DIY Pet Move vs. Hiring a Professional: Pros and Cons

We're a pet transport company, so you might expect us to say you should always hire a professional. We won't. Many pet owners move their pets themselves, safely and happily. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.

Doing it yourself: the pros

• Cost. If you're driving anyway, adding your pet costs little beyond supplies and pet-friendly hotels.
• Familiarity. Your pet travels with the person it trusts most.
• Control. You set the schedule and make every decision.

Doing it yourself: the cons

• You're doing two jobs. Moving day is already stressful. Managing a pet on top of a moving truck, kids, closings and key handovers is hard.
• Timing conflicts. You might need to fly while your pet can't, or arrive before your pet should.
• Paperwork. Cross-border moves need you to know the rules for every species and get everything right. See our CDC guide and CFIA guide.
• Pet-friendly accommodation can be hard to find, especially with multiple or large pets, or with exotics.
• Equipment. You need proper crates, restraints and supplies.
• Stopping for the pet. Every stop you make for your pet is a stop you can't skip, even when you're exhausted.

Hiring a professional: the pros

• Expertise. An experienced transporter knows the paperwork, the routes and how to handle stressed animals.
• Frees you up to focus on the rest of your move.
• Proper equipment and climate-controlled vehicles.
• Flexibility. Your pet can travel on a different schedule from you.
• Accountability. A registered, insured company follows regulations and documents the trip.

Hiring a professional: the cons

• Cost. Professional transport costs more than driving your pet yourself.
• Trust. You need to vet the company carefully. Read our guide on how to choose a pet transport company.
• Separation. Your pet is with someone new for the trip.

When DIY makes sense

• A short or moderate distance
• A calm, crate-trained pet that travels well
• You're driving anyway, with room and time to stop
• No complicated border paperwork

When a professional makes sense

• You're flying and your pet shouldn't
• Multiple pets or species
• Cross-border moves with paperwork you're unfamiliar with
• Anxious, senior, or medically complex pets
• Exotic pets with strict temperature needs
• A demanding move schedule

Middle ground

Some owners handle one leg themselves and hire help for another, like a transporter for the airport drop-off, or for the border crossing only. It's worth asking.

Wondering which makes sense for you? Request a quote and compare it with your DIY costs.