Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, if you’re a pet parent, you probably have a lot of things on your mind – and one of them is how to help your pets cope with the big changes coming their way. This guide can help you make moving easier on your pets – and make moving with pets easier on you.
Moving With Pets: The Basics
When you’re moving with your pets, whether they’re mammals, reptiles, fish, birds or anything else, you can use these tips to smooth out the process:
- Prepare an overnight kit
- Hand-carry vet records
- Keep your pets out of the action
- Move your pets in your own vehicle
- Let your pet stay secluded
Let’s take a closer look at each tip so that when the big day comes, you’ll all be ready.
#1. Prepare an overnight kit just for moving with pets
Your pets are part of your family too, so when you prep your own overnight bag (the one that contains medications, contact lens solution, toothbrushes and paper plates – all the things your family will need on your first night in your new home), make one for your pets as well. Include all their favorite toys, treats and pet food, as well as extra litter, blankets and food dishes. Put in everything you’ll need for the first few days in your new home so your pets have an easier transition.
#2. Hand-carry vet records
Even if you’re not moving far, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your vet and get copies of all your pets’ important records. You’ll need microchip numbers and other important information, and when you have it all compiled, stick it in a folder that you’ll hand-carry from your old home to your new home. That way, if an emergency pops up, you have everything at your fingertips.
#3. Keep your pets out of the action
Pets don’t want to – or need to – be part of the actual moving process. Empty one room in your home before the movers arrive, and use it as a safe haven for your pets. Put a sign on the door that warns people not to open it, and keep your pets there until everything else in the house is gone. That way, you minimize the chance that your pet will dart out an open door or trip a mover while he or she is carrying a box full of breakables.
#4. Move your pets in your own vehicle
When it’s time to go, take your pets out for one last potty break and hop into the car together. Your pets would rather travel with you, even if they’re not big fans of the car, and you’ll be able to keep an eye on them the whole way.
#5. Let your pet stay secluded
When you get to your new home, put your pets in one room to start. They can explore a little more each day, but you want to let them get used to the new sights and smells they’re experiencing before you give them free reign of the house. While it might seem counterintuitive, vets say that you’ll minimize your pets’ stress if you only let them explore a few rooms at a time.
