On transport day, your pet will spend most of the trip in a crate or carrier. Pets that already see the crate as a safe, familiar place travel much more calmly than pets meeting it for the first time. If you have a few weeks before your move, use them.
Pick the right crate first
Your pet should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. Too small is uncomfortable. Too big lets them slide around during braking. If your pet will fly for part of the trip, the crate may need to meet airline standards, so check before you buy.
Week 1: Make the crate part of the furniture
- Put the crate in a room where your family spends time, with the door propped open.
- Add bedding that smells like home.
- Drop treats inside randomly through the day and let your pet find them.
- Don't close the door yet. The goal is curiosity, not confinement.
Week 2: Meals and short closures
- Feed meals inside the crate, moving the bowl further back each day.
- Once your pet is eating calmly inside, close the door for a minute while they eat, then open it before they finish.
- Gradually extend closed-door time to 10–15 minutes after meals, with you nearby.
Week 3: Longer stays and alone time
- Offer a long-lasting chew or puzzle toy in the crate.
- Leave the room for short periods, then return calmly. Don't make a fuss when letting them out.
- Build up to an hour or more.
Week 4: Movement
- Carry or move the crate short distances with your pet inside (for small pets).
- Take short drives with the crate secured in the car, ending somewhere pleasant.
- Practise the actual carrier you'll use on transport day.
Tips for cats
Cats usually do best when the carrier lives out in the home all the time instead of appearing only for vet visits. A top-loading carrier makes it easier to place a reluctant cat inside. Spraying a synthetic feline pheromone product on the bedding 15 minutes before use helps some cats.
Dogs with bad crate history
Rescue dogs sometimes have negative experiences with crates. Go slower, use higher-value treats, and consider asking a trainer for help. Never force a panicking dog into a crate and shut the door; that sets the process back.
Don't have four weeks?
Even a few days of treats and meals in the crate helps. Tell your transporter if your pet hasn't been crate trained. At 4Paws Movers we plan extra check-ins for pets new to crates. Our ground transport page explains how pets ride in our vehicles, and you can request a quote any time.
Planning a move with your pet?
4Paws Movers offers dedicated, climate-controlled ground transport across Ontario and cross-border into the U.S., plus airport cargo drop-off. Every fee is published.