Tips for Moving with Pets

As you prepare for moving day, it’s essential to consider all your family members as you’re making plans, and that includes your pets as well!

For many families, moving can be hectic, and when you throw a cat or dog into the mix, there are plenty of extra considerations to be made. Here are a few of our favorite tips from some trusted resources to help you and your furry friends get ready for your big move!

Before Moving Day

There are tons of tips and tricks out there for ways to help your pet prepare for moving day. If you’re concerned about how your pet will handle changes in scenery or the drive from your old home to the new one, many experts recommend talking with your vet.

Purina recommends helping your pets acclimate to carriers before moving day. Familiarizing them with carriers will help them feel more comfortable during the drive.

They also recommend allowing your pets to watch the packing process unfold, instead of isolating them, which can cause stress.

If you’re planning for a local move, consider taking your pet to visit your new home prior to moving day to help them become more familiar with the space.

On Moving Day

If you have acclimated your pet to a crate or carrier, once moving day arrives hopefully they feel comfortable loading up for the drive ahead.

Be sure to make arrangements for potty breaks along the way, and treats are always appreciated!

If you plan to board your pets during a local move, or send them to doggy daycare for the day, be sure the plan accordingly for pickup and drop off so that it does not interfere with loading and unloading time.

Once your pets arrive at your new home, the ASPCA recommends taking time to help them adjust to the spaces, as opposed to letting them roam free in the new home as soon as you get there. They say that starting with one room at a time will keep them from feeling overwhelmed by all the changes.

After Moving Day

After moving day, take time to help your pets become acclimated to your new home, as well as your new neighborhood. Take your dogs for walks to help them learn the lay of the land and establish clear boundaries.

If you have a cat that likes to roam, make sure that you aren’t letting them out to wander until they become familiar with their new environment.

Be sure to update your pet’s identification tags or microchip information with your new address. Moving can be hectic and stressful for you and your pets, and accidents can happen, so you want to make sure if your dog or cat gets out that they end up back at their new home!

If you’ve made a long distance relocation, take time to find a new vet that will provide the level of care and service you and your pet need, and be sure to have their records transferred from their past vet, as well.

United Van Lines has some great resources, including a Moving with Pets booklet, which offers information and tips on handling relocations of any size or distance with your four-legged friends.

Are you preparing for a move with your whole family? Contact one of our experience relocation consultants to learn more about how we can help you tackle the task!