How to Prepare Your Pet for Transport

How to Prepare Your Pet for Transport: A Checklist for Pet Owners

Transporting your pet, especially over a longer distance, can feel overwhelming if it’s your first time. At CitizenShipper, we’re here to make that journey smoother. Whether you're moving or rehoming, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your pet safe and comfortable during travel.

Here’s what to consider before your pet is picked up:

1. Get a Valid Health Certificate

For interstate travel, most states require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also called a Health Certificate. 

Important: A CVI is not just a standard shot record. It is an official document issued by a licensed veterinarian confirming your pet is healthy enough to travel. It must usually be issued within 10 days of transport.

Before booking, contact your veterinarian to ask if your pet needs updated vaccinations or additional documentation specific to your destination state.

2. Practice Car Rides

Not all pets are used to long drives. Help your pet adjust to the motion of travel to ease anxiety and prevent motion sickness.

• Ideally, start this 2 to 3 weeks before your scheduled transport date.
• Take your pet on a few short car trips ahead of time. Gradually increase the duration of each ride so they get used to the rhythm of the road.

3. Pack Comfort Items

Sending familiar items that smell like home, a favorite blanket, toy, or bedding, can help reduce stress during transport. These small comforts make a big difference in unfamiliar environments.
 

4. Supply the Essentials

Once you have booked your driver, call them to clarify responsibilities. Ask what equipment they supply (such as crates or water bowls) and what you will need to provide.

Before the driver arrives, make sure you’ve packed everything your pet will need:

• A secure crate or carrier, bedding (crate training beforehand is a big plus!)
• Enough food and water for the journey
• Any medications with clear instructions
• A sturdy leash and a properly fitted harness
• Waste bags, puppy pads, or litter (if applicable)

Ask your driver if they provide any of these items, or if you’ll need to supply everything.

5. Clarify Schedules and Special Needs

Open communication with your driver ensures your pet’s routine is disrupted as little as possible. Make sure your driver is fully aware of:

• Feeding times and dietary restrictions (what foods should be avoided)

• Bathroom break routines (for example, needing more frequent stops due to age)

• Any medical or behavioral concerns (e.g., resource guarding or fear of loud noises)

Pro-Tip for Puppies: "No Paws on the Ground" 
Some puppy breeders and owners are asking for the puppies not to interact with other pets and to follow the "No paws on ground" rule, so it’s a great idea to make the driver aware of this request. 

This means the puppy should not interact with other animals or touch public ground at rest stops to avoid exposure to diseases like Parvovirus.

Note on Updates: Drivers must focus heavily on the road, tend to the animals, and take required rest breaks. Have a conversation before departure about how often you can expect text or photo updates so you can set healthy, clear expectations.

6. Use GPS Trackers and Ask About Vehicle Setup

For ultimate peace of mind, many pet owners opt to use GPS tracking collars or AirTags. Many drivers are happy to accommodate these or offer their own location sharing throughout the trip. Simply ask your driver about it in advance!

Questions to ask your driver about their vehicle:

• What kind of vehicle do you use?
• Will this be a shared or a solo trip for my pet?
• How is the climate control (air conditioning/heating) managed in the pet cargo area?

7. Focus on Safety

GPS tools are helpful, but prevention is key for pets who might become a flight risk due to travel anxiety:

Hand-offs and Rest Stops: Always use a well-fitted leash and harness during handoffs and rest stops. Never rely on a collar alone, as panicked pets can easily slip out of them.

Microchips: Double-check that your pet's microchip registration is completely up to date with your current phone number and address. If a pet does manage to slip away during a rest stop, an updated microchip is their fastest ticket home.

Crate Security: Double-check that all doors and latches on your pet's carrier are fully secure before handing them over.

Transporting your pet with care starts with good preparation. Open communication, a well-stocked travel kit, and a few practice runs can go a long way toward a smooth trip.