The perfect move with pets: This is how it works!

Moving to a new place of residence is always exciting and sometimes stressful. You have to take care of a lot of organizational matters and coordinate all the processes. It becomes even more time-consuming when not only people but also animals move with you. Then you may have to take many other things into account. At Intermove, we know the requirements and will be happy to explain them to you.

Content of this blog article:

1. moving with a pet without stress

1.1 Moving with a pet in Germany

1.2 Moving abroad with a pet

1.2.1 Regulations

1.2.2 Flights with pets

2. pet transportation with Intermove

2.1 PetMove: all-round carefree package

3. moving with dog and cat

3.1 Moving with a dog

3.2 Moving with a cat

4th move with rabbits, hamsters & co.

5. pet registered? Don't forget to change your address!

6. checklist: Moving with a pet

7. conclusion

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Moving with a pet without stress

For pets, moving to a new environment is often associated with a lot of stress and excitement. Spare your beloved pet the hustle and bustle and noise on moving day by temporarily keeping it with friends, acquaintances or relatives. This also prevents pets from accidentally escaping through the open door and running away. After everything has been set up and unpacked in the new apartment or house, you can pick up your pet. This will ensure that it is in a quiet environment and can get used to everything in the company of its familiar caregivers.

Under no circumstances should you pack your pets in the removal van - even if they are small animals in their cage. This way, you can check how your pet is doing at any time during the journey. You also avoid potential dangers if the safety catch in the removal van should come loose. Help from a professional removal company such as Intermove ensures that you have enough time for your pet on the day of the move and can give it the attention it needs.

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Moving with a pet in Germany

Depending on the type of pet, you need to consider various points when moving:

• Dogs: Due to the dog tax, you must de-register your dog at your old place of residence and register it at your new one. Do you need a checklist of what else you need to re-register? We've put everything together for you in this article: Planning to move? What do I need to re-register? 
• Exotic pets: Exotische Haustiere wie Schlangen, Spinnen etc. müssen der entsprechenden Behörde gemeldet werden, wobei die Regeln je nach Gemeinde variieren. Erkundige Dich hier bei der verantwortlichen Stadtverwaltung.
• Cats and small animals: As a rule, these do not have to be re-registered unless they are registered with Tasso, for example. In this case, you should also enter the new address here.
• Vet: If you are moving a long way away, you will need a new vet to look after your pet.

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Moving abroad with a pet

Regulations

When moving abroad with a pet, you must comply with a number of regulations. These are standardized within the EU:

• Dogs, cats, and ferrets require an EU pet passport with proof of an ISO microchip and a valid rabies vaccination; the pet passport can be issued by licensed veterinarians with the appropriate authorization.
• The animals must be chipped for identification.
• Some states also require a health certificate or impose a quarantine for your pet.

If you are moving to a country that is not part of the European Union, there are often even stricter rules for the required vaccinations and quarantine. You can find out exactly what these are from the consulate of your destination country.

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Flights with pets

If you are relying on an airplane to transport your pet, there are a few things to bear in mind. Dogs and cats can travel with you on most airlines. If you have a small dog or cat that weighs no more than 8 kg including its transport box, it can usually be transported with you in the cabin, although there are limits to the dimensions of the transport box. These are approximately 55 × 40 × 23 cm in size. 

Also note the age restrictions that apply depending on the airline: A puppy younger than eight weeks should not travel by plane. 

For larger or heavier and other pets, transportation as freight is a good option, whereby the animal is checked in in its box, similar in principle to a suitcase, and can be carried in an escape-proof and waterproof container in the cargo hold.

Flat-faced animals such as Chow Chows, Pugs, Boxers, Persian cats, or Scottish Fold cats are often subject to additional regulations. Each airline has its own specific rules regarding this. Please check with the respective airline in advance.

Please note: Some airlines do not allow pets on board at all. These include Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. Others, such as Eurowings and Vueling, do not allow pets in the cargo hold; they can only travel in the cabin. However, service dogs are generally exempt from these rules. Be sure to check with the airline well in advance of your flight to find out the exact regulations, as these vary significantly from one airline to another.

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Pet transportation with Intermove

Intermove has extensive experience in pet transportation, both domestically and internationally. Relocating a beloved pet is a matter of absolute trust. PetMove, a specialized service offered by Intermove, was developed in collaboration with the relevant state veterinary authorities, veterinarians, animal lovers, and animal welfare advocates to make the move as comfortable as possible for you and your pet. Staff specially trained and certified for this work will transport your pet in air-conditioned and comfortable vehicles. We avoid stressful situations and cater to the animal’s needs as much as possible. The transport of the animal is carried out in compliance with all legal travel and transport regulations.

