Start two weeks before pickup
- Get your pet used to the crate or carrier. Leave it open at home with a blanket and treats so it becomes a familiar place.
- Confirm vaccinations and gather records. Ask your veterinarian whether your route requires a health certificate and how recently it must be issued.
- Ask about medication or anxiety support. If your pet is anxious, talk to your veterinarian well in advance. Do not start a new medication on pickup day.
- Check identification. Make sure the microchip details and collar tag are current.
What to pack
- Enough of your pet's regular food for the whole trip. Sudden diet changes upset stomachs.
- A familiar blanket or toy that smells like home.
- Medications with written instructions, including dosing times.
- Vaccination records and any health certificate.
- Feeding notes: how much, how often, and any habits or fears your handler should know.
- Your contact details and your veterinarian's.
The day before pickup
- Keep routines normal. Do not introduce new foods or treats.
- Give a bath or brush if your pet needs it, so they travel comfortably.
- Confirm the pickup time and address with your transporter.
- Charge your phone so you can receive updates.
Pickup day
- Feed lightly and offer a last bathroom break before the handler arrives.
- Keep goodbyes calm and short. Pets pick up on your emotions.
- Hand over the paperwork, food and comfort items, and share anything the handler should know.
- Save your handler's contact details and your update preferences.
During the trip
Expect updates and photo check-ins from your handler as the trip progresses. Happy Arrival Pets trips include scheduled rest, feeding and exercise stops, with a handler who stays with your animals from pickup to delivery.
A seven-day crate-training plan
- Day 1. Put the open crate in a room where your pet spends time. Add a blanket. Let them explore on their own.
- Day 2. Toss treats just inside the crate. Praise any entry.
- Day 3. Feed meals next to, then inside, the crate.
- Day 4. Close the door for a few seconds while your pet eats, then open it.
- Day 5. Increase the time with the door closed, staying in the room.
- Day 6. Leave the room for a few minutes, then return calmly.
- Day 7. Practice a short car ride in the crate if you can, then reward.
Do not force it, and do not use the crate as punishment. The goal is a crate that means "safe and familiar". If your pet resists, slow down and repeat earlier steps.
Food and water
Keep to your pet's normal diet and portions. Sudden changes upset stomachs, and a stomach upset is the last thing you want on a long trip. Pack enough food for the whole trip, in a labeled bag, with feeding instructions. Your handler will provide water at stops. Tell them if your pet has special dietary needs.
Motion sickness and anxiety
Some pets get queasy or stressed in vehicles. A short practice ride can show you how your pet reacts. If your pet drools heavily, vomits, or shakes, talk to your veterinarian well before the trip about what can help. Do not give over-the-counter medication or supplements without veterinary advice.
Heat and cold
Temperature matters for pets. A climate-controlled vehicle keeps the cabin comfortable, but you can help by not over-bundling your pet before pickup, and by sharing any sensitivities with your handler: thick-coated breeds that overheat, thin-coated or small dogs that chill, flat-faced breeds that struggle in heat.
What not to do
- Do not change your pet's food, medication or routine right before the trip.
- Do not hand over a pet with a health concern without telling the handler.
- Do not skip the paperwork, even if you think the rules are relaxed.
- Do not make the goodbye long or emotional. Calm and brief works best.
Arrival day
- Set up a quiet space with water and a bed.
- Let your pet settle before introducing the whole home or neighborhood.
- Offer water first, then a small meal.
- Expect them to be tired. Give them time to rest.
Planning a trip? Start with an instant estimate or request a fixed quote. Also read our transport safety checklist.