Moving to the U.S. With Multiple Pets: A Planning Guide

Moving from Canada to the United States with one pet is manageable. Moving with three or four, possibly different species, takes real planning. Here's how to organize a multi-pet cross-border move.

Step 1: List every pet and its requirements

Make a simple table: species, age, microchip number, vaccinations and the border requirements for each.

• Dogs: At least six months old, microchipped, CDC Dog Import Form receipt. See our CDC guide.
• Cats: The CDC doesn't require rabies proof at the border for cats, but many U.S. states require rabies vaccination. Keep the certificate.
• Birds: USDA import permit applied for at least 30 days ahead, health certificate, and possibly U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service paperwork. See our pet bird guide.
• Reptiles: Possible U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declarations and CITES permits, and some species are restricted. See our reptile guide.
• Rabbits and small mammals: Check USDA APHIS and your destination state.

Step 2: Check your destination state and city

Some states have their own rules for pets entering, and some cities restrict certain species or limit the number of pets per household. Rental housing may have its own limits. Check before you move.

Step 3: Timeline

Work backwards from your move date:

• 8+ weeks out: Vet visits, microchips checked, bird permits started.
• 4–6 weeks out: Book transport, crate training.
• 2 weeks out: CDC forms completed, all documents copied.
• Travel week: Final vet checks if needed, pack supplies.

Step 4: Decide who travels together

Pets from the same household that get along can often travel in the same vehicle. But each needs its own secured crate or carrier, and predator and prey species (like a dog and a rabbit) should be kept apart with barriers, so the prey animal can't see or smell the predator more than necessary.

Step 5: Timing with your own move

Many families prefer their pets to arrive after the furniture, when a quiet room can be set up. Others need pets to arrive with them. A dedicated transporter can schedule delivery around your plans.

Step 6: Costs

Multi-pet moves have lower cost per pet on dedicated trips, since the vehicle and driver are shared. But extras like boarding are usually priced per pet. Our pricing page shows how each fee works.

At 4Paws Movers

We move whole households of pets in one dedicated vehicle, with paperwork reviewed for each animal before we leave. Read more on our cross-border page and request a quote.