Whether your pet is travelling with you or with a transporter, what you pack makes the trip smoother. Use this checklist, and label everything with your pet's name.
Documents (for every pet)
- Vaccination records, including a rabies certificate for dogs and cats
- Microchip number and registry details
- For dogs entering the U.S.: CDC Dog Import Form receipt
- For birds and some other species: import permits and health certificates
- Medication list with doses and times
- Vet's contact information
- Emergency contacts at both origin and destination
- Copies for the transporter, with originals in a folder that travels with your pet
Food and water
- Enough of your pet's usual food for the whole trip plus at least two extra days, in case of delays
- Pre-portioned meals in labelled bags
- Treats your pet already knows
- Collapsible bowls
- Water from home for the first part of the trip helps pets who are fussy about water taste
Medication
- All regular medications, in original labelled containers
- Any vet-prescribed travel medications, with clear instructions
- Supplies like syringes or pill pockets
Comfort items
- A worn T-shirt or blanket that smells like home
- Familiar bedding
- A favourite toy (one that's safe to leave unsupervised in a crate)
Species-specific extras
Dogs: Leash, harness, backup slip lead, poop bags, a jacket for winter, booties for icy salted roads.
Cats: Absorbent pads, a small disposable litter tray for long trips, pheromone spray.
Birds: Water-rich fruits and greens, seed or pellets, a carrier cover, spare paper liners.
Rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas: Plenty of hay, leafy greens, pellets, vitamin C source for guinea pigs, a frozen water bottle for warm days (wrapped in a towel).
Hamsters, gerbils, mice and rats: Extra bedding, a hide, water-rich snacks.
Reptiles: Snake bags or secure tubs, a thermometer, paper towel, and species-appropriate heat or cool packs if advised.
Cleanup
- Paper towels and pet-safe wipes
- Spare bedding and pads
- Garbage bags
- Enzyme cleaner for accidents
What not to pack
- Loose water bowls that spill in the crate
- Large toys that take up crate space
- Anything your pet could chew and swallow unsupervised
- Rawhides and bones that could cause choking without supervision
Handing it over
Put everything in one clearly labelled bag. When 4Paws Movers picks up your pet, we check the bag with you and note everything on the transfer-of-care record. Questions about what's needed for your trip? See our FAQ or request a quote.
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.