Paperwork first. Then the car.

Earlier than feels necessary. Depending on the route, requirements can include a microchip, rabies vaccination in the right order, sometimes a blood test with a waiting period, a health certificate valid only within a short window, parasite treatment and occasionally quarantine — some measured in months. The plan works backwards from your moving date and flags what must be confirmed with the official authority before anything can be booked.

Only what a vet prescribes or recommends. Never give human medicines, herbal products or another animal's prescription — dosing a pet wrongly can be dangerous or fatal. Ask your vet about anti-nausea or anti-anxiety options and pheromone products, and trial anything at home well before the journey, never for the first time on moving day. Sedation is often discouraged for air travel specifically.

More than you'd plan alone. The calculator adds breaks every two to three hours for water, toilet and a short lead walk: 1,800 km at a realistic average works out at about four days, and six if your pet needs shorter stints and longer stops. Book a pet-friendly place for every night.

Three things: whether your size and species of pet is actually accepted, what extra fees apply, and whether pets can be left alone in the room. Policies vary a lot and "pet friendly" can mean very different things — confirm directly rather than relying on a listing badge.

Set up one quiet room first with familiar bedding, food, water and litter, and keep them there while furniture moves in. Introduce the rest gradually. Cats should stay indoors for at least two to four weeks, dogs on-lead outdoors until they know the area, and the microchip and tag should already show the new address. Register with a vet and find the emergency clinic in week one.