U.S. Department of State Lodging Portal

Moving with Kids and Pets

New Destination. New Beginnings.

Relocation is a necessary and inevitable part of foreign service life. One of the many challenges you may be faced with on your journey is a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). It is a very large emotional and physical challenge not only for you but for your entire family. 

No matter how often families change residence, moving brings with it a variety of emotions and situations. It is often times easy to get caught up in the moving checklist of boxes, cleaning, packing and moving and to overlook the emotions that accompany transitioning to a new location. Young children may not understand the reasons for a move, and teens may resent leaving behind their friends. Parents planning a move can take several steps to ease the fears of their children.

If you are embarking on relocation, here are some ways to help make the transition easier on your children and your family. 

1. Be Positive When Discussing the Move with Kids
When it comes to your children, it is very important to take the time to allow each of them to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to the impending move. This is also important once you arrive at the new location.

2. Enlist Children's Help with the Move
Give children a special job on moving “out” and moving “in” day so they feel a valuable part of the process. Explain the process of how the move will work and where the military is sending you, how long it will take to get there, and how/when you will find a new home. Keep in mind that small children may have difficulty differentiating a PCS from a parent's deployment. 

3. Acknowledge That Kids Might Feel Sad About Moving
Most questions and fears can be eased when you sit down and have a “moving” conversation with your child. Let children be present on moving day as the boxes are packed and movers take away your belongings.

4. Plan Ahead for Activities After the Move
Investigate and explore your new neighborhood together. Look for fun and exciting things. Allow them to use a map to explore or write down a list of their favorite things/places and go seek them out.

For more information, download The 10 Tips for Relocating with Kids 

Suggested Book List 

Additional Resources 

Child Care in the Washington, DC Area

Special Needs Resource Information

Education In DC Area

Higher Education

School Review

Unpack, Bring The Dog And Stay Awhile.  People devoted to pet travel know the opportunity to bring their pets along for the ride is a privilege, not a right. Interim Homes in partnership with National Corporate Housing strongly supports this privilege! As you prepare for your temporary housing stay, remember to also make preparations for your pet. Consider some of the following recommendations:

Make arrangements for transportation well in advance.

  • Have your pet checked over by a veterinarian before you move, and get all necessary health records and certificates.
  • If applicable, ask about vaccinations needed to travel to foreign countries.
  • Consult your veterinarian if your pet is excitable or prone to motion sickness when traveling.
  • Keep health and rabies certificates with you during travel.
  • Attach an ID tag to your pet's collar. The ID tag should include the pet's name, destination city and state, as well as a phone number where you can be reached.
  • Make sure to pack a travel bag for your pet(s). We recommend including: enough food to last for the entire trip, food/water bowls, treats, toys, leash, towel/blanket and pet carrier.

Interim Homes in partnership with National Corporate Housing Rules and Regulations

Pets are permitted in specific apartments only if Interim Homes in partnership with National Corporate Housing gives prior approval. The pet owner will be responsible for any damage created by the pet, either in the apartment or any other areas of the building or grounds. In addition, the pet owner must abide by all rules and regulations of the individual apartment community; aggressive breed restrictions and weight limits may apply. 

PET RULES

  • Pets must be kept on a leash when outside the apartment. 
  • Pets must be walked in designated pet area (if provided) or off the property. 
  • Pets are not to be left unattended outside the apartment or on a patio. 
  • Pet houses/crates are not permitted on patios or balconies. 
  • Pet waste must be collected immediately and disposed of in a trash receptacle by the pet owner. Soiled cat litter must be placed in a plastic trash bag, securely tied, and disposed of immediately in a trash receptacle. 

 PET FEES 

  • Non-Refundable Pet Fee and Pet Rent Required.
  • Pet Fees Range from $250-$500. 
  • *Note: Pet fees and pet rents vary based on community selection.
  • Two Pet Limit, Aggressive Breed Restrictions and Weight Limits May Apply. 

 Additional Resources