Best Tips for Moving with Pets

Moving is stressful for everyone. When it comes to people, even children, the best strategy for helping them cope is talking through and explaining everything to them. But, not every member of your family can talk.

For pets, moving is a scary and stressful experience. Since you can’t just explain to them what’s happening, your pets will only know that they are suddenly being taken from their home to somewhere unfamiliar to them. Additionally, some pets, like cats, are not used to traveling or being in the car, which only adds to their fear.

We know you love your furry family members and want them to feel safe and comfortable. We’ve seen many people much more concerned about their pets on moving day than any of their belongings. That’s why we’ve gathered the following tips for moving with pets.

6 Tips for Moving with Pets

As dogs and cats are the most common types of pets, these pet moving tips apply mostly only to them (although see a bonus tip at the end of this blog for moving with other types of animals).

1. Get Them Used to Carriers

While some pets are used to traveling in carriers or cars, others have never experienced doing so before and can be fearful. It’s important, especially if you’re going to be traveling further than across town, to get your pet used to the carrier before the move.

2. Create a Pet Essentials Kit

The same way we recommend creating a moving essentials kit when moving with children, we suggest creating one for moving with pets. You’ll want to pack enough food for the trip, blankets that your pet is used to and that smell like home, favorite toys, lots of water, and even veterinary records. This way, you won’t have to worry about searching through boxes and bags during your first night in your new home or if you have to stop halfway through a long-distance move.

3. Keep Them Calm (and Away from the Action)

When moving day arrives, your pet is going to experience a lot of stress. Not only will everything they know suddenly be gone from their home or packed up into boxes, they will also be surrounded by new people and constant movement. It’s best to keep them as calm and relaxed as possible.

When moving with pets, it’s best to keep them somewhere they are isolated from all of this. If they usually sleep or spend time in a certain room, let them stay there while all of the action is going on.

4. Check Before Letting Them Out

Whether you stop at a hotel on the way, or go straight to your new home in one day, it’s very important to do a home check before letting pets out of carriers or off the leash. Make sure there are no inaccessible hiding places or holes/gaps to escape through before letting your pet loose. Remember, pets will take some time to adjust after the move. If they’re not their usual active selves for a few days, it can just be a sign that they’re feeling overwhelmed.

5. Update Their Information

If you move to a new city, make sure to update your pet’s license and registration. Plus, if your pet is microchipped, you can update your address there too. Find out the closest vet to your new home and introduce yourself as a new client.

6. Talk to Your Vet

If you have any concerns about how your pet will do when moving, talk to your vet. When it comes to senior pets, or those with anxiety issues, it’s always a good idea to consult with a vet before your move. If you’re worried that your pet isn’t adjusting to your new home or if they develop new concerning behaviors, consult a vet.

Bonus Tip: Moving with Small Critters and Other Pets

Moving with small caged pets, birds, reptiles, and fish can be different from moving with dogs and cats. When it comes to small critters (like hamsters, gerbils, etc.) and even reptiles, some of the same moving tips apply, but there are other considerations. Typically, they can travel in the same cage they live in. But, it’s important to do your research on traveling with your specific animal type for your move.

When it comes to birds and fish, things can be even more complicated. We strongly suggest consulting a vet and doing extensive research on moving with whichever type of pet you have. We did find this resource on moving with pets that details the various kinds which can serve as a research starting point.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your pet has a smooth transition to your new home. Planning ahead and being mindful of your pet’s needs can make a big difference in reducing their stress during the move.