8 Tips for Moving with Pets

A successful moving day depends on keeping all family members safe and happy, including your pets. With professional movers handling heavy furniture, doors opening frequently, and boxes filling every room, moving can be stressful for pets. Careful planning can make all the difference in reducing your pet’s anxiety and simplifying the overall process. In this article, we share eight effective tips for moving with pets so that you can ensure a positive experience for your animal companion.

Preparing for the Move

Helping your pet adjust to moving will take patience and planning. The following steps can make the transition easier:

Maintain a Routine

Pets feel safe when they know what to expect each day, especially during transitional periods. Dogs need to be walked, played with, and shown affection to stay relaxed as boxes pile up around the house. Keeping your pet’s mealtimes consistent is also important, even if you’re busy packing boxes and planning the move. In addition, sticking to a bedtime routine can help pets feel secure, even as they notice things changing around them.

Visit a Veterinarian

Taking your pet for a checkup before the move ensures they’re healthy enough for travel. During their appointment, ask your vet for advice on how to make the move easier for them and purchase any medication they might need on the big day. As a precaution, make sure their tags and microchip information are updated with your new address. You may also want copies of their medical reports to share with your new vet if you’re planning a long-distance move.

Introduce Moving Supplies

As you start bringing boxes and packing materials into your home, let your pet explore them at their own pace. If you’re moving with a cat, give them time to sniff and investigate new items while keeping a close eye on their reactions. To create a positive experience, make packing time fun by hiding treats around boxes and turning it into a game your pet can enjoy. Try to keep their favorite spots clear of boxes as long as you can, giving them familiar places to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed. Most importantly, watch that they don’t chew on packing tape or play with dangerous materials.

Set Aside Pet Supplies for Moving Day

Preparing a well-stocked bag of essentials for your pet will help them get through moving day and the first few days in your new home without you having to unearth pet supplies from a mountain of unpacked boxes. In their bag of essentials, you should include their food, favorite toys, and any items that make them feel secure, like a blanket or bed with familiar scents that remind them of home. Make sure to keep the bag on hand throughout the move so you can respond to your pet’s needs as they arise.

Moving Day

Moving day is full of activity and open doors, which present an opportunity for your pet to escape and get lost. Your focus should be on keeping them secure and comfortable while the move is taking place. Here are some strategies you can implement to make sure the day is a success for you and your animal companion:

Hire a Pet Sitter

Find a reliable sitter who can take care of your pet during the most hectic hours of your relocation. They should have experience with the type of animal you own and be willing to provide you with updates throughout the day. Make sure to share your contact information and important details about your pet’s routine, including their feeding times, how many walks they need, and which medications they should be taking. Most importantly, choose someone with flexible pickup and drop-off times that match your moving schedule.

Create a Temporary Safe Space

Pick a quiet room where your pet can relax and stay comfortable away from the noise and activity of moving. The night before the move, you can set up their bed, water, favorite toys, and litter box (for cats) in the designated room. On the day of the move, transfer them to the room and put a sign on the door telling movers to keep it closed for your pet’s safety. This will be their hideaway until the loading of packed boxes is done.

Prepare a Room in Your New Home

Before bringing your pet to your new home, set up a room for them with familiar items, such as their bed and toys. Spend some time in the room with them to help them feel safe. We recommend blocking off access to other rooms until your pet seems ready to see more of the new house. Once they’re ready to explore, place items around the house that smell like your old home to make the adjustment easier.

Consider Alternative Care

If possible, have a family member care for your pet during the move. Other options include a pet daycare center or boarding kennel. If you’re planning a long-distance move, consider professional pet transportation services. Other pet owners in your area can recommend services they’ve used during their moves.

Special Considerations with Different Types of Pets

Since most of the above tips are geared toward moving with cats and dogs, here are specific guidelines on moving with different types of pets to ensure their well-being throughout the transition:

1. Fish

Fish need special care during moves since they’re sensitive to environmental changes. Smaller fish can travel in bags half-filled with their tank water, while larger groups need 5-10 gallon containers with portable aerators for longer moves. It’s also important to note that larger aquariums should be emptied completely before being transported.

2. Reptiles

Since reptiles are cold-blooded, they need to be kept warm. You can place them in a carrying container with a safe heat source and newspaper for insulation. You should also make sure that their carrying container is securely fastened in your vehicle to prevent it from sliding or tipping.

3. Birds

Since moving can cause acute anxiety in birds, their cages should be covered to block drafts and reduce stress. Have fresh water and their favorite treats on hand while traveling, and remember to check regulatory requirements when moving across states, as certain types of birds may require health certificates.

4. Rodents

These small animals should be transported in a cage to ensure their safety. Their cage should be secured in your vehicle to prevent it from tipping or sliding. To keep them comfortable, put a light cover over their cage to minimize startling movements and maintain a stable temperature. Bring enough food, water, and comfortable bedding to last the entire trip.

5. Cats and Dogs

When moving homes with a cat or dog, the best thing to do is place them in a secure area, well away from where movers are working. If this isn’t possible, having them stay with a trusted pet sitter or family member is an excellent alternative.

Can a Moving Company Relocate My Pets?

Moving companies aren’t legally allowed to transport pets in cages, so the responsibility of handling your pet’s move falls on you. The safest way to move pets is in your own car, where you can watch them and take breaks when needed. Short trips are simple, only requiring a good carrying container and periodic breaks in most cases. Long-distance moves, on the other hand, require more detailed planning. In the end, whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, keeping your pet calm and safe should be your main focus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)