited, but sometimes you have the opportunity to pick the right mode for your pet. You have to consider stress, safety, and all of the above. Let’s go through some of the factors that affect your transport choice. 

• The distance of the trip — if it’s an international move, you will need to fly. If it’s domestic, you have several options.
• How quickly you need your pet to arrive at its destination will depend on whether you choose air or ground transportation.
• Your budget will determine your mode of transportation.
• The temperament of your pet —  whether they have high anxiety, are aggressive, or laid back can determine the mode of transport you will choose.
• If you have multiple pets, it can also be a factor determining your mode of transportation. Likewise, your pet may do better in environments with several pets (like shared rides). 
• Finally, your pet’s size will determine the mode of transport. If you have a bigger pet, they’ll go in the cargo area, but there are limited airlines that allow that. If you have a smaller pet, they can go in the cabin.

A further note on air travel: Airlines may not let your pet on the plane if they don’t fit specific guidelines. The last thing you want is a huge waste of time and money to get to the airport and not have your pet fly.

Breed, Age, Temperament, and Size Considerations

The breed, age, temperament, and size of your pet are definitely going to be factors in the mode of transportation that you choose. For example, if you have a brachycephalic dog (or snub-nosed dog), they are not allowed in the cargo area because of extreme health issues. Bigger dogs cannot go in the cabin, which means they have to go in the cargo hold. 

Furthermore, anxiety from pets for those with temperament issues may not be able to travel because of airline restrictions. 

Health and Veterinary Requirements for Travel

There are certain health requirements that owners should have. Make an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian. Ensure the veterinarian is accredited by the USDA. Since they will certify the health certificate and vaccines, your pet will not be allowed to travel if they are not USDA-registered.

Veterinarians will provide you with a CVI (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection). For air travel, the health certificate must be completed with the veterinarian 10 days before travel in order for them to be up-to-date. You will be asked at the gate for this health certificate and the immunization paperwork.

When it comes to animal transportation, all pets should have the required vaccinations in order to be allowed to travel to another state. There is a list of vaccines your pet should be immunized with no more than 21 days before travel.

Vaccinations for dogs

The list of required vaccinations for dogs:

• Canine parvovirus
• Distemper
• Canine hepatitis
• Rabies

The list of recommended vaccinations for dogs:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica
• Borrelia burgdorferi
• Influenza
• Leptospira bacteria

Most states require the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and an up-to-date list of vaccines, but sometimes there may be states that require more paperwork. You can find a list of states’ Department of Agriculture pages on the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture website. You can also find a list of requirements for animal transportation from each state on the USDA’s page for interstate pet travel. When it comes to international travel, all dogs entering the US should have a CDC Import Form.

Documentation Needed for Domestic vs. International Moves

As discussed above, all dogs will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from a USDA-licensed veterinarian. Make sure you also look up the individual requirements for documents from the country you are moving to.

When Air Travel Is the Best Option

When is air travel the best option, you ask? We’ll delve into the possible scenarios where it could be the best option.

Ideal Scenarios for Flying With Pets (International Moves, Long-Distance Relocation)

The ideal scenario in which air travel is the best and only option is when you are flying with a pet because of a long-distance relocation or an international move. This is especially true if you are moving internationally and the only way to get there is to fly. 

There are many companies that specialize in pet air transport. Luckily, one of them is Starwood Pet Travel, whose comprehensive and meticulous approach to both domestic and international pet relocation is top notch. They even offer door-to-door service with the utmost safety and care. Starwood handles every aspect of your pet’s journey — from veterinary checks to customs paperwork. They even have a comprehensive insurance coverage package you can choose.

Cabin vs. Cargo: What Pet Owners Should Know

When it comes to air travel, a question usually posed is if your pet is going to ride in the cabin or as cargo. The answer is very simple — if you have a small dog or cat, they’ll be able to fly in the cabin. They just have to be in a carrier that fits underneath the seat in front of you. If you have a large dog, they will have to fly in cargo. 

Most big airlines allow pets in the cabin, as well as in the cargo area. You should always check with the airline directly about your pet travel details. The most pet-friendly airlines are Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

Safety Protocols Followed by Professional Air Transport Providers

Professional air transport providers have to follow safety protocols as outlined by the USDA and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. They need to follow carrier standards with proper size, ventilation, and secure latches. They have to ensure pets are healthy to fly, and provide water and food for pets (available when needed throughout the flight). It’s important to follow temperature guidelines — this means no flying if there are temperature extremes. Lastly, proper labeling is key.

Preparing Your Pet for a Flight: Crate Training, Acclimation, and Stress Reduction

To prepare your dog for a flight, you will need to crate train them to be comfortable inside the carrier for long periods of time. If it’s air travel and you are going somewhere far away, they have to be in the carrier for several hours. 

The first thing you have to do is you have to have the right carrier. There are two types of carriers — soft sided carriers and hard sided carriers. Let’s go through these two options you have.

Soft Sided Carriers

Soft-sided carriers are great for small dogs, especially because they most likely will go in the main cabin. A soft-sided carrier is the right choice because it is compact and flexible. If your dog will be traveling by ground, a hard-sided carrier is a better choice for both small and big dogs.

