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Moving House with Pets: An Interstate Relocation Guide

Moving
Moving interstate
Moving pets
Published on June 19th, 2026

Your Pets Cannot Pack Themselves

Moving house is stressful for everyone in the family, including the ones with four legs. Interstate moves add layers of complexity: health certificates, state-specific requirements, travel logistics, and the challenge of helping your pet adjust to a completely new environment. Planning the pet move in parallel with the household move ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Key Takeaways

  • Pet moves need to be planned separately from household moves, starting four to six weeks before moving day

  • Pets cannot travel in removal trucks. They need to travel with you by car, by air with a specialist transporter, or via a dedicated pet transport service

  • Health certificates are required for interstate travel and have short validity windows (typically 72 hours to 10 days depending on the state)

  • Western Australia and Tasmania have additional biosecurity requirements that may include tick treatment, tapeworm treatment, or quarantine periods

  • Kent offers coordinated pet transport as part of the moving service, managing documentation, crating, and logistics alongside your household relocation

How do I plan a pet move alongside a household move?

The key is running two parallel timelines: one for your household move and one for your pet. Here is the combined planning timeline.

Combined moving and pet relocation timeline

Timeframe

Household Move

Pet Move

6 weeks before

Book pre-move survey; confirm moving date

Visit the vet for health check and vaccinations; research state requirements for destination

4 weeks before

Confirm quote; begin packing non-essentials

Book pet transport or plan your car travel route; order an IATA-approved crate if flying

2 weeks before

Complete packing; arrange parking permits and building access

Obtain health certificate from vet (check validity window); arrange tick/tapeworm treatment if required by destination state

1 week before

Final pre-move survey follow-up; confirm timings

Gradually introduce pet to travel crate; pack a pet essentials bag (food, medication, toys, bedding)

Moving day

Crew packs, loads, and departs

Secure pet in a quiet room during loading; transport pet separately (car, flight, or pet transport)

Arrival

Crew delivers and places furniture

Set up a quiet room at new home before releasing pet; maintain feeding routine; keep indoors for 2-4 weeks (cats)

What are the state-by-state requirements for interstate pet moves?

Most interstate pet moves within mainland eastern Australia are straightforward, but some states have additional biosecurity requirements.

State-specific pet travel requirements

Destination

Key Requirements

Notes

NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT

Current vaccinations; health certificate from vet

Standard requirements; no quarantine for domestic pets

Western Australia

Tick treatment certificate; health certificate; additional biosecurity declaration

WA has stricter biosecurity due to isolation from eastern states; allow extra processing time

Tasmania

Tapeworm treatment within 14 days of travel (dogs); health certificate

Additional biosecurity requirements due to island status; check current DPIPWE requirements

Northern Territory

Current vaccinations; health certificate

Standard requirements; consider heat management for pet travel timing

Requirements can change. Always confirm current rules with your destination state's biosecurity authority before travel. Your vet can advise on specific vaccination, treatment, and documentation requirements for your pet.

How do pets travel during an interstate move?

Pets cannot travel in removal trucks. The cargo area is not ventilated, not temperature-controlled, and not designed for live animals. There are three main options for getting your pet to your new home.

Pet travel options compared

Option

Best For

Considerations

Drive with your pet

Short to medium distances (under 1,000 km); pets that travel well in cars

Requires rest stops every 2-3 hours; secure pet in carrier or harness; plan pet-friendly accommodation for multi-day drives

Fly with a specialist transporter

Long distances; anxious pets that would struggle with multi-day car travel

IATA-approved crate required; health certificate within specified window; most airlines require specialist pet freight booking, not passenger cabin

Dedicated pet transport service

All distances; owners who want a single coordinated solution

Professional handlers manage the entire journey; climate-controlled vehicles; welfare checks throughout; documentation handled for you

Kent offers pet transport as part of the moving service. This means your household move and your pet's move are coordinated by a single provider, with documentation, timing, and logistics managed together rather than separately.

How do I manage my pet on moving day?

Moving day is the most disruptive part of the process for pets. Open doors, strangers in the house, furniture disappearing, and unusual noise levels create significant stress. Planning a quiet, secure space for your pet during the move protects both the animal and the crew.

Moving day pet plan

  • Before the crew arrives: Confine your pet to a quiet room that will be packed last (a bathroom or laundry works well). Place food, water, litter tray, and familiar bedding inside

  • During loading: Keep the door closed and place a sign on it saying 'Do not open, pet inside.' Brief the crew so they know which room to avoid until last

  • When the room is needed: Move the pet to your car (in a carrier or crate) or to a trusted neighbour or boarding facility for the remainder of loading

  • For outdoor cats: Keep your cat indoors for at least 48 hours before moving day. An outdoor cat that senses disruption may bolt and not return before you leave

  • At the destination: Set up a quiet room first with the pet's familiar items. Let the crew finish before releasing the pet into the wider home

How do I help my pet adjust to a new home?

Dogs typically adjust within a few days to a week. Cats can take two to four weeks, and outdoor cats need a longer transition period before being allowed outside.

Post-move adjustment tips

  • Cats: Keep indoors for a minimum of two weeks (four weeks for outdoor cats in a new area). Maintain their existing feeding schedule. Place the litter tray in a quiet, accessible location. Gradually expand their access to the rest of the home

  • Dogs: Walk them around the new neighbourhood on-leash several times before allowing off-leash access to the yard. Maintain exercise routines. Dogs pick up on owner stress, so your calm demeanour helps their adjustment

  • All pets: Register with a new vet within the first week. Update microchip details with your new address immediately. Update council registration if you have moved to a new local government area

Yes, but pets travel as cargo (not in the cabin on domestic flights). You will need an IATA-approved crate, a health certificate within the airline's required window, and a booking through a specialist pet freight service. Not all flights accept live animals, so book early.

Costs vary based on distance, animal size, and mode of transport. Professional pet transport services typically range from $300 to $1,500 for interstate moves depending on distance and animal size. A combined household and pet transport quote through a single provider often provides better value than booking separately.

Fish, birds, reptiles, and exotic pets have specific transport requirements that vary by species and state. Some states require permits for certain species. Consult your vet and your destination state's wildlife authority well before moving day. Specialist exotic pet transport services exist for complex requirements.

Start the transition early. Keep your cat indoors for at least 48 hours before moving day to prevent them from bolting. Use pheromone diffusers (such as Feliway) in the room where they will be confined. At the new home, keep them indoors for a minimum of four weeks before allowing supervised outdoor access. Gradual exposure to the new yard while supervised helps build confidence.

Still have questions?
Pet cat ready for relocation during household move

Moving interstate is complex enough without managing separate providers for your household and your pets. Kent offers integrated pet transport alongside your interstate move, with a single coordinator managing packing, transport, storage, and pet logistics. With 80 years of experience and 15 branches nationally, every element of your relocation is handled by one provider. Get a moving quote to discuss your household and pet moving needs together.

Kent will take care of packing, unpacking, cleaning, secure storage and even setting up your new home, leaving you to settle in stress-free, with ease.

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