What to Pack for Ground Pet Transport: A Pickup-Day Checklist

Moving day has enough moving parts. Your pet's travel bag can be one thing you have ready early.

If your dog or cat is traveling with a ground transport provider, start by asking what the driver supplies and what should travel with your pet. Then pack one clearly labeled bag for each pet, with the essentials easy to find. This checklist will help you prepare for the handoff.

1. Put travel paperwork in one place

Keep your pet's vaccination records, any required health certificate, and your veterinarian's contact details together. Save copies on your phone and ask your transporter which documents need to accompany your pet.

Requirements vary by destination. USDA APHIS explains that the receiving state or territory sets domestic entry requirements, which may include vaccinations, a health certificate, testing, or treatments. Contact your veterinarian as soon as you know your travel plans rather than assuming the same paperwork works for every trip.

Check your destination through USDA APHIS's state-to-state pet travel guide.

2. Label food and write down the routine

Pack your pet's usual food in a sealed container or clearly marked portions. Agree with the coordinator on how much to send, including a buffer for possible delays. Label each pet's food separately and write down the usual amount and feeding times.

Tell the coordinator about food allergies, special diets, and anything your pet should not eat. If food needs refrigeration, arrange storage before pickup. Our transport preparation page has instructions for special diets and fresh food.

3. Make medication instructions easy to follow

If your pet takes prescribed medication, discuss it with the trip coordinator before travel. Keep it in its labeled packaging and include your veterinarian's written directions, storage needs, and the time of the last dose.

At pickup, go over those instructions with the driver. Ask your veterinarian about motion sickness or travel anxiety in advance; medication choices and changes belong with your vet.

4. Check identification and comfort items

Make sure your pet's ID tag has a phone number where you can be reached during the move. If your pet is microchipped, check that the registry has your current contact information.

Ask whether a small familiar blanket is suitable for the travel setup. Confirm carrier arrangements before buying or packing a crate. Our ground services list travel crates among the provided equipment, and the coordinator can confirm the right setup for your pet.

The AVMA's pet preparedness checklist is a useful reference for identification, medical records, emergency contacts, and familiar bedding.

5. Plan both ends of the journey

Write down the pickup and delivery addresses, the names and phone numbers of the people handling each handoff, and a backup contact. Tell the coordinator about gates, parking restrictions, apartment access, or other arrival details.

On pickup day, keep cats in a secure room while doors are opening and belongings are moving. Have your dog's properly fitted collar or harness and leash ready. Give the driver a short care sheet covering food, medication, behavior, and anything that helps your pet settle.

For military families planning a PCS move

Add your reporting date, temporary lodging plans, and any uncertainty about housing to the conversation early. A backup receiving person can be especially helpful when your own travel and your pet's arrival do not line up.

Before booking, ask your transportation or finance office about your situation and keep transport receipts. Eligibility and reimbursement rules depend on current guidance and your orders. Military OneSource's moving-with-pets guide is a helpful starting point.

We offer military pet transport options and discounts. Ask which service and currently available discount fit your route and dates.

How Pets Paws & Pals can help

Different families need different travel plans. Our Shuttle Service shares a route with other pets, while Pet Express provides private, direct transport. We also offer an Owner Ride-Along option for people who want to travel with their pets. You can compare the options on our services page.

Have your route, preferred dates, pet details, and care needs ready, then contact our trip coordinator. Together, we can work through the details before pickup day arrives.

Final quick check

Paperwork ready. Food labeled. Care instructions written. Identification updated. Pickup and delivery contacts confirmed.