Moving with Pets: Overcoming the Stress of Planning a Pet-Friendly Journey

Pet owners often avoid flying or hiring pet relocation services due to concerns about safety, stress, and separation. Air travel can expose pets to extreme temperatures or mishandling, while transport services may mean days in crates with unfamiliar handlers. Driving keeps pets close, allowing stops for potty breaks and leg stretches.

A 2025 survey by TripsWithPets found that 88% of pet parents prioritize their pets’ well-being when planning a move, making road trips the preferred choice. While 75% of pet parents plan to drive no more than 6–8 hours a day to reduce pet stress.

The Hotel Hurdle

Securing pet-friendly hotels for a multi-day move is tough, especially for families with a large and diverse pack. An analysis by the American Hotel & Lodging Association shows that 60% of pet-friendly hotels limit guests to two pets, 55% impose weight caps (typically 50 pounds), and more than 30% exclude cats entirely. These restrictions make it hard to find welcoming over-night stays, leaving pet parents anxious before the trip even starts.

The Emotional Weight

Moving is already a top life stressor, and planning a pet-friendly journey adds to the strain. The TripsWithPets survey found that 82% of pet parents feel heightened stress when organizing a move with animals. Finding hotels that accept their entire furry crew — particularly for those with multiple pets, large breeds, or cats — can feel overwhelming, and many want to avoid the hassle altogether.

Kim Salerno, CEO and Founder of TripsWithPets.com, notes the struggle: “Families contact us because they can’t find hotels along their route that will allow ALL their pets, or they’re too stressed to deal with it. When we find them the right places to stay, it’s a big weight off their shoulders, and they’re so thankful.”

Solutions for a Smoother Journey

Preparation can make all the difference. For road trippers, booking platforms like TripsWithPets offer detailed pet policies for hotels, helping families plan stops that suit their needs. TripsWithPets goes further, reaching out to flexible hotel partners to secure accommodations for families that need further assistance.

For air travel, the International Air Transport Association’s pet travel guidelines can clarify airline policies and requirements. If hiring a relocation service, checking certifications through the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association ensures reliability. Simple DIY tips — like packing familiar blankets or practicing crate time — can also calm pets during the move.

Beyond the Road: Other Challenges

Driving isn’t the only option, but alternatives have drawbacks. Air travel involves strict airline policies, health certificates, and crate requirements. Pet relocation services, while professional, can cost $1,000–$5,000 and involve separation -- which often push families toward road trips, despite the planning difficulties.

The Bottom Line

Moving with pets is about ensuring every family member, furry or not, arrives ready for a new chapter. By addressing the pre-travel challenge of finding pet-friendly hotels early — through booking platforms, personalized services, or other resources — pet parents can transform a stressful journey into a manageable adventure.