Moving is easier when you plan ahead. Even small pets like fish need to be moved with care to keep them safe.
Fish are peaceful to watch but they are also delicate. If you’re moving, they can usually survive for about 48 hours during transport if handled properly. To keep them safe, you’ll need to prepare in advance and use suitable containers.
Keep in mind that professional movers don’t transport pets, including fish. So, you’ll have to make your own arrangements to move them safely.
If you’re driving and your trip is under 48 hours, you can take your fish with you in the car. Just be sure not to leave them alone overnight.
For longer trips, you may need other options. One way is to fly with your fish but airline rules vary, so check their policies before booking. Some pet stores offer boarding services and may also ship fish by air if needed. Shipping companies like UPS, FedEx or USPS could be another option.
If you choose to fly, book your ticket early, as airlines have limits on the number of pets allowed per flight. There may also be extra charges. Also, check state laws to ensure your fish species is permitted at your destination or in the states you’ll be traveling through.
Getting Your Fish Ready for Travel
Fish are sensitive to changes but with the right care, they can settle into a new home smoothly. To keep them safe during the move, follow these steps:
- Change Some Water: About five days before moving, replace 20% of the tank water. This helps keep it clean and safe.
- Stop Feeding Early: Avoid feeding your fish one to two days before the move. They can survive without food for up to a week and this prevents the water from getting dirty.
- Pack Them Last: Your fish should be the last thing you pack before leaving. The less time they spend in transport, the better. Once you reach your new home, unpack them first.
Ways to Transport Your Fish Safely
There are different ways to move your fish securely:
Plastic Bags
- Use strong plastic bags from a pet store.
- Fill about one-third of the bag with water from the fish tank.
- Pack each fish separately—never put multiple fish in the same bag.
- Place one bag inside another for extra protection.
- Secure the bag tightly with a rubber band.
- If your trip takes more than an hour, consider adding pure oxygen to the bag.
Buckets
- A clean, unused 5-gallon bucket is great for transporting multiple fish.
- Fill it with aquarium water.
- Use a lid that seals tightly to prevent spills.
Containers
- A sturdy container with a secure lid works well, especially for fish with sharp fins.
- Fill it with aquarium water and make sure the fish have enough room to move.
Moving the Tank
If you have a small aquarium, you can move it with a little water and the fish still inside.
For Larger Tanks
- Never move a big tank with fish inside.
- Take out the filter, decorations, rocks and plants.
- Drain most of the water before transporting it.
- Tanks are fragile and can break which could also put your fish at risk.
Moving Live Plants
If your tank has live plants, place them in plastic bags with some aquarium water.
This keeps them alive and helps preserve the good bacteria in the tank.
Ensuring Enough Oxygen
No matter what you use—plastic bags, buckets or other containers—your fish need enough oxygen during the move.
- Fill only one-third of the container with water and leave the rest for air.
- If using bags or small containers, place them in an insulated carrier like a Styrofoam cooler.
- Use bubble wrap to prevent the bags from shifting during transport.
By following these steps, your fish will stay safe and comfortable. If you need more tips, organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offer helpful guidance.
Traveling with Your Fish
Keeping the water temperature steady is essential for your fish’s safety during the move. If you’re traveling by car, make sure they are placed where they can get proper airflow from the vehicle’s heating or cooling system depending on the weather. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as sudden changes can stress them out.
To help your fish stay calm during the journey, covering their container with a cloth or sheet can be a good idea. A darker environment reduces movement and stress making the trip easier for them. Driving smoothly and avoiding sudden stops or sharp turns will also help keep them comfortable throughout the journey.
Settling Your Fish into Their New Home
Once you reach your new home, your first task should be getting your fish settled. Start by setting up the tank, placing decorations, rocks and other items back in their spots. Reinstall the filters, pumps and heaters to create a stable environment. If you have live plants, put them back in the tank as well.
If your fish traveled in a bucket, you can carefully pour both the water and the fish into the tank or use a net to transfer them gently. If they were in plastic bags, let the bags float on the water’s surface for some time so the temperature can adjust. Once the water in the bag matches the tank temperature, slowly release your fish into their new space.
After ensuring your fish are safely in their new home, you can focus on unpacking the rest of your belongings, knowing they are comfortable and secure.
FAQs – How to Transport Fish
How can I transport fish in a car?
To move fish in a car, place them in a secure container such as a plastic bag, bucket or small tank. Keep the container steady and make sure the car’s air conditioning or heating keeps the water at a comfortable temperature.
If you’re moving in or around Dallas, moving companies like STI Movers in Dallas can offer helpful moving tips, though they don’t transport pets or fish.
How do I move fish when relocating?
A few days before moving, replace about 20% of the tank water to keep it clean. Use this water to fill plastic bags or buckets when transporting your fish. Pack them last before leaving and unpack them first when you arrive. Before putting them back, set up their tank with all equipment and decorations.
What’s the best way to transport fish on a long-distance trip?
For long distance move, use insulated containers to help maintain a stable water temperature. Fill only one-third of the container with water and leave enough space for air. If the trip is long, take breaks to check on your fish. If you need moving advice, companies like STI Movers in Dallas can help with general relocation tips.
How to Transport Fish Long Distance?
For long distance, fish can be moved in tightly sealed plastic bags with added oxygen or in a bucket with a secure lid. If the journey takes more than 48 hours, flying with your fish or using a pet shipping service might be a better choice.
How Are Fish Delivered to Pet Stores?
Pet stores get fish in sealed plastic bags filled with water and pure oxygen. These bags are placed in insulated boxes or containers to keep the temperature steady while being transported.
How Can You Safely Transport a Betta Fish?
A betta fish should be carried in a small container with a lid, such as a cup or plastic bag, using water from its tank. Keep the water temperature stable and cover the container to reduce stress. For long-distance travel, an insulated carrier is a good option.
How to Take a Fish on a Plane?
Before flying with a fish, check the airline’s rules. Fish should be packed in a clear, leak-proof plastic bag with oxygen and placed inside an insulated container. Make sure the container follows airline regulations and book your flight early to secure a spot for your pet.
How to Transport Big Fish?
For large fish, use a sturdy container like a big bucket or a specialized fish transport tank. Fill it partially with water from their aquarium and ensure it has a secure lid. The container should be well-insulated and spacious enough for the fish to move comfortably without feeling stressed.
How to Move Fish Across the Country?
If you need to relocate fish over a long distance, flying with them or using a pet transport service is the safest choice. Pack them in insulated containers with enough water and oxygen. If driving, make sure the containers are stable and that the temperature stays consistent throughout the trip.
How to Move Fish Over Short Distances?
For short trips, fish can be carried in plastic bags or small containers filled with water from their tank. Keep the container steady in the car and avoid sudden stops or movements. Once you reach your destination, unpack them quickly and place them back in their tank to reduce stress.
With the right preparation, even delicate fish can be moved safely to their new home.
