Moving With Pets: Everything To Know

Preparation For Moving With Pets

With moving comes a lot of stress, and when you add pets into the mix, that only intensifies the feeling. Moving with pets can inadvertently cause them distress because, like us, a routine is vital for them; therefore, when changes occur, our pets can become uneasy.

The bigger the move, the more a pet owner must take into account. Whether you’re moving with a cat, dog or another animal, it is crucial to stay organized to ensure that your move together goes as smoothly as possible.

Find The Right Home

When choosing a new home, it’s important to ensure that the community you’re moving into is pet-friendly, and that it will be a safe environment for your furry companion. Consider these key traits of a pet-friendly community or property:

• It has open space. There should be an area for your pet to get their exercise and to use the bathroom.
• It does not have uncovered vents – and be conscious of open staircases as well. Both of these can be dangerous walking areas for pets, especially cats.
• It’s comfortable. You should ensure that the community is well-maintained and safe, so that you won’t have to worry about taking your animal out.
• It’s pet-accommodating. Be sure, if you’re moving into an apartment complex, that it permits animals and accommodates them.

Maintain Your Pet’s Routine

Whether it’s hiring movers or packing boxes ourselves, our routines can become sporadic when moving. With this in mind, it’s essential to maintain a sense of normalcy when it comes to your pets and your activities with them – continue to walk, feed, sleep, take them out or even play with them when you normally would. Having a set schedule allows animals to know what to anticipate, which reduces their anxiety and can cut down on their misbehavior. Keeping your pet’s routine intact will help them feel more at ease once they arrive in their new home.

Schedule A Check-Up

Scheduling an exam a few weeks before moving to your new home is an opportunity to ensure that your pet has all their necessary shots. Make sure the vet checks for fleas, ticks and other parasites as well; you wouldn’t want to bring any unwelcome pests into your new home. Fleas, in particular, are extremely tough to get rid of due to how fast they reproduce. Veterinarians can also prescribe medications that can help your pet settle and remain calm during this stressful period.

Depending on how far you’re moving, finding a new doctor for your pet may be necessary – one more task to add to the list. Luckily, your current veterinarian can help with that by recommending some other vets based in the area where you’ll be living.

Update Pet Information

Most areas want proof that your special friend has received vaccinations and health checks, which is why updating your pet’s information before moving day is essential. Each state, city or even country’s mandates and regulations vary, so you should be sure to know all the requirements based on your new location. Here are the big ones to prioritize:

• Vet records. Get your pet’s vet records from their previous veterinarian and put them someplace you can easily access so you can find them when necessary.
• ID tags. A pet should wear ID tags on their collar. It’s important to include your contact information, the pet’s name and their medical certificate on the tag. If your animal is a cat or dog, they must also have a rabies vaccination tag.
• Microchip. Even if they have a microchip, your pet should still wear a collar because it gives anyone who may have found your pet your contact information. If your pet does not have one, make sure they do before the move.

Pack An Overnight Kit

An overnight kit can become a lifesaver. Before moving day, create an assortment of supplies that your animal may need – and be sure it is sufficient enough to last several days. Running out of essentials can be detrimental to your pet, especially if you’re unable to restock when needed.

There are a few things that the kit should include:

• Water
• Food
• Bowls
• Treats
• Toys
• Medications
• Carrier
• Waste pickup bags
• Leash
• Blanket

Introduce Your Pet To Their Safe Transport Place

Moving is already stressful enough, so preparing your pet can help significantly. Introducing them to the environment they’ll be transported in, such as a crate or carrier, the day of the move could induce their distress – tears and tension on both ends. To try to avoid some of this, you should begin to introduce your pet to the kennel or area several weeks before moving day, by having them lie or even sleep in the space briefly.

Once they’re more comfortable, your pet should begin riding in the carrier with you for short trips like errands, with you slowly increasing the length of each trip over time. Over time, your pet’s anxiety will lessen.

Prepare Sleeping Arrangements

Some trips will take longer than a day, requiring a stay at a hotel for the night, which is why it’s vital to plan ahead of time. Certain hotels will not permit pets; for that reason, booking a place in advance alleviates the stress of finding somewhere to sleep after a long day. You should call ahead and determine which hotels allow pets and what their regulations are concerning them.

How To Transport Pets On Moving Day

When moving, choosing the most secure and relaxed method of transportation for your pet will make all the difference for them. No one likes to travel uncomfortably, and that includes our animal friends. Pets rely on their owners to care for them and look out for their best interest, so it’s vital to decide the best way for them to travel regarding their safety and health. Let’s take a look at a few different methods of transportation.

Road Tripping With A Kennel

Latching pets away can be heartbreaking, but a kennel is often the safest method for them. Make sure you secure the crate’s seatbelt and keep your pet there until arriving at your new home. Some pets are naturally well-behaved; consequently, their owners may open the kennel, which can be dangerous if the vehicle is moving.

