Tips for Moving with Pets

When moving houses you have to make sure your furry friends are prepared and taken care of. The move is stressful and confusing on them and many pets get scared and run away in the process. Here are some tips to make sure your pet is safe, comfortable, and relaxed during the move.

Plan Accordingly:

Before the move begins make sure all pets have ID tags with your name and updated phone number. Microchipping is also a great idea incase their collar falls off. This way in the case that your pet is lost; hopefully someone can find them.

A lot of moves require you to travel across many states. If your move requires flying in an airplane or a long road trip talk to your vet in advance. They can prescribe certain medications that can help calm down your pets for the trip. They can also give great advice to keep your pet healthy and calm. If you will be staying in hotels, make sure to call in advance to make sure your hotel is pet-friendly. NEVER leave your pet in your car.

Traveling with Pets:

Pets should never be put in the bed of your truck or loose inside a moving van. Pets should always be kept in carriers or if too big, inside of a car. This is to one maintain that they are safe and protected and two to prevent them from running away. Every time you stop for a break make sure your pet is on a leash before you open the door. Pets have a tendency to dart out of the car, and moving is very stressful to pets so their instinct is to run away.

If your pet has never been in a carrier before introduce it a couple weeks before the big move – to cats especially. Place the carrier in a room with treats, toys, and blankets inside it. This allows the cat to get used to the carrier and the cramped space. By the time move in day arrives your pet will have been used to it and won’t be as freaked out being stuck inside one.

For cats, using the bathroom on a road trip may be a little tricky. If your will cover multiple days, bring a bag of litter to sprinkle in a box for the hotel. If the trip consists of the car line the carrier with a puppy pad incase any accidents occur.

Prepare the House:

Pack your pet a bag to unpack when you arrive at your new home. This should include things such as their bed, favorite toys, blankets, food & water bowls, litter box and treats. These are the items your pet associates as home and will make the transition smoother.

You don’t want you pet overwhelmed. You may have to introduce them to one room at a time as to not overwhelm them. If movers will be in and out of the house we recommend closing your pets off into one room or keeping them in the carrier. This is to prevent any darting out or escaping. For cats especially I would try to introduce them to the house

The day that you arrive it may be best not to leave your pets alone in the big house; they may lash out and cause damage to your furniture or home as they will be under immense stress.