Tips To Make Moving With Pets Easier

Moving with pets is often stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Pets are smart, and they know that something is going on, but they don’t understand it. Your preparation and actions can work wonders to ease their minds. That’s why we put together the best tips to make moving with pets easier.

Give your pets plenty of attention and request medication from your veterinarian to make the move easier. Don’t pack their belongings until you’re ready to move, and unpack them right away at your new house. Pad a carrier case with blankets and toys to make your pets as comfortable as possible when moving.

Make sure to update the address of your new house in the microchip database if your pets are chipped. Follow along as we highlight the best tips to make moving with pets easier and to avoid disaster.

How To Move With Pets

1. Wait To Pack Your Pet’s Things

By now, you’ve probably noticed that your pets can tell something is going on. Cats and dogs are perceptive, and the packing process may pique their interest. That’s one of the reasons why you must wait to pack your pet’s things until right before you move.

Your pets can maintain their routine and stay comfortable until the last minute. This also means that you won’t disrupt their eating, outdoor, and litter box routine. It won’t take long to pack their toys, food and water bowls, and litter box before moving.

Unpack your pet’s things right when you get to your new home. That way, your pets won’t have to go for too long without the things that make them most comfortable.

2. Prepare Your New House

You and your pets are likely used to your old house and feel secure there. However, new houses carry some uncertainties when it comes to how it will work out for your pets. For example, the new layout, doors, windows, and yard may not be up to the safety standards you’re used to.

It’s important to inspect your new doors and yard to make sure there’s no chance your dog can escape and get lost. You may even need to install a new fence if there isn’t one already. It’s also a great idea to put up dog gates in certain parts of the home that you want to keep off limits to your pets.

Once your pets arrive, you may want to slowly let them explore the house. You can let them access the whole house at first, but they may get overwhelmed. Luckily, they should get used to the new house quickly if you are supportive and stick by their side.

3. Get Medication From Your Veterinarian

Some pets are more prone to anxiety and motion sickness than others. That combined with the natural stress and confusion that pets experience when moving can easily overwhelm them. Talk to your veterinarian and see if they can prescribe something to make moving with pets easier.

That doesn’t mean that you must give your pets the medication. However, it’s a nice saftey net to have on hand in case your pets get overwhelmed and sick. Otherwise, you can simply do your best to comfort your pets throughout the process until they get used to your new home.

4. Update The Microchip Information

Microchips help proud pet parents recover their lost dogs and cats. If your dog is microchipped, there’s a good chance that they are registered to your old address. In that case, you must update the information so someone can easily return your pet to you if your dog or cat gets lost.

The process varies based on which microchip service you use. Moving is a great time to microchip your pets if you haven’t yet. Make sure to keep track of that information, so you can easily adjust the address and contact information as needed.

5. Make New Veterinary Arrangements

How far are you moving from your old home? There’s a chance that you may have to switch to a new veterinarian, so you must plan for that. Keep in mind that it takes time to find a great veterinarian who can get your pets in as soon as possible.

Research local vets online and pay attention to customer reviews on Google and other sites. That doesn’t mean that the vet you choose will be your pet’s permanent vet. However, it’s a great idea to at least get in with a vet in case an emergency pops up shortly after moving.

6. Give Them Extra Attention

While you should always give them extra attention, moving is a great time to spoil your pets. They will likely be stressed because of the move, and because they may perceive your stress. You can ease your cat or dog's mind if you continually pet and play with them so they aren’t stressed.

Don’t be surprised if your pets follow you around the house as you pack and on moving day. It even helps to give them extra treats during this transitional period. Try to hide your moving frustrations from your pets, no matter how stressed you get.

7. Make Your Car Comfortable

There’s a chance your pets will get uncomfortable while moving if you have to drive far. Ideally, you should do everything you can to make your pets comfortable in the car, no matter how far you drive. First, you must get a crate or pet carrier that is comfortable and secure.

Put some toys or your pet’s favorite blanket in the carrier to make them more comfortable. Some people even cover the carrier with a blanket, but that doesn’t work out with every animal. It’s also a great idea to put a potty pad or old towel in the crate in case they have an accident.

Ask a friend or family member to sit next to your pets in the car if your pets typically get anxious in a moving car. Make sure to take your dog outside or encourage your cat to use the litter box before they get in the car. That way, there’s much less of a chance that they will have an accident in the carrier. Keep the car cool so they don’t overheat, and drive safely.

8. Hire A Professional Service

These days, many companies provide professional pet transportation services. These services are experienced and specialize in keeping animals safe and calm when moving. It’s hard to trust strangers with your pets, but it’s sometimes necessary for long-distance moves.

This is a great option for cross-country moves where you plan to drive a moving truck the whole way. In that case, there may not be room for your pets to be safe in the truck. Pet transportation services work with you to ensure your pets can arrive at your new house on time.

The alternative to this option is to fly to your destination with your pets. Granted, that can be hard on your pets, and it’s also expensive. However, it’s a great option if you don’t want to be away from your pets.

Summing It Up

Pack your pet supplies and food bowls last, so your pets’ routines aren’t disrupted when moving. Stay near your pets and give them extra treats and attention so they don’t get stressed. Invest in a comfortable pet carrier and fill it with toys and blankets to ensure they’re as comfortable as possible. Finally, set up an account with a new veterinary office to secure treatment for your pets in your new neighborhood.

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