Before the move
- Visit the vet. Get a copy of vaccination records. If moving interstate, get a health certificate (required by most states for cross-border pet transport, valid 10–30 days).
- Update microchip and ID tags. New address, new phone number, new state. Update before the move — not after.
- Research Florida vets. Pick a vet in your new Orlando neighborhood and schedule a “meet-and-greet” visit for the first week.
- Prepare a pet carrier. Acclimate them to it 2–3 weeks before the move with short drives and favorite treats.
Move day logistics
- Pets should NOT be on the moving truck. Dogs/cats travel in your vehicle or fly separately.
- Arrange pet boarding or a friend’s house for move-day itself. Movers + stressed pets = a bad combo.
- Pack a pet essentials bag: food, water, bowls, leash, medications, favorite toy, vet records, medications.
- For road trips to Florida: stop every 2–3 hours for bathroom breaks. Never leave pets unattended in vehicles (Florida heat is lethal fast, even “cool” days reach 100°F inside a car).
Flying pets to Orlando
Small pets (under ~20 lbs) can fly in-cabin on most airlines for $95–$150. Larger pets fly as checked cargo ($200–$700) or via specialized pet shipping services ($600–$2,000). Orlando International (MCO) has pet relief areas throughout all terminals.
Florida-specific considerations
- Heat and humidity. Florida summers are brutal. Walk dogs before 8am or after 7pm. Hot pavement burns paws. Shaded backyards, water bowls, and AC are essentials.
- Fleas, ticks, heartworm. Florida’s year-round warmth means year-round prevention — not just April–October.
- Wildlife awareness. Alligators in ponds and canals (keep pets away from shorelines). Also: toads that are toxic to dogs, fire ants, and occasional coyotes.
- Hurricane season. Have a pet evacuation plan. Identify pet-friendly hotels inland. Keep a go-bag with vaccination records, food, meds, carrier, water.
First week in Orlando
- Keep pets in ONE room initially. New house = too much stimulus all at once.
- Gradually expand access over 3–5 days.
- Keep feeding times, walk times, and routines the same as before the move. Familiarity helps.
- Schedule that vet visit within the first 10 days — establishes care, updates any prescriptions, gets pet used to new vet.
- Explore Orlando’s pet-friendly areas: Lake Baldwin Dog Park, Barber Park, Downey Dog Park, and the Winter Park off-leash trails.