Moving day can be an exciting yet hectic time, especially when moving with a pet. Amidst the chaos of packing boxes and organizing logistics, it’s essential to prioritize the well-being of your furry, feathered, or scaly friends. Research has shown that pets can become stressed and anxious during a move.
To ensure a smooth transition for both you and your pet, follow these helpful tips and considerations to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort during the moving process:
Plan Ahead: Before moving day arrives, take the time to plan for your pet’s needs. Research and make arrangements for pet-friendly hotels or accommodations if you’re traveling long distances. Ensure that your new residence allows pets and is safe and suitable for them. If you’re moving locally, schedule visits to your new home to acclimate your pet to the new environment gradually.
Update Identification Information: In the hustle and bustle of moving, pets can sometimes escape or get lost. To avoid such a situation, update your pet’s identification tags with your new contact information. If your pet has a microchip, update the microchip registration as well. This will increase the chances of being reunited with your pet in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Maintain a Familiar Environment: On moving day, keep your pet away from the chaos. Designate a quiet room or area in your current home where your pet can stay with familiar bedding, toys, and water. This will provide them with a sense of security amidst the commotion. Ensure the room is well-ventilated and has proper temperature control.
Reduce Your Stress and Anxiety: Pets can easily sense and react to the stress and anxiety in their owners. To keep them calm during the move, maintain your own composure and speak to them in a soothing tone. Consider using pheromone sprays or diffusers designed to reduce stress in pets. If your pet has severe anxiety, consult with your veterinarian about potential solutions, including natural supplements or medication.
Arrange for Temporary Pet Care: If possible, consider arranging for temporary pet care on moving day. This could be a trusted friend, family member, or a reputable pet boarding facility. Especially if you have hired professional movers, this will ensure that your pet is safe, secure, and away from any potential hazards during the moving process.
If Traveling with Your Pet: Especially if it’s a long-distance move, ensure your pet’s safety and comfort during transit. Secure them in a well-ventilated crate or carrier, and provide water and food as needed. If it’s a long journey, plan for regular breaks to allow your pet to stretch their legs and relieve themselves.
7 Things You Need To Do If You Are Moving With A Pet
Print Out our Moving With A Pet Checklist
- Prior to moving day, make sure your pets are fitted with collars and ID tags with your name and current cell-phone number. Microchipping is also recommended and will serve as a backup if your pet loses its collar.
- If your pet is prone to car sickness, make sure you visit your veterinarian a few weeks prior to your move to get any prescribed medications and feeding recommendations.
- For long-distance moves, be sure to identify pet-friendly hotels along your route and reserve rooms ahead of time. For a list of pet-friendly hotels, see www.petswelcome.com or AKC.org.
- On moving day, make sure your pets are secured in a crate or closed room of your house or apartment until you are ready to load them into your car. The activities and sounds of moving day will be frightening to your pets, so it is important that they be kept in a secure area to reduce their stress as much as possible and to prevent an accidental escape.
- Always transport cats, small dogs and other small animals in a secure, well-ventilated pet carrier. Keep larger dogs leashed/harnessed and under control at all times. The stress of a move can cause even the most obedient dog to run away in unfamiliar surroundings. NEVER transport any pet in an open truck bed, trunk of a car or storage area of a moving van.
- Always transport pets that are not in crates with a well-fitting harness that is securely attached to the seatbelt buckle in your vehicle. Do not allow your pets to roam freely in your vehicle.
- For long-distance moves, make sure you give your pet potty breaks and fresh water whenever you stop for a break yourself. Make sure pets are leashed at all times during potty breaks.
A professional moving company can help reduce the stress of moving day. With proper planning and care, you can ensure that your pet remains safe, secure, and comfortable throughout the process. By considering their needs and reducing stress and anxiety, you can make the transition to your new home a positive experience for both you and your beloved companion. Remember, your pet relies on you for their well-being, so make moving out as smooth and stress-free as possible.