When moving your home, the most crucial part is to take care of your pets because, like you, they’ll also be anxious. You may feel overwhelmed to relocate to a new place, while they’ll be nervous to see all the stuff go away from a place they spent years running around.
The transition will be difficult for them. That’s when your fur babies need you the most. There are some safe pet transportation services you can hire, put the little one in a carrier, and send them home.
However, this is not a standard travel; this is moving your life from one place to another, and your pets will be the most anxious. This is when it makes sense to transport pets in car with you or take them on an airplane and ship your car to the new location. This is the fastest and easiest way to ensure safe, comfortable, and worry-free pet transportation.
We can help you move your car while you care for your pet and ensure they’re comfortable when you reach your new home.
Traveling With Pets is Quite Common:
As of 2024, 66% or 86.9 million US households own a pet. And if you’re moving home and not sure whether to arrange pet transportation or travel with your pet, you’ll find it quite interesting to know that 78% of American pet owners travel with their pets. Granted, this number includes all kinds of traveling, not just house moving; it still shows how convenient it is for people to travel with their pets and how common this has become. Here’s some data showing pet ownership and travel across the US:
With most pet owners traveling with their pets each year and 52% basing their travel plans around pet accommodation, it’s clear that being there with your pet during travel is the best thing you can do when moving.
Our car shipping service lets you do just that. You can take your pet to the new home via a comfortable and quick airplane travel while we move your trusty ride to its new home as well.
Is it Safe to Travel With Your Pet in a Car During Long Distance Moves?
Moving to a new home with pets creates serious stress for everyone involved. Your furry friend doesn’t understand what’s happening. They get anxious during travel. You worry about their comfort and safety. Long car rides mean hours of pet management while trying to drive safely. Bathroom breaks become urgent emergencies. Finding pet-friendly hotels adds extra planning. Your pet might refuse to eat or drink properly.
These problems multiply during long-distance moves. Your pet might whine, bark, or get sick in the car. Bad weather might force unexpected stops. Traffic jams throw off your carefully planned schedule. Your attention splits between driving safely and keeping your pet calm. It’s a recipe for a risky and stressful experience.
Fortunately, there’s a better solution: ship your car and take your pet with you via airplane. However, pets with punished in faces such as persian cats, bulldogs, and pugs might not be fit for airplane travel so discuss with your vet before travelling. That said, here are some reasons why its best to take your pet with you on an airplane while your car is shipped by an auto mover:
1. You Can Take Better Care of Your Furry Friend
When you’re behind the wheel, your attention is divided. You can’t focus fully on your pet when you need to watch the road. Flying changes this dynamic completely.
Undivided attention becomes possible when you’re not driving. You can watch for signs of stress in your pet and respond immediately. Many pet owners notice their animals’ anxiety levels drop significantly when they can provide constant reassurance during travel.
In-cabin pet travel allows you to maintain physical contact with smaller pets, which research shows reduces their stress hormones. You can offer comfort techniques like gentle massage for dogs or quiet reassurance for cats that would be impossible while driving.
For pets that need medication, flying eliminates the unpredictability of road conditions that might delay critical doses. You’ll maintain proper hydration with measured water portions without worrying about spills in a moving vehicle.
Perhaps most importantly, you’ll arrive with more energy to help your pet adjust to their new surroundings instead of being exhausted from days of driving.
2. Practical Advantages
Solo travelers face unique challenges when trying to transport pets in car during long moves. Managing both driving safety and a distressed pet creates dangerous divided attention.Studies show that distracted driving from pet managementslightly increases accident risk.
| Challenge | Car Travel Impact | Air Travel Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pet distress management | Limited options while driving | Immediate response possible |
| Weather exposure | Multiple climate zones, unpredictable conditions | Climate-controlled cabin throughout |
| Emergency vet access | Variable by location, potentially remote areas | Quick access in major cities upon arrival |
| Physical demands | Frequent stops, leashing, carrier handling | Minimal physical requirements |
| Route challenges | Mountain passes, traffic, construction | Direct flight path avoids obstacles |
Weather becomes a significant factor during long-distance relocations. Your route might cross multiple climate zones, potentially exposing your pet to dangerous temperature fluctuations, snow, ice, or excessive heat. Air travel bypasses these risks completely.
Emergency veterinary access varies dramatically by location during road trips. Air travel concentrates the journey into hours rather than days, with airports typically located near major cities with comprehensive emergency vet services if needed.
Physical limitations become more apparent during car travel. Solo pet parents may struggle with the demands of multiple pet stops requiring leashing, carrying, and managing bathroom breaks while simultaneously securing the vehicle.
3. Time Savings
The most obvious benefit is dramatic time savings. A cross-country journey that takes 3-5 days by car completes in just hours by plane. This gets you and your pet settled in your new home faster. You can start establishing routines immediately instead of spending days on the road.
| Consideration | Car Transportation | Air Transportation |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Duration | Days of travel | Hours of travel |
| Pet Stress Period | Extended exposure | Brief exposure |
| Recovery Time | Days to normalize | Quick adjustment |
4. Better Move Management
Car travel for pets complicates your overall move coordination. Flying while shipping your car separates these tasks logically. Professional auto transporters handle your vehicle. You focus entirely on your pet and settling into your new home. This division creates smoother logistics.
