Moving With Pets: 10 Best Tips For a Smooth Relocation

Moving to a new place can be chaotic and disruptive. Amidst all the chaos, another family member, your pet might be stressed out too. These little creatures take comfort in routines, and relocation can be a complete shake-up for them.

While moving with furry and feathered friends, here are some things that you can do before packing, on the big day, and while unpacking in your new home. In this article, we will share some tips and tricks that will make the moving process a lot easier for you and your pets.

Tips For Moving with Pets

Thinking about how to move with pets? Here are some effective tips you can follow:

Familiarize Your Pet with Packing Supplies

Start packing boxes several weeks before the move. This will help your pets become familiar with packing supplies and boxes. They can get anxious when they see things getting disassembled or packed up. By gradually introducing them to these items, you can make them feel less stressed when the actual packing begins.

So, leave the boxes open, place less commonly used items in them, and let your pets explore and get accustomed to the new surroundings. Preparing your pets ahead of time helps minimize disruptions and prevent box attacks as the packing begins.

Maintain Their Routine

Pets can get anxious with changing routines. Sticking to your pet’s normal routine can get a little difficult during the hassle of the move. However, trying to follow their usual routine of walking, eating, and playing will result in a happier pet in the long run. So, treat them with extra love and patience to keep them getting stressed.

Schedule a Visit with the Vet

Plan a vet visit a few days before the move. Track your pet’s vaccination record and share your move-related concerns with the vet. A veterinarian can help a lot in managing your pet’s anxiety. For instance, they can:

• Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date, and provide a rabies vaccination certificate if needed.
• Ensure your pet is healthy to avoid emergency vet visits during the move.
• Recommend a supplement or some other stress management techniques to control their stress levels.
• Refer you to a new vet if you haven’t found one in your new community yet.
• Tell you about additional tests or vaccinations required if you are moving out of state or to a new country.

Keep Your Pet Entertained

An important question is: What to do with pets when moving to keep them entertained? You are going to be busy with the move, but entertaining and exercising your pets is important. A tired pet is usually calm, and this can make the entire move a lot more peaceful for you.

If you’re unable to take the time for play sessions yourself, you can ask a friend to take your pet on a playdate. While moving homes with a dog, consider hiring dog walking services to help you out. When you keep your pet occupied, they’re less likely to get bored or misbehave. In this way, you can take a lot more time to focus on other tasks.

Check the Pet Laws of Your Destination

Are you moving to a new state or a new country? Research pet laws in your new neighborhood before the move. Some countries have strict regulations regarding pet ownership and breeding. Also, familiarize yourself with the vaccination requirements of the area. Do not forget to update your pet’s identification tags. If your pet is microchipped, update the chip information with your new address.

Prepare a Pet Relocation Kit

When relocating with a pet, it is important to pack an emergency moving kit or bag for your pet. The bag should contain food, water, bowls, toys, medications, treats, kitty litter, medication, and any other items that can help comfort your pet. Do not forget to pack paper towels and disposable plastic bags for unexpected cleanups.

Book a Pet-Friendly Accommodation When Moving to Another State

When booking your accommodation, ensure it is pet-friendly. Some hotels or rental properties do not allow pets, so it is essential to plan ahead of time. Some websites or apps can help you find places that welcome pets but don’t assume all pets are allowed. Double-check with the property before booking, especially if you are moving with a pet that is a bit out of the ordinary, for example, a snake.

Ensure Your Pet’s Security and Stay Closer to Them

During the relocation process, the doors will open and close frequently as people go in and out. This will create opportunities for your pet to escape. Therefore, keep them in a closed room or a carrier to ensure their safety.

Do not leave them alone in the backyard of your new home when moving in. As mentioned above, update your pet’s tag/microchip and keep their current photo with you. It will help you find them easily, just in case they escape.

Pet Proof Your New Home

Moving to a new place brings unexpected hazards for your pet. Before you let your pet explore your new home:

• • Inspect it thoroughly to ensure it’s safe for your pet.
  • Secure the windows, screens, and gates.
  • Check outer fences and vents for potential escape routes. If there is a balcony, make sure the pet cannot squeeze through its railing.
  • Set up your pet’s belongings in a familiar arrangement to help them get accustomed and feel at home more quickly.

Prepare Your Pet for Safe Travel

Whether you’re relocating to a new town or a country, it is important to prepare your pet for the journey. If they’ll be traveling in a box or a carrier, make them accustomed to it beforehand. Take them on short drives to acclimatize them to your car.

Secure them in a safe and comfortable spot in your vehicle. The best way is to secure them in their crate or carrier box and fasten them with the seat belt. Make sure there are no loose boxes or objects that can hit your pet. You can also put a blanket over your pet’s crate to reduce visual stimulation, which can add to their anxiety.

Hire Moving Services for a Safe Relocation with your Pet!

You might be eager for your pet to settle in your new home as soon as possible, but there will be an adjustment period. Also, prepare yourself for some unexpected behavior. For instance, your cat might forget to use its litter box for some time, or you might notice changes in your dog’s appetite.

Keep your calm and follow the tips and tricks mentioned in this article. Feeling stressed out or finding it hard to manage? You can collaborate with a reputed moving company to help you with the entire relocation process, including your pet’s move.