Tips for Moving With Your Pets

Posted on Nov 20, 2019

Make your move as comfortable as possible for your pet!

No matter how far or short you'll be traveling for your move, one of the significant factors to consider is your pet. Odds are, your pet is more than just a pet to you. They are a very special part of your family and require careful attention to the move. If you think moving is stressful for people, just imagine how it must be for your pets! They have no clue what is going on once you start moving things around. Sometimes this can create anxiety for your pet when there is unusual activity in their home or in a new environment. Making your move easy on your pet is not as simple as it sounds, but Braun Moving & Storage has put together some tips to make your pet's move as smooth as possible! Here are some solutions that should help your furry friends feel at home and have a calm move.

First things first, talk to the vet. 

If you're transferring to a different state, contact the state's veterinarian's office and ask for the pet laws and regulations. It is important to be aware of your new city's rules as well, as some places have breed-specific legislation that you'd be surprised by. 

A few weeks in advance, go to your current veterinarian and acquire a copy of the veterinary records, rabies vaccination certificate, and any prescriptions. Remember, your vet probably knows of other great vets, so ask if they have recommendations in your new location. 

Additionally, if you don't already, it is a crucial time to put your pet's collar on with correct tag information just in case your pet gets lost. Prepare your pet for the move by keeping things routine. Stick with usual times for walks and feedings.

Pack a bag just for them. 

During the first couple of days of unpacking, the last thing you want to do is scramble through all different boxes trying to find your pet's belongings. Put together an overnight kit that is easily accessible during your move. Some ideas of what to include are food, litter, toys, medications, leashes, and necessary grooming tools. This will ensure that your pet is comfortable and feels more at home both during your move and in this new environment. 

Find a safe and quiet place for them.

While actually moving, the most important thing to keep your pet's stress levels down is to keep them away from the action. You also probably don't want them getting in the way while you are moving around heavy objects & furniture. That could easily lead to an accident. 

You can ask a friend if your pet can stay at their house or take them to a pet care center. If you don't have this option or rather not impose, you can try creating a safe space in the home. This means clearing out a bedroom and closing the door or keeping them in the kennel in the garage. Whatever you decide, take precautions to be sure they'll be at a comfortable temperature and have water and food. Don't forget to check in on them frequently and take them on walks, so they have some sense of normal amidst all of the chaos. 

Plan ahead for travel.

How will you be transporting your pet? If you are driving to your new destination, it might be a good idea to keep your pet with you in your car while moving. An option to keep them calm while in the car, is to hang a blanket over their cage so they can't see the changing environment. Also, to ensure they are comfortable and happy, bring treats and toys, as well as an old t-shirt to snuggle because the smell will remind them of you. For water and food, bring bowls or containers that are easily accessible. Take the leash with you as well, so when you make rest stops, you can walk them. Don't forget paper towels, Lysol wipes, and extra bottled water! Pets can get sick during the drive. Small animals can be in a carrier in the back seat with a seatbelt securing them. A bigger dog can be in a kennel in the back of the vehicle, put seats down if you have to. If you have the option, don't keep them in a kennel, let them lay on a seat. 

If you are traveling a far distance in the car and need to stay at a hotel, make sure you find out before-hand if they allow pets. If you have a pet fish, you can acquire certain fish containers from most local pet shops that keep your fish safe during the move. 

Moving into your new home.

Your animal does not know the neighborhood yet, let alone their way home. It is crucial to be aware of your animals during the move because the door will constantly be opening and closing. Even if your pet is well-behaved and doesn't usually run away, it is best to keep them in a closed room or kennel during the move. Put their toys, food, water, and bed with them, so they are calmer. 

If you have an outside cat, now might be a good time to transition them into becoming an inside cat. It is better for their safety and health! Use this new transition of environments to your advantage.  

Dogs will take a few days to transition fully into their new home, but taking them on walks (on their leash) will help familiarize them with their new surroundings and keep them happy. 

Know that sometimes your animal does not know the potty rules yet in the new house, and accidents may happen. They may misbehave in general because of confusion. Comfort and train your pet as much as possible. Stick with a routine that your pet knows, like putting the bed and bowls in a similar place and feeding them at the same time. 

Update your pet's info.

If you haven't done so already, update their tags or microchip information to the new address and phone number. 

If you're moving fish…

Moving fish is a very difficult task to accomplish, as they are greatly affected by stress and changing environments. It can be fatal for a lot of fish. If you want to take the risk, you can acquire special containers to move them in from the pet store, but only if you are going a relatively short distance. However, if you're traveling a long distance, it is in their best interest to give them away to a new home, as sad as it may be, the fish will be happier.

If you're moving small animals…

Guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils are also known not to handle moves very well. They, too can be easily stressed or can sometimes be knocked around due to their small size. To keep their hearts at a healthy pace, ensure they are being handled in a small carrier that keeps them comfortable and warm. 

If you're moving birds…

Alas, our feathered friends. We know many of you say your bird will never fly away, but there have been many that have had their birds leave the coop to their surprise. Like most animals, birds don't like change and can become jittery. The smartest thing to do is to keep them in the cage for the whole duration of the move and until it is completely safe to remove them from their cage.

We hope you enjoyed reading these tips for keeping your fluffy companion safe during this exciting and challenging time of your life. They are family, after all, so keeping them safe should be your ultimate priority during your next move!

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