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Moving with your pets in tow does not have to be an extremely stressful experience. You can even survive it without a tranquilizer — for your pet or for yourself! What such an endeavor will require is plenty of planning, flexibility and patience. The following tips will help you make it a smooth ride.

1. Start with a plan. If you plan the days, the route and the means by which you will be traveling from the get-go, you will be better able to make adequate arrangements for your pet. Essentially, things like where and how often will you stop the car for their potty/exercise breaks, where the pet-friendly hotels are, or what accomodations are available with the airline.

2. Consult your vet. Get all health records and vaccination certificates or your pet, and get your pet updated on all shots. Get any necessary prescriptions refilled, and discuss with the vet how the move might affect any existing health conditions your pet has. Do this well ahead of time to allow plenty of time for the pet to recover from the vet visit. If you opt for a mild sedative to take the edge off, discuss the proper dosage amounts and possible side effects. Pet sedatives should be avoided during the time a pet may be in the cargo hold of a plane.

3. Consult the airline. If flying with a pet, talk directly with the airline about the following issues. Can you be on the same plane as your pet and watch your pet being loaded and unloaded from the cargo hold? Are there size restrictions on pet carriers (your pet should have ample room to move around inside its carrier)? What extra costs are required? What papers are required? You should carry a copy of these papers on your person during the flight. Understand how to minimize risk to a pet in the airplane’s cargo hold.

4. Groom your pet. Don’t we all just feel better when we’re clean? Make sure your pet’s hair and nails are neat, clean and trim. Have them brushed thoroughly or trimmed more than normal because pets will often shed more during times of stress. A thorough grooming will avoid a stench during your travels and in your new home. Request non-scented shampoos at the groomer’s, if you are sensitive to smells. Also request sensitive skin treatments to reduce itch and dryness, if your pet needs it.

5. Board your pet. Pets like to see the furniture they’ve become accustomed to in relatively the same set-up as they’ve become accustomed to. Therefore, it is not a good idea to bring them into their new home when it is littered with boxes and people are going in and out. Not only will they stress out, but they may run out the door and escape.

6. Pamper your pet. Extra love, extra treats, a freshly washed bed, perhaps a new toy (but not to replace the old, familiar toys) - these things can make a pet feel calmer. Everyone loves to be pampered, so start brainstorming ahead of time on things you can buy and/or do to make your pet feel the love. Exercise them regularly throughout the trip and take the time to pay extra attention to them when you settle into your new home. Make sure your new home is safe for pets and update their ID tags.

7. Know the rules … and obey them! Is there a weight limit or other restrictions on pets outlined in your new condo agreement or homeowner’s association terms? Read the fine print, know these details and be prepared to obey them. It is important to research pet policies well ahead of time, especially by asking plenty of questions about pet policies. If these things don’t come to light until after the move, it may mean yet another move very quickly, and who really wants that?

8. Know the requirements for international travel. If relocating internationally, there are plenty of regulations and requirements specific to each individual country. Alloexpat.com or the Pet Travel Store can help you find the appropriate forms to fill out and provide other key information as well.

9. Consider a professional pet mover. There are companies that specialize in relocating your animal for you, either domestically or internationally. Some of them even operate out of airports, while some go the shipping route. Air Animal Pet Movers, in existence since 1977, is one option. The Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association web site can also help you locate a pet shipper worldwide.

10. Take care of yourself. Just like children, pets feed off the stress of their “mommies and daddies.” True, moving is one of the most stressful experiences for a human or a pet, but try to stay calm. Take care of yourself and try to enjoy - or at least embrace - the journey and all of its unpredictable twists and turns. Pack a few extra treats, make plenty of stops, and if children are part of your family, consider leaving them with a relative for a few days during the relocation. The same could arrangement could even be made for pets. You could leave them with someone they know and love, then return to pick them up when everything is settled in the new home. This can be less traumatic than the move-and-board option, and it can help reduce the overall stress level of the moving experience.