Moving with your pets requires special considerations that differ from moving without them. Ensuring their comfort and safety while managing your relocation tasks is essential. Discover how to successfully move with your beloved furry companions.

Getting Ready for Your Move

Start by obtaining your pet’s medical records, which can usually be transferred electronically by your vet.

Ensure all medications are refilled and packed for the journey.

If you’re traveling long distances, consider bringing bedding such as blankets or towels to provide your pet with a comfortable place to rest in the car, rather than sitting on hard carrier surfaces.

Gathering the Necessities

Ensuring your pets have their essentials packed is crucial for a smooth move, including their food and favorite toys. It’s best to pack these items separately in a clearly labeled box for quick access. Store at least two weeks’ worth of food per pet in an airtight container or sealed box.

Additionally, keep toys, treats, medications, and grooming supplies handy, especially for pets with specific needs. Remember to pack leashes, collars, and other safety gear to ensure their well-being during the move.

Selecting the Suitable Carrier

When moving with your pets, ensuring their safe transport from one home to another is paramount. Using a carrier is one of the most effective methods for this purpose. With various types available, take the time to select one that suits your pet best.

Whichever carrier you opt for, ensure it provides enough space for your pet to avoid them feeling cramped during the journey!

Prioritizing Safety and Comfort

Pets are sensitive to tension and changes, often reacting by attempting to escape through open doors or displaying nervous behavior such as nipping or hiding in unfamiliar surroundings.

Provide a secure retreat for your pet when they feel overwhelmed. During busy times like packing or when movers are loading/unloading, consider placing them in a quiet room with the door closed to prevent escapes.

On moving day, replace their collar tags with new ones displaying your new address and updated contact details. This ensures they can be easily reunited with you if they get lost. Additionally, remember to update their microchip with the new information during this period.

Special Considerations When Moving with Pets

Moving with pets presents unique challenges that aren’t a concern when moving without them. Your pet may not be thrilled about strangers from the moving company entering the house and disrupting their familiar spaces with boxes. However, ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety during the move is crucial. Fortunately, there are straightforward measures you can take to keep them content throughout the transition.

Start by leaving your pet’s area untouched until the end of the packing process, minimizing disruption to their bedding, feeding, and bathroom spots. This provides them with familiar spaces to retreat to during the move.

During both the departure from your current home and the arrival at your new one, place your pets in a quiet room with the door closed. This helps them stay calm amidst the hustle and bustle and may be necessary until they acclimate to their new surroundings.

If you’re relocating nearby, introduce your dog to the new neighborhood by taking them on walks or visiting local dog parks. For cats, bring items from your new home to familiarize them with the scent before the move.

Moving can unsettle their routines, so allow ample time for your pets to adjust to their new environment. Introduce them gradually to the new house by walking them on a leash indoors or letting them explore supervised outdoor areas on a long leash.