Why a Pre-Move Vet Visit Is Non-Negotiable
Whether you're moving across town or across an ocean, a visit to your veterinarian before the move is one of the most important things you can do for your pet's wellbeing. A pre-move checkup serves multiple purposes: it confirms your pet is healthy enough for travel, ensures all documentation is in order, and gives you a chance to ask questions specific to your destination and method of travel.
Schedule the Visit at the Right Time
Timing matters. Aim to visit your vet 4–6 weeks before your move. This gives enough time to:
- Complete any required vaccinations (some need 2–3 weeks to take effect).
- Obtain a health certificate, which is often only valid for 10–30 days depending on the destination.
- Address any health concerns that could complicate travel.
- Trial any prescribed calming medications before the move itself.
What to Discuss with Your Vet
1. Health Certificates and Documentation
Most airlines, states, and countries require an official health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. Ask your vet about the specific requirements for your destination — some states in the US require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), while international moves often require USDA-accredited or government-endorsed paperwork.
2. Vaccinations
Confirm all core vaccines are up to date. For dogs, this typically includes rabies, distemper, and bordetella. For cats, it includes rabies, FVRCP, and sometimes FeLV. Destinations vary — some countries mandate specific vaccines or proof of titers.
3. Parasite Prevention
Ask whether your pet is protected against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites. Some regions have higher parasite burdens than your current home, so a preventative update may be warranted before travel.
4. Anxiety and Motion Sickness
If your pet is anxious or prone to motion sickness, discuss options with your vet. Medications like gabapentin (for anxiety) or maropitant (for nausea) are commonly used. Always do a trial run at home to observe how your pet responds before travel day.
5. Microchipping
If your pet isn't microchipped, now is the time. Microchipping is required for entry into many countries and strongly recommended for any travel. Make sure the chip is registered and your contact information is current.
Documents to Gather and Keep Safe
- Health certificate (original, not a copy)
- Vaccination records (with dates and vet signatures)
- Microchip registration paperwork
- Prescription records for any ongoing medications
- Any specialist or allergy reports, if relevant
Pro Tip: Create a Pet Travel Folder
Keep all of your pet's documents in a dedicated waterproof folder or digital backup. During a move, paperwork can easily get misplaced, and missing documents can delay entry at borders or into rental properties. A photo of each document on your phone provides a useful backup.
Signs Your Pet May Need Extra Attention During the Move
- History of anxiety or fear-based behaviors
- Older age (7+ years for dogs, 10+ for cats)
- Chronic health conditions or ongoing medications
- Previous bad experiences with car or air travel
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds
Pets in any of these categories benefit the most from a thorough pre-move vet consultation. Your vet is your best ally in making the journey as safe and comfortable as possible.