How to Plan a Cross Country Road Trip with Pets

Dear PetRelocation,

 

My family is moving from Southern California to Maryland in about a week and a half. Are there any states along the way which will require any documentation for them other than shot records and a certificate of good health?

Thanks,

 

 

Hi Isabelle,

 

First, we applaud your conscientiousness as a pet owner! Relocating can be complicated business, and it's always wise to be well-prepared.

 

Since you're driving and not crossing any international borders, you should be fine with the documents you mentioned. It's actually unlikely you'll need to show a health certificate anywhere along the way, but it's a good idea to have your pets up to date on their rabies vaccines and to keep their health and identification tags properly displayed.

 

Before traveling, we recommend having pets microchipped, as well (even though this isn't required). Finally, we recommend keeping pets securely fastened (either in a travel container or seat belt/harness) as you drive, and if you're planning to stop anywhere, plan ahead by researching pet friendly hotels, dog friendly rest areas, and any other amenities you foresee needing.

 

Please let us know if you have any more questions, and good luck with your relocation!

 

 

From: Isabelle
From: Murrieta, CA, USA
To: Ellicott City, MD, USA
Pets: Daisy (Dog, Basset Hound, 8 years, 35 or so pounds) Delilah (Dog, French Bulldog, 3 1/2 years, 25 or so pounds) Yeonan (Cat, Scottish Fold, 2 years)