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PetMove: all-round carefree package

• Authorities: The multitude of authorities and entry requirements makes it difficult for the average citizen to keep track of everything. PetMove takes on the responsibility of informing you about the requirements and helping you to comply with them.
• Planning: The trip will be discussed and planned with you, including all eventualities and special features, and logistical necessities will also be taken into account.
• Consideration: Individual consideration is given to the typical temperament of the animal. The staff will also find out all about your pet.
• Approval: PetMove is IATA-certified and approved by the relevant veterinary authorities to transport pets. The welfare of the animals is taken care of accordingly during transportation.

PetMove does not carry out any separate national transportation that is not related to a flight.

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Moving with a dog and cat

Moving with a dog

Dogs find it quite easy to adapt to a new territory. As a pack animal, it is enough for the dog that his master or mistress is there - everything else is secondary, as he attaches himself to his caregivers and not locally. Here are some tips to make the move with your dog easier:

• Preparation: Get your dog used to traveling by car before the move so that even a longer distance is not a problem.
• Accommodation: Keep your dog with a trusted person during the move - that way he won't scurry around while you're packing.
• Transport: Your dog should be kept safe in the car, for example in a transport box or with a partition in the back of the car.
• Settling in: Explore the new surroundings together with your dog and go for long walks. In the new home, you should give him his familiar food and create a familiar environment with toys or his favorite blanket.
• Don't panic: Most dogs cope with a move without any major problems. So don't infect your four-legged friend with your stress - he'll notice! Instead, don't make too much of a fuss about the situation so that he understands that everything is fine.

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Moving with a cat

Cats, on the other hand, are very attached to their familiar territory and are therefore extremely reluctant to move. If possible, they should only be allowed outside in their new home after four weeks. It can also be a good idea to start by exploring the surroundings with them on a cat lead. Here are some tips to make the move easier for your cat:

• Create a safe zone: Set up a quiet room in your new home as a retreat for your cat.
• Transport: On the day of the move, the cat should be placed in the transport box last and the box should be covered to minimize stress.
• Acclimatization phase: At first, only let the cat into the prepared room and give it time to acclimatize. Give it peace and quiet at first and don't try to lure it out.
• Exploration phase: Once the initial restlessness has subsided, your cat can also explore the rest of the room. It's best not to leave her alone, but to keep her company here too.

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If you have an older pet or know that your pet gets stressed easily, talk to your veterinarian about the upcoming move. As long as you stay calm and are there for your pet as a source of comfort, the move should go smoothly.

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Moving with rabbits, hamsters & co.

Rabbits, hamsters and other small animals should be shielded from the stress of moving. During the journey, they are well accommodated in their own cage or a transport basket for cats or dogs. It is important that the cage or basket is secured so that it cannot fall over or slip during the journey. In the new home, you should allow the small animals to rest. After a short time, the animals will have become accustomed to their new surroundings.

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Pet registered? Don't forget to change your address!

You can register your pet free of charge with Tasso, a German animal welfare organization with a central pet register. If it ever escapes, it may be found more quickly. So remember to inform the Tasso center of your new address if you are registered there.

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Checklist: Moving with a pet

To ensure that your move with a pet goes as smoothly as possible, you should rely on an experienced removal service such as Intermove. In the following checklist, we give you an overview of the most important to-dos:

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• Organize a caregiver for the moving day

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• Get a secure transport box for the journey

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• Consult a vet

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• Dogs deregistered at the old place of residence in the municipality

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• Find a vet at your new place of residence

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• Registering dogs and exotic animals at your new place of residence

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• Update address with Tasso and dog liability insurance

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• Finish furnishing the apartment/cage for your pet

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• Fill up usual food and water for the moving day or give to caregiver

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• Sufficient time for settling in

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• If moving abroad, additional necessary vaccinations at the vet, especially rabies

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• EU pet passport

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• Animal chipped

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Conclusion

If you have any further questions or need assistance with moving with your pets, we at Intermove will be happy to help. We offer well thought-out concepts for the perfect international relocation of your pet. With PetMove, our professional pet relocation service, you can be sure that your pet is in the best hands. 

Prepare yourself and your pet for the upcoming move well in advance and take care of their individual needs: then nothing will stand in the way of the move. We wish you and your animal companions a stress-free move and lots of fun in your new home!

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