Beyond Dogs & Cats: Relocating Birds, Rabbits, and Exotic Pets

Published on August 27, 2025

Not everyone is a cat or dog person, and that’s okay! But what happens when you’re moving and you need to relocate your bunny? How do you relocate your bird? What do you need to know to move your ferret? Good news! This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to get started with relocating your non-traditional or exotic pets.

Relocating Birds

Birds have wings of their own, but they need thorough planning and permits before they take flight in an airplane or take to the road for ground transport.

Gathering Permits and Documents

• The U.S. allows up to five pet birds to be imported, excluding poultry species.
• Required import permits, vet health certificates, and potential quarantine, look different for birds depending on what country you are coming from.
• You will likely need USDA documents, CSC clearance for avian diseases, and permits from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
• For more information on the permits and documents needed for relocating birds to the U.S., see the APHIS guide.

Plan Ahead

• It can take months to gather all of the necessary permits and documents to transport birds.
• Start early (6-9 months prior to desired travel date) to secure permits, complete health tests with your vet, and make appointments for final vet exams and documents (2-3 months before travel).

Travel Carriers for Birds

• IATA Live Animal Regulations and airline policies require sturdy and spacious carriers with proper ventilation, shelter, bowls, and ID.
• Most birds, especially exotic or large birds, will travel in cargo unless the airline policy approves your bird to be in the cabin.
• Acclimate and familiarize your bird with their travel carrier prior to travel to reduce stress.
• For tips on acclimating your bird to travel carriers, see WorldCare Pet’s Travel Guide.

 

Relocating Rabbits

Bunnies need a few extra precautions. When relocating rabbits, keep in mind that they are very sensitive to heat, stress, and rough handling, so taking extra care is important. 

Gathering Permits and Documents

• International and domestic travel for bunnies usually requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), which your vet needs to sign. In the U.S., state laws can vary and may require additional permits.
• There are other permits and documents required to move your bunny; discuss the requirements with experienced pet relocation teams, such as WorldCare Pet.

Safe Travel Conditions

• Just like birds, IATA Live Animal Regulations and airline policies for rabbits require sturdy and spacious carriers with proper ventilation, shelter, bowls, and ID.
• Most rabbits will travel in a specific portion of cargo where the area is pressurized, temperature controlled, and designed for animals.

Keeping Your Bunny Stress-Free

• Acclimating and familiarizing your bunny to their travel carrier prior to travel is a big step towards reducing your bunny’s stress .
• Make sure to maintain normal feeding, handling, and other routines prior to and after the move.
• For tips on acclimating your bunny to travel carriers, see WorldCare Pet’s Travel Guide.

 

Relocating Ferrets

Ferrets are super playful and curious, but sometimes they are legally restricted.

Legal restrictions

• In the U.S., not all states allow ferrets as pets. For example, California and Hawaii entirely ban ferrets, but some cities, such as New York City, restrict ownership even though New York state does not.
• Always verify local laws before planning a move.

Gathering Permits and Documents

• For international travel, ferrets need a USDA health certification issued 10 days before travel, a microchip ID, and rabies vaccinations certificates within a year of travel.
• For interstate travel in the U.S., ferrets may also need CVIs and other health statements.

Travel Carriers for Ferrets

• Secure, escape-proof carriers that are IATA and airline approved are a must.
• Like other pets, it is important to acclimate your ferret to their carrier ahead of travel. For tips on acclimating your bunny to travel carriers, see WorldCare Pet’s Travel Guide.

 

Exotic Pet Relocation (Reptiles, Amphibians, Invertebrates & More)

For more unique pets, such as snakes, tarantulas, sugar gliders, and more, travel becomes even more complex.

Legal restrictions

• Laws regarding permitted species vary significantly between cities and states in the U.S..
• Sugar gliders, for example, are banned in places like Alaska, California, and some New York cities.
• Amphibians, especially, are very restricted in Florida and Hawaii.
• Do research before you plan your move.

Permits and Documents

• In addition to CVIs and health certificates, certain exotic pets may need CITES permits and other specialized permits.

Transportation needs

• Travel carriers and conditions are very specific and different for reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and exotic mammals.
• Choose carriers that are sturdy, with proper ventilation and safety features; always test travel carriers and acclimate your pet ahead of time.
• Not all airlines accept exotic pets, and some prohibit venomous or fragile species.

 

Best Practices and Tips for Exotic & Small Animal Relocation

• Start early: International and domestic moves require abundant time to research legal requirements, schedule vet appointments, apply for permits, and prepare supplies in advance.

• Coordinate with your vet: Use USDA-accredited or exotic-friendly veterinarians to get documents such as CVIs, export health certificates, and vaccination certificates. Make sure to keep both digital and physical copies of essential paperwork.

• Choose specialized pet transport services when needed: If you are moving with a sensitive species or traveling internationally, work with professional pet relocation companies that are experienced with exotic pets. They will be able to aid you in proper documentation, carriers, climate control needs, and legal complexities.

• Pet welfare is top priority: Sedation is strongly discouraged. Sedation, pertaining to air travel, can lead to respiratory and circulatory issues. Instead of sedation, reduce your pet’s stress with familiar items, minimal handling, and stable transport environments.

• Monitor your pet post-move: Once you and your pet have made it to your new home, give your pet a familiar and safe space. Monitor them closely for signs of stress or illness as they settle into their new home. Reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates may require longer to resume normal patterns; seek an exotic-specialist vet if needed.

 

Conclusion

Relocating pets beyond dogs and cats demands extra care, planning, and attention to unique requirements. Whether you are moving with your bird, bunny, or ferret, or taking on an exotic pet relocation, your pet’s safety and comfort are the priority and need:

• Researching legal and regulatory constraints early.
• Acquiring all necessary permits, microchips, and certifications.
• Using safe, species-appropriate carriers and acclimating pets beforehand.
• Working with experienced vets and relocation specialists.

With these steps, your exotic companions can move smoothly. At WorldCare Pet, we are experienced in relocating rabbits and ferrets. If you have questions, reach out to us!