Hard-Sided Carriers

If your dog has to be in the cargo hold (or your dog will be transported on the ground), the smartest carrier to buy is a hard-sided carrier. A hard-sided carrier is easier to transport, easier for ventilation, and you can attach food and water to the side of the carrier. You just need to make sure you follow some simple rules when buying a hard-sided carrier.

• Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around in the carrier, and not touch the top.
• The carrier should be able to lock securely with pins that extend past the extrusions above and below the door. The pins should be metal instead of plastic.
• It must be ventilated on all sides.
• Your dog’s name and your contact information must be easily visible.
• Water and food bowls should be attached to the door and accessible from outside the carrier.

Make sure you start training them little by little until they’re adjusted to being in the carrier for several hours. Having comfort items, like their favorite toy or blanket, inside the carrier with them will alleviate their anxiety or stress when inside the carrier.

When Ground Transport Is the Better Choice

What happens when you aren’t moving internationally? What if the move is to another state or another city nearby? Let’s explore when ground transport is the better choice.

Why Many Pets Thrive With Ground Transportation

There are many reasons why pets thrive in ground transportation.

• Lower Stress: It creates a stable environment, no loud cargo noises, there are fewer people and pets involved, and there are no high-altitude pressure changes.
• Personalized Care: They receive one-on-one attention from a driver, with stops for water, rest, and potty breaks.
• Safer for Certain Breeds: This option avoids breathing issues for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds like Pugs or Bulldogs.
• Ideal for Vulnerable Pets: Ground transport is better for senior animals, pets with medical conditions, or those with high anxiety.
• Comfort & Familiarity: This allows pets to look out windows for stability, and professional services provide comforting routines.

Safety Measures Used by Professional Ground Transporters

Professional pet ground transporters use a variety of safety measures to ensure pets are comfortable, safe, and secure. Transporters use climate-controlled vehicles, as well as individual secured carriers/harnesses. Throughout the journey, they monitor the pet and stop at various intervals. They also have pet first aid/CPR training to prevent injury, stress, and escape. 

This prioritizes pet comfort through familiar items, direct routes, and continuous communication with owners. All of this to ensure pets remain safe and comfortable during long journeys.

Benefits of Personalized, Lower-Stress Travel

Traveling on the ground means that your pets’ travel will be personalized and considered less stressful. Here are some specifics on the benefits of personalized, lower-stress pet travel.

• Reduced Anxiety: Personalized transport means no other animals, fewer loud noises, and less overcrowding, as well as creating a calmer atmosphere.
• Familiarity & Comfort: Services can incorporate familiar scents, toys, and breaks, and use a pet’s own items to provide security.
• Undivided Attention: Dedicated transporters can ensure the pet’s needs (feeding, water, potty breaks) are met immediately and consistently.
• Minimized Disruption: You can get door-to-door service, picks up and drop-offs, and avoid stressful airport terminals or public transport hubs. 

Preparing Your Pet for Ground Travel: Routines, Comfort Items & Carrier Tips

When it comes to ground pet travel, you have to prepare your pet for a myriad of things. For example, you need to make sure that they are comfortable being in the carrier for long periods of time. Just like air travel, you need to start with a routine to make sure they get acclimated to that. You should also bring comfort items so that they can be less stressed throughout the journey. 

Day-of-Travel Tips From Air & Ground Experts

There are some tips that you can follow to make sure the journey your pet is going to go on will be smooth sailing. Let’s explore some of these tips from air and ground experts, as well as veterinarians.

How to Reduce Pet Anxiety Before Departure

Before traveling, your pet could potentially experience some anxiety. The question before you is, how to reduce your pet’s anxiety? Veterinarian Wailani Sung, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB, outlines a few tips to make sure the pre-departure jitters are at a minimum.

• Help Dogs Enjoy Their Pet Travel Carriers
• Take Practice Trips to Ensure Your Pet Travels Well
• Try Using Dog Calming Products or Supplements
• Take Frequent Potty and Walk Breaks

Final Safety Checks for Crates, Harnesses, and ID Tags

You should always check your carriers, harnesses, and other items to make sure they are safe to use during the journey with the transporter. The Center for Pet Safety outlines safe carriers and other measures in place so your pet is as safe as possible during transport.

• You should remove all harnesses or collars during the journey (so they don’t get stuck in the carrier and injure your dog)
• Make sure your crate is IATA-compliant
• The crate should be secure — check all nuts and bolts, make sure the carrier is ventilated, the door works, and able to provide hydration.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Safest, Most Comfortable Journey for Your Pet

Relocating with a pet can be a smooth and safe experience, but it requires careful planning. Understanding your pet’s unique needs — such as health, temperament, size, and stress tolerance — will help determine whether air or ground transportation is the best option. 

By preparing well in advance with the necessary veterinary documentation, the right carrier, and the appropriate transport method, you can significantly reduce anxiety and avoid last-minute complications that could impact your pet’s well-being.

Professional pet transport services offer structured safety measures, personalized care, and expert handling that prioritize your pet’s comfort throughout the journey. With thoughtful preparation, carrier acclimation, and attention to day-of-travel safety checks, pet owners can ensure their furry companions arrive at their new home healthy, calm, and ready to adjust — making the move a positive experience for everyone involved.