Tips For Moving With Pets

Moving can be a stressful experience, especially for your pet. Whether moving down the street, to another state, or overseas, furry family members are sensitive to change. They often get stressed out when introduced to a new environment. Fortunately, there are ways to help your pet stay calm during the process. Here are some tips to ensure your furry companion has an easy, happy, and safe transition. 

Maintain Your Routine

Pets enjoy routine, and if their schedule changes, they’re more likely to experience anxiety. Keeping the same routine can help reduce stress on your four-legged friend. Be sure to set time aside from packing and feeding it at the same time and take it for regular walks. It’s also vital to provide your pet extra attention, love, and patience during the moving process. 

Get Your Pet Familiar With Packing Supplies

Animals are curious; your pet may be interested in playing with your packing supplies and boxes. For this reason, try packing early to get your pet used to have these materials around the house. After a few days, it’ll likely become disinterested in these new objects so you can pack without being disrupted. Using this conditioning method can also help reduce any emotional stress on your furry friend. 

Reach Out to Your Vet

A veterinarian can be a great resource for learning how to manage your pet during the move. Your vet may suggest stress-reduction tactics or recommend supplements to help ease anxiety. 

 

Moreover, ensure your pet is healthy for the upcoming relocation. Ask if any tests or vaccinations are needed and obtain your furry friend’s health record. You can even ask for a new vet recommendation if you haven’t found one in your new neighborhood. 

Pet Proof Your New Property

A new residence can have hazards that may be unsafe for your furry family member. For this reason, consider pet-proofing your new home by securing all windows, gates, and doors. If you have a balcony, ensure that your animal companion cannot get through the railing or jump over it. Additionally, check to see if any pest control traps have been left behind and remove any poisonous plants from the yard. 

Make an Overnight Kit

Make an overnight kit to ensure you have all your pet’s essentials during unpacking the first few days. Include food, toys, grooming tools, kitty litter, and treats to keep it happy and comfortable. It’s also a good idea to have the phone number of an emergency vet handy. 

Update Your Pet’s Identification

Update your pet’s identification tag and microchip with your phone number and new address before the relocation. Ensure that your animal companion wears its new tag throughout the moving process. This can help give you peace of mind if your pet becomes lost during the transition. 

Create a Safe Space for Your Pet

One of the best ways to reduce stress on your furry friend is to keep it away from the action. If you choose to keep it at home instead of at a pet hotel or with a friend, ensure it has a comfortable, quiet space. This means away from boxes or disassembled furniture, such as in a bedroom or other room with a door that can be closed. 

This method is especially handy when you move into your new home, so your pet has a chance to adjust to its surroundings slowly. Supply your pet with its favorite blanket, toys, food, and water. Remember to check on it regularly. 

Unpack Your Furry Friend’s Belongings First

When it’s time to unpack your belongings at the new place, start with your four-legged friend’s items. When your pet sees its toys, treats, bed, and other familiar items, it’s likely to feel more relaxed in the new environment. This can also help your pet settle in more quickly. 

While the moving process can be stressful for your furry friend, the good news is that there are many ways to make it feel more at home during and after the relocation. Try these handy tips for a smooth and pet-friendly transition. 

Author bio: Kelli Warren is a co-owner of Moving Proz, a moving company in Kansas City, Denver and Oklahoma City. She has over five years of experience within the moving and transportation industry and loves to help provide a great moving experience for clients no matter what their moving situation may be.