Visit your veterinarian. A couple weeks before moving, request a copy of veterinary records, a rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate. Be certain your pets are up to date with their shots. If your pet is a senior or has health problems, ask whether a mild sedative would be advisable before travel.

Get tags and leashes. If you have a dog or an indoor/outdoor cat, buy or create identification tags with your new address and phone number. Be sure your pets are wearing them during travel. While you’re at it, pick up a cat leash – you’ll need it if you’re taking a long road trip or traveling by airplane as well as for the first few days that Fluffy and Captain goes outdoors in the new neighborhood.