Remember that pets go through many emotional issues and fears with change. Be especially doting to them in the time of your move.

Depending on the personality of your pets will determine the stress level they exhibit. Pets pick up on their owners stress and carry that as well.

If moving across country, make sure you have your Vet records with you in case of an emergency and have ample pet food and supplies. Crates for travel will protect your pet better than allowing to run loose in the car.

There are also seat belts available now for your pets that will protect them in the event of a crash or fender bender.

Your pet can become a missile as soon as the brakes are slammed on and can suffer great injury or death.

Cats , at least my cats, never like to travel in the car no matter how much I tried to train them. Crates definitely with water and some litter in the back. Some cat owners have benefited by using some sedation prescribed by their Vet.

My cats became worse with the sedation when I traveled from Iowa to California in 1990. 2nd day I never gave it. When we stopped and we stopped frequently to allow the dogs to stretch their legs and relieve themselves we put leashes on the cats and let them get some fresh air. Just kept holding them when possible and reassuring them. Finally they both settled down. It took about 30 -45 days for them to totally relax in their new environment once we settled. Some take longer.

Another Tip: NEVER leave your pets in a closed up car.....just like with children. They will overheat and die.

Sometimes we were in a situation where we did need to stop and could not take the animals out. I had ice bags placed in their crates to keep them cool and also kept the windows open to allow air movement.  Always parked where I could keep an eye on them at all times. Fresh water was always available to them.

They have some expandable window guards that fit on top of the window and then you roll the window up to secure it in place.

If you are moving to Contra Costa County you are required to have your pets licensed. Most counties do.

I would suggest you have your pets micro chipped with ID. In the event you are separated it will be easier to track you down and/or for you to call in to a shelter to see if your pet was found.

Of course when you are looking for housing Fido usually requests a pet friendly realtor. One that will find a nice fenced yard, near the dog park, tile floors and a pool as a bonus.