You gain flexibility in your arrival timeline. You might choose to arrive a day before your car to prepare the home. Or schedule your car’s arrival for after you’ve established basic living arrangements. This staggered approach reduces the chaos of everything happening at once.
5. Better Pet Security
Travel for pets via air provides consistent supervision. Your attention stays fully on their needs instead of dividing between driving and pet care. You’ll notice signs of distress immediately and can respond appropriately. This focused attention creates a more secure experience.
For both you and your pet, the convenience, time savings, and improved management of your move make flying while shipping your car an option worth considering for long-distance relocations.
5 Tips For Pet-Friendly Car Travel:
If you still want to travel with your pet in the car when moving home or you have multiple vehicles and are driving to your new home with the pet in one car and shipping the rest, you need to know a few things for pet-friendly car travel:
1. Secure containment is essential
Use a crash-tested carrier or safety harness that meets Center for Pet Safety standards. For small dogs and cats, a secured carrier placed on the floor behind the front passenger seat provides maximum protection.
For larger dogs, use a harness that attaches to seat belts with a short tether to prevent excessive movement during sudden stops. Never let pets ride in the front seat where airbags could cause injury.
2. Practice makes perfect
Start with 5-10 minute drives to positive destinations like parks, gradually extending to 30-60 minute trips. Create positive associations by offering high-value treats and favorite toys exclusively during car rides.
If your pet shows signs of anxiety (excessive panting, drooling, whining), consult your vet about anti-nausea or calming supplements before your long journey.
3. Plan frequent breaks
Map out stops every 2-3 hours along your route before departing. Use apps like BringFido to locate pet-friendly rest areas and parks.
Allow 15-20 minutes per stop for bathroom needs and brief exercise. Always keep your pet leashed during breaks and have water available in a portable, spill-proof bowl.
4. Pack a pet travel kit
Prepare a dedicated bag with:
- Portioned food in sealed containers
- Bottled water (1 ounce for every pound in dog and 4-12 ounces for a cat per day per pet)
- Collapsible bowls
- Medications plus copies of prescriptions
- Waste bags
- Disinfecting wipes
- Two leashes (in case one breaks)
- Familiar bedding that smells like home
Make sure to also carry medical records including vaccination history and microchip information.
5. Keep the environment comfortable
Maintain 30-70°F in the vehicle, using AC in summer and avoiding direct sunlight on your pet. Use window shades on the side where your pet sits and ensure vents can circulate fresh air to their area.
Consider a pet-specific seat cover to provide better traction and protect upholstery from hair and accidents. For anxious pets, using pheromone sprays can create a calming atmosphere.
Cost of Safe Pet Transportation in Airplane Vs Car Travel
If you’re considering shipping your vehicles and travel with your pet via an airplane, you should consider how much it may cost you depending on the total distance you need to cover. So before we compare the costs, here are the base rates for different costs we’ve established for our comparison:
Vehicle Specifications:
- Average fuel economy: 25 MPG
- Fuel cost: $3.60 per gallon
- Vehicle maintenance cost: $0.10 per mile for wear and tear
- Wear and tear: $0.0968/mile as per AAA
- Depreciation: $0.12/mile as per Iowa State University Research
- Car wash: $15 flat fee
Accommodation & Dining:
- Pet-friendly hotel average: $100/night with:
- 0 nights for 500 miles
- 1 night for 800 miles
- 2 nights for 1100-1500 miles
- 3 nights for 2000+ miles
- Pet fee at hotels: $20-$50 per night
- Food: $20 per day
Costs of Shipping The Car:
Car shipping costs per mile are:
- $1 for 500 miles
- $0.75 for 501-999 miles
- $0.6 for 1,000 to 1999 miles
- $0.5 for 2000 to 2500+ miles
Airplane Costs:
Vary depending on departure and destination airports. We used Expedia to get a basic idea of different locations across the US that have similar distances as the ranges in the table below.
