Pets are present in over 73 million homes in the United States. If yours is one of them, and you've decided to relocate to a different city or state, your furry family members will require particular care during the relocation process.

It doesn't have to be difficult to transport your pet securely to your new house. Continue reading to discover how to transport pets safely and compassionately. We'll go through pet transportation choices, how to ship a dog or cat, and how to prepare for a move with a pet.

When you’re transporting your pets, you have three main options:

• Driving
• Flying
• Booking a pet transportation service

Each option has pros and cons, and your pet transportation strategy will be different for each. Once you’ve decided which moving option is for you, you can plan how to transport your pets.

Driving allows you to load your belongings into a moving van and transport them by yourself to your new residence, which is a common moving method. Remember to set up expert door-to-door vehicle transport as well. So you won't have to be concerned about placing additional strain on your automobile while you operate the moving vehicle.

For your pet, driving is a fantastic option. Your animal companion is welcome to travel along in the cab (in a pet carrier, if necessary). You may arrange your route to be pet-friendly if you're driving, and you can stop as often as your pet need.

Dogs and cats are notoriously difficult travelers. Airlines caution that, while some animals travel well, many pets find flying to be a very terrifying experience.

Your pet will need to be kept in the cargo hold if it is too big to be considered a personal item and brought into the cabin. Due to the high temperatures in the cargo hold during the summer, which might be hazardous to animals, several airlines don't let pets travel.

Some animals are simply challenging to move. They could reside in an aquarium or glass tank, or they might experience extreme anxiety anytime they travel. Whatever the cause, if you have a difficult-to-transport pet, you should think about using a professional service.

This choice is comparable to hiring a moving firm to move your possessions, with the exception that your pet will be expertly sent. Services for moving pets have experience moving difficult animals, and they are often authorized to move people and pets over state lines. They can also assist with handling the legal aspects of relocating with a pet.

You can, indeed.

The most popular pets in America are dogs and cats, which are thankfully also the simplest to ship. Shipping your dog and cat may be surprisingly simple if you have the appropriate knowledge. It only needs some planning and getting ready.

Selecting the appropriate carrier is the first step in transporting a dog or cat. Your typical soft-sided carrier will work just fine for a longer journey if you frequently transport a tiny pet in your car, such a cat or small dog. Big dogs fare well in carriers with hard sides.

Before choosing a carrier for your pet, make careful to take measurements. The ability of your dog to stand up and turn around inside the carrier, however, is the greatest indication of a suitable fit. This enables your pet to feel more at ease, prevent cramping, and lessen their nervousness.

The correct carrier is not the only thing you need to travel your cat safely. Your pet has to be ready for the stress of travel. Here's how to make sure your pet is prepared for the major relocation.

Make sure you allot some time to help your dog or cat get acclimated to traveling in a pet carrier if they aren't used to it.

Your pet should be able to develop pleasant associations with the carrier by spending time inside it prior to moving day, as opposed to feeling pushed into it. By leaving the door open and placing a treat or toy inside, you might encourage your pet to investigate the carrier.

Practice closing the door for a few minutes once your dog or cat has grown used to the carrier. Stay close to the carrier, talking to your pet in a soothing voice. Gradually increase the amount of time your pet spends in the carrier until they can comfortably stay in the carrier for five minutes or more.

Most importantly, never use the carrier to punish your pet. It can be tempting to send your pet to the carrier when they need a time-out session, but if your pet associates the carrier with punishment, they’ll be distressed when moving day comes and they have to spend hours inside. Focus on making the carrier a fun and safe place for your pet.

As your relocation date approaches, a vet visit should be your top priority, regardless of the mode of transportation you're utilizing.

Ask your veterinarian to examine your pet at your appointment to look for any emerging health problems. Your veterinarian should perform a thorough examination to ensure that your pet doesn't have any new health issues because the stress of travel may worsen any existing health issues with your furry buddy.

Additionally, you'll need to get your pet an intrastate health certificate. The majority of states demand that animals be certified as being in good health in order to prevent the introduction of illnesses carried by animals.The veterinarian can certify that your pet is in good health, and update your pet’s vaccinations to meet state standards.

If your pet is prone to travel anxiety, this is the perfect time to get a prescription for sedatives to make the travel process easier. Finally, don’t forget to ask your vet to fill your pet’s prescriptions before you go. You’ll need enough medication to last the trip, as well as enough to last until you can find a veterinarian in your new city.

Different state regulations govern which animals are permitted to cross state borders. Everything is covered by these rules, even cattle and your family's goldfish.

Check the exact rules in your new home state because state laws might vary greatly. You may want to think about the following:

Some states have regulations that control the admission of harmful species or kinds. Most states forbid or limit some dog breeds, notwithstanding the controversy. Others allow certain breeds to enter but impose additional limitations, such as mandating that the dog wear an identity tag, be muzzled when out in public, or have a warning notice posted at their home.

Before moving, you might need to mail your pet's health certificate to your new state. You might just need to display it at the border in other circumstances. The health certificate will attest to your pet's vaccinations and infectious illness clearance.

Check the laws of your municipality as well. If you have several furry family members, double check that your new town permits them all. several communities set restrictions on the number of animals per home, including cats and dogs.

Make sure you pack snacks for your pet's trip as moving day draws near. When traveling is stressful, it might be tempting to soothe your pet with goodies. However, be careful not to overdo it since too many sweets can upset your pet's stomach, which is unpleasant for both of you.

Be sure to keep your pet's usual food on hand instead. Prepare your pet's food in resealable baggies if you have a lengthy drive ahead of you. You won't have to sift through a large pet food bag at each rest break thanks to this.

Don’t forget to bring your pet’s water dish and a case of bottled water. At every rest stop, you can pour your furry friend a drink. Stock up on animal waste bags too — nobody likes a pet owner who leaves their animal’s mess in the parking lot of a convenience stop.

Even if your pet doesn’t typically use a leash, invest in one. Cats are Houdini-like escape artists and can slip out of a collar, so if you’re going to bring your cat outdoors at your rest stops, pick up a harness.

Consider your pet's requirements while choosing your route when driving. Make careful to include additional time for pit stops because your dog and cat could require more bathroom breaks than you do.

Your dog will require even more frequent breaks from the carrier if it is an active breed. Make sure the route you choose passes through parks and other areas where animals are welcome and where your dog may go for a walk.