Cat Travel: Should They Stay or Should They Go?

Name: Lynze
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Cats
Pet Breed: Domestic
From: NYC
To: Miami

Dear PetRelocation,

I'm relocating to Miami for 6 months for a job. I am very close with my two cats. At first I was thinking of having a friend sublet my place and taking care of them but now I'm thinking I'd like to bring them down with me after I'm settled in. Which would be better and why?

Thanks,

Lynze

Hi Lynze,

It can certainly be tough to decide whether it's better to leave pets with a friend or bring them along for a temporary relocation, but hopefully we can help you think about some of the pros and cons.

Logistically speaking, bringing them to Miami with you means they'll need to be up to date on rabies vaccines, and you'll need to have a vet health certificate for each stating they are fit to fly. Here is a link to US pet travel requirements for your reference. You'll need to buy plane tickets for them there and back, so overall you'd need to be prepared to spend a few hundred dollars.

It may help to look over these frequently asked pet travel questions, which shed light on the process. If your cats aren't used to being in a travel crate you will want to help them get used to that before they fly, and it's important to choose a pet friendly airline (we usually go with United for domestic flights).

When handled correctly pet travel is safe, but often when weighing the financial costs and also the stress that may be caused to a pet who doesn't like change, pet owners decide it's better to let them stay with a trusted pet sitter. We understand that it can be tough to spend time away from a pet, but the bottom line is to do what is in their best interest.

Ultimately it's up to you, so we recommend that you talk to your vet, look over this information, and think carefully about what's best for your cats.

Hope this helps! Good luck with everything, Lynze.