{"id":2712,"date":"2020-06-02T04:17:22","date_gmt":"2020-06-02T10:17:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citizenshipper.com\/blog\/?p=2712"},"modified":"2026-07-17T10:42:39","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T16:42:39","slug":"how-to-transport-a-dog-long-distance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citizenshipper.com\/blog\/how-to-transport-a-dog-long-distance\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Transport a Dog Long Distance: 6 Tips for Moving with Pets"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Moving house with pets or children in tow can be quite a challenge. Anyone who\u2019s done it has learned things along the way \u2014 things they wish they\u2019d known ahead of time. You might be coming into this unprepared and idly wondering, how do <\/em>you complete a long distance move with dogs? Or you might be an old hand at this, looking for your fellow traveler\u2019s insight. Either way, we\u2019ve got you covered.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Here\u2019s a short selection of tips collected from professional dog transporters<\/a> who move dogs coast-to-coast for a living. We hope you\u2019ll find it useful, whether preparing to dive into the great outdoors or just choosing which airline to book.<\/p>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

1. Plan Your Long-Distance Dog Move Early<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Sounds kind of obvious, right? The longer the trip, the more thorough planning you need. But a surprising number of people make the mistake of leaving the preparation late. Then it turns out they can\u2019t book the dog-friendly hotel they had in mind\u2026 Or it takes more time to get the pet health certificate<\/a> issued\u2026 Or the roads are closed due to an unforeseen pandemic.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You might be good at thinking on your feet, but don\u2019t let circumstances force you into that. Plan ahead of times, and plan thoroughly. Work out your mode of travel, your route, your expenses, your dog\u2019s food requirements. Go into as much detail as you feel comfortable.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

And sure, a snag will inevitably turn up to spoil your plans. But guess what? Since you started planning in time, now you can reevaluate things and make the necessary changes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

2. Help Your Dog Adjust to Car Travel<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You might think that your dog enjoys a car ride, and odds are you\u2019re correct. But a long-distance move with dogs isn\u2019t the same thing as a drive around the block. You need to give your furry friend a chance to adapt to the requirements of road travel.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Are they used to riding in the backseat? Using a belt harness<\/a>? How confident are you that they won\u2019t get antsy after a couple of hours? What\u2019s the longest they\u2019ve spent inside a crate? These questions and more you\u2019ll be able to answer only after a practice ride or two.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you\u2019re driving a young pup around, this is a particularly important step. They\u2019ll need to be car-trained slowly, every practice ride gradually extended until they learn. And it works both ways! A little experience under your belt, and you\u2019ll tell the difference between a hungry whine and a potty whine.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

3. Pack a Dog Travel Kit for the Road<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Easier said than done, we know. So many little things can go wrong on a long-distance move with dogs \u2014 how do you pack for literally anything? Well, the obvious answer would be, you need to know your dog\u2019s needs. Do you know which snacks to bring, what their favorite water bowl is, which chew toys keep them calm? If so, you\u2019ll do fine. Just don\u2019t forget to bring plenty of wet wipes<\/a>! You can never have too many of those.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

But it\u2019s a long trip, and you can\u2019t be sure that whatever you bring will last. Fortunately, that\u2019s where that planning stage pays off. If you\u2019ve worked out your route already, you know which stores will let you resupply. If your fur baby needs a highly specific food brand, don\u2019t let yourself be caught out in the boondocks without access to it!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Be<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

4. Manage Your Dog’s Feeding Schedule on the Road<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Speaking of food, your pup\u2019s feeding schedule might require slight adjustments when traveling long-distance. Experts agree that the meal right before the trip should be a light one. Ideally, you\u2019d schedule it 3-4 hours before hitting the road, but this varies depending on the length of the trip.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Sometimes it can\u2019 be avoided, but it\u2019s generally not recommended to feed the pet inside a moving vehicle. It would be best if you could stick to the dog\u2019s feeding schedule on the road. When you stop so they can shake a leg or go potty, see if they\u2019re in the mood for a snack.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Water, of course, is a different matter entirely. Your dog should have access to plenty of fresh drinking water at every stage of the journey. It not only quenches their thirst but also helps with temperature regulation<\/a>, which can be a serious health hazard.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

5. Get a Vet Checkup and Health Certificate<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

And to make sure your dog is fit to travel, be sure to pay a visit to the vet. We can never stress enough how important this step is! Only a vet can inform you on what health issues your little buddy might be facing on the road. Older dogs, young pups, and a number of vulnerable breeds<\/a> can find road trips difficult to bear. If they need special attention, it\u2019s your responsibility to make sure they receive it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

While you\u2019re at the vet, take the opportunity to get your paperwork in order. Ask about the health certificates they offer \u2014 some states may require one even if you\u2019re just passing through. Even though you know your dog has had all its shots, it won\u2019t hurt to have that in writing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

6. Prioritize Safety and Reduce Stress<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Finally, we\u2019d be remiss if we didn\u2019t remind you to make animal safety a top priority. Unfamiliar environments and the inevitable stress of travel can make dogs act unpredictably. So watch them like a hawk! Never take them out for a walk without a leash, and pay special attention to the traffic. If your dog is on any medication, consult the vet to make sure supplies will last you to the destination.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Of course, physical health shouldn\u2019t be your only concern. A long enough journey can frazzle the nerves, both the dog\u2019s and your own. Mental fatigue is a serious concern for any driver, and doubly so for those with animals in their care. So pace yourself, and try to relax whenever you find the chance. Riding the roads with a dog at your side can be a beautiful, calming experience if you let it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Steps You Need to Take to Prepare for a Long-Distance Move with Dogs<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There is a preparation checklist that you should check off to ensure smooth sailing in the moving process with your beloved doggie<\/a>. Here are the essential steps.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Step 1: Vet Visit and Vaccines<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The first step is the important one. Without this, your dog won\u2019t be able to travel. Make an appointment to visit a USDA<\/a>-registered veterinarian. Veterinarians will provide you with a CVI (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection). This certificate is one you should present to health officials at your destination.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The health certificates must be completed with the veterinarian 10 days before travel for them to be up-to-date. You should also ensure your doggo has the necessary vaccines no more than 21 days before traveling.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n