How do I move with pets safely?
Homeownership
To move with pets, update their tags, send vet records to the new vet, keep a week of food and medication with you, keep them in a quiet room on moving day, and use a secured crate or carrier in the car. From Curt Reichstetter and Heather at Two Dog Realty, Richmond, Virginia.
October 11, 2026
Moving With Pets: A Practical Checklist for Your Richmond Move
Curt Reichstetter
To move with pets, update their tags, send vet records to the new vet, keep a week of food and medication with you, keep them in a quiet room on moving day, and use a secured crate or carrier in the car.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I move with a dog or cat?
Update the tag with your new address, send vet records to the new vet, keep a week of food and medication with you, and keep your pet in a quiet room on moving day. Set up one room at the new home with everything your pet needs first.
How should pets travel in the car during a move?
Use a crate or carrier and secure it with a seat belt. Never leave a pet in the bed of a truck, the storage area of a moving van, or alone in a parked vehicle, and find pet-friendly lodging ahead of time if you are staying overnight.
What should go in a pet first-aid kit for a move?
Your vet's phone number, gauze to wrap a wound or to muzzle your pet, adhesive tape for bandages, nonstick bandages, towels, cotton swabs and antibiotic ointment without pain relief.
Should I board my pet while I move?
If you are not moving far, consider a local kennel or pet hotel while you are busy moving, possibly for a couple of nights. Otherwise keep your pet in a safe, quiet room with a clear sign on the door.
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Checklist
Update your pet's tag with your new address. Make sure your pet's collar is sturdy and correctly sized. The tag should also include your mobile number and e-mail so you can be reached during the move.
Request veterinary records. Ask your current vet to send your pet's medical history directly to the new vet. Have their contact information on hand in case of emergency or if the new vet has questions.
Keep a week's worth of food and medications with you. You may want to ask for an extra prescription refill before you move. Take the same precaution with special therapeutic food.
Seclude them from chaos. Keep your pet in a safe, quiet room on moving day with a clear sign posted on the door. There are many light, collapsible travel crates available, but ensure it is well ventilated and sturdy enough for stress-chewers. Remember to introduce your pet to the crate before the trip.
Prepare a pet first-aid kit. Include your vet's phone number, gauze to wrap a wound or to muzzle your pet, adhesive tape for use on bandages, nonstick bandages, towels, cotton swabs, antibiotic ointment (without pain relief).
Prep your new home. Set up one room with everything your pet will need: food, water, bed, litter box, scratch post and toys. Keep windows and doors closed when your pet is unsupervised.
Play it safe in the car. Use a crate or carrier in the car, secure it with a seat belt. Never leave your pet in the bed of a truck, the storage area of a moving van, or alone in a parked vehicle. If you're staying overnight, find pet-friendly lodging beforehand and have kitty litter or plastic bags on hand.
Get ready for takeoff. When traveling by air, check with the airline about pet restrictions and whether you must purchase a special airline crate that fits under the seat.
Consider a kennel. If you are not moving far, consider checking your pet into a local kennel or pet-hotel while you are busy moving and possibly for a couple nights.
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