| Distance | Cost Category | Item | Car Travel Cost | Air Travel + Car Shipping Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 📍500 miles | Vehicle Costs | Fuel ($3.60/gal, 25 MPG) | $72.00 | - |
| Wear and tear ($0.0968/mile) | $48.40 | - | ||
| Depreciation ($0.12/mile) | $60.00 | - | ||
| Car wash | $15.00 | - | ||
| Accommodation | Hotel (0 nights) | $0.00 | - | |
| Food | Meals ($20/day × 1 day) | $20.00 | - | |
| Shipping | Car shipping ($1/mile) | - | $500.00 | |
| Air Travel | Human ticket | - | $100-$150 | |
| Pet cabin fee | - | $120-$150 | ||
| TOTAL | $215 | $720-$800 | ||
| 📍800 miles | Vehicle Costs | Fuel ($3.60/gal, 25 MPG) | $115.20 | - |
| Wear and tear ($0.0968/mile) | $77.44 | - | ||
| Depreciation ($0.12/mile) | $96.00 | - | ||
| Car wash | $15.00 | - | ||
| Accommodation | Hotel (1 night + pet fee) | $120-$150 | - | |
| Food | Meals ($20/day × 2 days) | $40.00 | - | |
| Shipping | Car shipping ($0.75/mile) | - | $600.00 | |
| Air Travel | Human ticket | - | $150-$170 | |
| Pet cabin fee | - | $120-$150 | ||
| TOTAL | $463-$493 | $870-$920 | ||
| 📍1,200 miles | Vehicle Costs | Fuel ($3.60/gal, 25 MPG) | $172.80 | - |
| Wear and tear ($0.0968/mile) | $116.16 | - | ||
| Depreciation ($0.12/mile) | $144.00 | - | ||
| Car wash | $15.00 | - | ||
| Accommodation | Hotel (2 nights + pet fees) | $240-$300 | - | |
| Food | Meals ($20/day × 3 days) | $60.00 | - | |
| Shipping | Car shipping ($0.6/mile) | - | $720.00 | |
| Air Travel | Human ticket | - | $200 | |
| Pet cabin fee | - | $120-$150 | ||
| TOTAL | $747-$807 | $1,040-$1,070 | ||
| 📍1,500+ miles | Vehicle Costs | Fuel ($3.60/gal, 25 MPG) | $216.00 | - |
| Wear and tear ($0.0968/mile) | $145.20 | - | ||
| Depreciation ($0.12/mile) | $180.00 | - | ||
| Car wash | $15.00 | - | ||
| Accommodation | Hotel (2 nights + pet fees) | $240-$300 | - | |
| Food | Meals ($20/day × 3 days) | $60.00 | - | |
| Shipping | Car shipping ($0.6/mile) | - | $900.00 | |
| Air Travel | Human ticket | - | $250 | |
| Pet cabin fee | - | $120-$150 | ||
| TOTAL | $856-$916 | $1,270-$1,300 | ||
| 📍2,000+ miles | Vehicle Costs | Fuel ($3.60/gal, 25 MPG) | $288.00 | - |
| Wear and tear ($0.0968/mile) | $193.60 | - | ||
| Depreciation ($0.12/mile) | $240.00 | - | ||
| Car wash | $15.00 | - | ||
| Accommodation | Hotel (3 nights + pet fees) | $360-$450 | - | |
| Food | Meals ($20/day × 4 days) | $80.00 | - | |
| Shipping | Car shipping ($0.5/mile) | - | $1,000.00 | |
| Air Travel | Human ticket | - | $300 | |
| Pet cabin fee | - | $120-$150 | ||
| TOTAL | $1,176-$1,266 | $1,420-$1,450 |
Key Insights From This Comparison:
- The cost difference narrows significantly as distance increases
- At 2,000+ miles, the price difference may be as little as $200-$250
- Car travel doesn’t account for time value, stress, or unexpected expenses
- Air travel offers 80-90% time savings (days vs. hours)
- Vehicle shipped arrives with no added wear, tear, or depreciation
Hire Easy Auto Ship For Transporting Vehicles When Moving With Pets:
It’s possible to transport pets in car with you over short distances (under 200 miles). However, longer distances may be bearable to you but can become uncomfortable, stressful and anxiety-inducing for your furr baby.
So the best approach is to travel with your pet separately via airplane, train or any other transport mode where you can pay full attention to your pet.
As for your vehicle, you can hire car shipping companies like Easy Auto Ship to safely move the vehicle from your old place to your new home while respecting your schedule. This will ensure your vehicle arrives with you without the whole move being overwhelming for you or your pet.
If you’re interested in moving your vehicle with us, call our agents at (888) 687-3243 or use our free car shipping cost calculator for free, no-obligation quotes in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to transport a pet in a vehicle?
The best way is to use a crash-tested pet carrier or a seatbelt harness to secure your pet. Ensure proper ventilation, avoid leaving pets unattended, and take frequent breaks for hydration and comfort.
Are pet relocation services worth it?
Yes, if you’re moving long-distance or internationally. These services handle logistics, ensure compliance with state/country laws, and provide safe, stress-free transport for your pet. However, depending on total distance, they can range from $0.50 to $1.60 per mile.
How to move when you have pets?
Plan ahead by acclimating pets to carriers, packing a pet travel kit (food, water, meds, toys), and scheduling vet visits for health checks and vaccinations.
What safety equipment is essential for transporting pets in a car?
Essential items include crash-tested carriers, seatbelt harnesses, car barriers, and non-slip mats. These ensure your pet’s safety and prevent distractions while driving.
How can I reduce my pet’s anxiety during car travel?
Use calming aids like pheromone sprays, practice short trips to acclimate your pet, and provide familiar toys or blankets. Avoid feeding right before travel to prevent motion sickness.
What are the legal requirements for transporting pets in a car?
Laws vary by the region, but a few states require pets to be securely restrained to avoid driver distraction. Some states may impose fines for unrestrained pets. Always check local regulations.
