When you are moving, half of the battle is getting your belongings to your destinations, the other half is figuring out how to relocate your pet. As travel policies continuously update and tech changes the travel industry, it becomes difficult to keep up with everything that will affect your pet during their travel. Whether you are relocating from another state or country, pet relocation involves a lot of decision-making and coordination to ensure your pet has a comfortable experience. Your pet is a member of your family, so it’s important to know how to put yourself and your pet in the best spot for a smooth relocation.
Plan in advance
Give yourself a headstart on the pet relocation process. Ideally two or three months early, especially if this is your first time relocating your pet. The last thing you want to deal with is a costly delay or last-second rush.
You can use this time to confirm that you have all the required documentation for your pet and book pet accommodations before they are sold out. If your pet has to catch up on any shots or special approvals, you have enough time to take care of it. Additionally, you can assess and compare the costs of pet accommodation which is especially important if your pet has medical needs.
Check Regulations And Rules
When you are moving from outside of the US or from a different state, you will want to make sure that your pet is up to date with documentation and shots by regulations. People can get concerned when they have to move their pets far distances. Pet entry requirements for countries and states can be overwhelming and require lots of planning depending on your pet.
Here are the requirements for pets entering Virginia and the United States: