Tips for Moving Pets

When you move, you want the transition to be as easy as possible for your family. Change is hard, and it’s the hope of every family to be minimally disturbed during the move and be comfortable quickly in their new living space.

While you can talk through anxiety, sadness, plans, and changes with your spouse or children, your furry friends don’t benefit from these discussions. However, they can pick up on the changes–both physically and emotionally–and show signs of anxiety. Pets can also have a hard time with a relocation.

Understandably, pet owners want to relieve moving anxiety for their pets, as well as their family members. Here are some tips for moving with pets, specifically cats and dogs.

Before Your Move

Although your new living space shouldn’t center around what’s best for your pet, you want to consider your pet’s needs when finding a new home.

• Does your puppy need a fenced-in yard?
• Does your dog need a good walking route or dog park close by?
• Does your cat need a specific habitat, like a sunny window seat or a dark, quiet room?
• Make sure your new neighborhood or apartment is friendly to your pet’s breed

Not properly planning for your pet’s needs will mean your pet will be unhappy, and by extension, your home life will be disturbed. Try to find a similar setup to your current home for the best transition.

During the Packing Process

There’s lots to accomplish before moving day! But don’t forget about these vital aspects of your pet’s well-being.

Pack Slowly

Bring moving boxes in early and pack things at a slower pace than you might without an animal. Packing a box or two a day for weeks will help your animal adjust to the upcoming change.

Keep Their Schedule

Try maintaining their normal walking, eating, playing, and sleeping schedule. This will help with anxiety by keeping their schedule the same.

Introduce a Crate or Kennel

If you’re moving your pet in a crate or kennel on the big moving day, be sure they are comfortable with it before the actual day. Leave toys and treats inside to encourage them to spend time inside the crate. You can take them for a short drive around the neighborhood and gradually increase your drive time.

Obtain a Calming Aid

If your pet struggles with extreme anxiety, it may be appropriate to speak with your vet about a calming aid or sedative for the trip. This will make you and your pet more comfortable, especially if you have a long drive.

Health Requirements in a New State

If you’re moving to a new state, check the state’s requirements, such as pet ownership laws and regulations. These would include breed-specific regulations, vaccination requirements, licensing, and leash laws.

Some states require health certificates and documentation for incoming pets, so have these prepared to expedite the moving process. This may require a vet visit one to three months before moving to obtain a health certificate three to four weeks before the moving date.

Find a New Veterinarian

It’s never too early to look up veterinarians in your new location. Since you never know what accidents might happen during the moving process, you can rest assured that you have a trusted place to take your pet should the need arise.

Pet Tags and Microchipping

No matter where you’re moving, ensure your pet has visible and secure nametags with your current phone number and new address. Microchipping is another viable possibility to ensure your pet can find its way back to you in case it gets lost.

On the Big Day

How should you handle your pet on the big moving day? Here are some successful ways to manage your pet’s anxiety while getting everything done:

• Keep them in one secluded room: Empty one room completely (except for pet-related items) and keep your pet there while you move everything else. This will prevent them from bolting out a wide open door or getting underfoot and causing injury or accidents.
• Let a friend take them: Just as you would ask a friend to watch your young children during moving day, ask a friend to watch your pet.
• Use a pet daycare or boarding house: Let your pet have some social time at a pet daycare or boarding house. Letting your pet stay a few days at a different location allows you to get your essential items put away so your new space is homier and less chaotic.

After the Move

A big new space might be too overwhelming for your new pet. Give them one room as a “home base” to adjust to first. Then gradually introduce them to new rooms of your house, keeping certain doors closed.

If you’re moving out of state, check with your state laws about the licensing period for your pet. Most states require you to register your animal within a certain time frame. Contact your local animal control or county clerk’s office to learn about these requirements.

Moving With Peavler Moving & Storage

Peavler Moving & Storage knows there are a lot of things to juggle during a move. Let us take care of the packing and relocation so you can focus on other more important things, like ensuring the transition for your family and pets is smooth. Ready to get started? Contact us for a free quote today!