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We hope to move close to 2000 miles within the next 6-9 months, and are beginning prep work. We have 3 cats, 2 of which live happily together. The third is great with people, but is not fond of other cats, so he lives downstairs in the man cave (it's finished, my husband is down there a lot).
Has anyone used a pet relocation service and can provide feedback? We won't put them on a plane as the timing won't work out with us driving for 2-3 days. We will be driving one vehicle and all three won't fit in the car in separate carriers. I've searched and found a couple of relocation services (not shippers or transporters) that will drive just our three cats in a minivan for us. The provide large carriers, will stay in touch 24/7, stay in a motel at night with the cats, etc. This seems like it would reduce stress as they will have enough space for a litter box and food/water in each carrier if they want or need it, plus they won't have to be jammed up against each other... especially with the one that's not a fan of the other two.
This kind of service is what we're looking for. Any experience out there you can share regarding relocation services?
I think it sounds like a good idea, but won't the cats be afraid of a stranger transporting them? You can't fit 3 carriers in your car? Maybe 2 cats in 1 carrier and 1 in a separate one? Good luck whichever way you do it.
The service I'm looking at provides an option to only transport our pets. There are other options for pets from multiple families, but we would want just our cats going by themselves.
Three carriers won't fit in our vehicle, especially with the other items we will have to take with us on the drive out. The issue, other than space, is the one cat that doesn't get along with the other two. He has issues even being in close proximity with other cats - even just seeing them. So, all of them in even two regular carriers in one vehicle would be a big problem.
This service provides really large carriers that fit a litter box, food and water dishes, and allow the animals to have room to stand up and turn around. Seems more comfortable overall than being jammed into the carrier we use just to go to the vet.
Just thought someone might have used a relocation service like this before and would have feedback.
Rent another vehicle for one of you to drive. One-way rentals are expensive, but the peace of mind would be worth it. We drove our cats from CA to TX in our van, 2 in one cage, 2 in another cage, one in her own cage---we nicknamed her "hissy pi$$y" she gets her own cage. But we were driving two cars, so I drove the kids, dh drove the cats
Rent another vehicle for one of you to drive. One-way rentals are expensive, but the peace of mind would be worth it. We drove our cats from CA to TX in our van, 2 in one cage, 2 in another cage, one in her own cage---we nicknamed her "hissy pi$$y" she gets her own cage. But we were driving two cars, so I drove the kids, dh drove the cats
Hehe. Hissy Pi*%y. There's always one in the crowd. Mine was the Princess who would not tolerate the underlings anywhere near her.
I have a friend in military used one to fly three pet dogs from Texas to Alaska. he said they were transported then housed at boarding until they arrived. he said everything went well and pets were in great shape as treated well thru out. Do not recall the service tho.Long trips can be very stressful for pets otherwise.
I was thinking maybe something along the lines of texdav (previous poster). Why not take the two cats that get along with you, and have a friend or relative take care of the other one for a couple of days then get him/her on a plane when you've landed at your destination. If you don't have friends or relatives where you currently live, ask your vet or the owner of a reputable pet store if they know of someone that would help you out for a fee?
I'd be very nervous of strangers looking after cats on such a long cross-country trip. What if one escapes when they are changing the litter pan or topping up the food/water at a gas station or motel room? I guess it could happen to you too, but at least the cats know your voice if they got loose.
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Mine was the Princess who would not tolerate the underlings anywhere near her. 
