A lot of households have more than one kind of pet: a dog and a cat, a cat and a budgie, a dog, a rabbit and a bearded dragon. When they move, they often travel in the same vehicle. That works, with some planning.
Predator and prey
Dogs and cats are predators. Birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and small rodents are prey species. Even when animals live peacefully in the same house, in a small vehicle the prey animal can't get away from the sight, sound and smell of the predator. That's a source of stress, and stress affects appetite, digestion and health.
Setting up the vehicle
- Separate crates for everyone. Always.
- Visual barriers. Cover the prey animals' carriers or position them so they can't see the predators.
- Distance. Put as much space as possible between predator and prey crates.
- Airflow. Make sure covered carriers still get good ventilation.
- Noise. Barking dogs are stressful for birds and small mammals. Calm dogs, or dogs placed further away, help.
Temperature differences
Different species have different comfort ranges. Chinchillas and rabbits want it cool, reptiles need steady warmth, and dogs sit somewhere in the middle. In one vehicle, the solution is usually a moderate cabin temperature with local adjustments: insulated containers and heat packs (not in direct contact) for reptiles, and frozen bottles wrapped in towels for heat-sensitive small mammals. See our guides for reptiles and guinea pigs and chinchillas.
Disease considerations
Some illnesses can pass between species. For example, rabbits can be affected by bacteria commonly carried by dogs and cats. Keep equipment, bowls and bedding separate, and wash hands between handling different animals. Read our article on hygiene and zoonotic disease.
Stops
- Handle one animal at a time.
- Walk dogs away from the vehicle so prey animals aren't exposed to excited barking.
- Keep small mammals, birds and reptiles in their carriers.
Paperwork
Each species has its own border requirements. Build a single checklist for all your pets. See our guide to moving to the U.S. with multiple pets.
Separate households: never mixed
On shared shuttles, animals from different households may ride together. On our dedicated trips, only your household's pets are on board. That removes the risk of your rabbit riding next to someone else's excited terrier.
Request a quote and tell us about everyone who's coming along.
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.