Having said that, keeping your pet in the kennel the entire time without a break is also something we don’t advise. Scheduling breaks for your pet to get out and run around in an open space and use the bathroom is imperative, preventing numerous mishaps.

Flying With A Kennel

Depending on where you’re flying from, the regulations concerning traveling with a pet will vary. Most airlines allow small dogs and cats to fly if they are in a carrier under the seat. Fish are also accepted as long as they are in a clear container with water. On the other hand, the majority of airlines do not permit birds to fly, and the ones that do will require an airline-approved carrier. Due to the different regulations based on the animal and airline, you must know the rules before booking your flight. It’s nothing a little research won’t solve!

A Note On Moving Pets Overseas

Moving to another city or state can be overwhelming. It requires a lot of thought, but it’s even more challenging when we choose to move overseas. There are various factors to consider when planning an overseas move, and perhaps one of the biggest ones is what you’ll do concerning your pet. Any good owner will want to keep their special friend as happy as possible during such a big life change.

Not all countries have the same rules about moving with pets, so it’s important to know your new home’s regulations. Certain countries only allow specific types of animals and will not permit others into their land. It’s also crucial to understand what vaccines and shots are required for your pet to have before entering the country. You’ll want to get those shots beforehand; otherwise, your pet may not be allowed in.

Timing is everything for moving with pets overseas. Sometimes there is a waiting period after the move (as in a quarantine), and because of this, you’ll need to make sure you plan enough time before the move. If you wait to begin your steps last-minute, your pet might have to come to the country later, which could only provoke their fear, distress and anxiety even more.

Species-Specific Tips For Success

Part of being a responsible and attentive pet owner is understanding how to maintain your pet's well-being and happiness. Whether you have a dog, cat, bird or different animal, it is imperative to know the protocol and regulations for relocating them. Depending on where you’re moving and the species of your pet, these rules can vary.

Many pets flourish the best when a routine is established and kept, especially amid significant changes. When they break their routine, that can create a culmination of behavior problems or distress. Continuing to keep your pet on the same schedule as before is one of the key elements to preserving a sense of calm during this time.

Moving With Dogs

Dogs are creatures of habit; therefore, when something that they’re used to changes, you can often notice it in the way they act. Their behavior can turn destructive – chewing, barking, whining and general restlessness may ensue. Though every pooch is different, you’ll want to make sure yours is as comfortable as possible upon moving.

Since dogs rely on routines, try to keep them on the same schedule as before you moved. Changing the scheduled time for feeding, walking or anything else can confuse them. It’s also important to introduce your dog to their kennel by acclimating them to it beforehand – this demonstrates that the kennel can be a positive experience.

Exercise is another central element to moving with a dog. When dogs are outside running around and playing, their minds are at ease. Whether on your new property or at a dog park in your new community, you should ensure this is possible for your furry friend. Animal experts recommend you introduce your dog to your new home before moving day, as well as when you’ve settled in. Show them where their food bowl and sleeping area are, and lay out their toys for them. Doing this allows your dog to become familiar with the new environment.

Moving With Cats

Like dogs, cats are also habit-based and may show their worry concerning changes in their life by their behavior – restlessness, meowing, hissing or even shivering. Even though this can occur, most cats are usually a little different in handling their routine changes and don’t always show their emotions; instead, they may internalize them.

Cats also rely heavily on routines, and because of this, it is crucial to keep them on the same schedule as before you moved. When they notice a shift in routine, such as the shuffling of their play or lunch schedule, they may become anxious. It’s also important to show your cat to their kennel in advance of moving day so that they can explore – this will allow your feline to become familiar with the kennel and feel safe.

Playtime is another crucial element in moving with a cat. You might want to take advantage of the move and allow your cat to play with any unpacked boxes lying around. Doing this will keep your cat's mind at ease and distract them from the move.

What’s really important is to ensure that your cat has access to their needs, particularly their litter box. Food and a litter box equal comfort for a cat, so you should be sure that they can easily locate both in your new home. It’s necessary for them to have these familiar comforts, as they’re trying to adjust themselves to their new surroundings.

Moving With Birds

Similar to dogs and cats, birds are also sensitive to relocating, which can provoke their stress. Their behavior can sometimes turn negative – screaming, toe-tapping and head swinging are just a few examples of how birds may react in a stressful situation.

Since birds do not like change, maintaining their routine is essential. Try to the best of your ability to keep them on the same schedule as before you moved. Dogs and cats use a kennel for traveling, but for a bird, you’ll need to have a travel carrier. Birds feel more comfortable and relaxed when they can see, so you might consider getting a carrier that allows them to observe their surroundings.

Moving With Fish

Like all the other pets we have previously discussed, fish can also react negatively to a move, which can sadly be fatal for them. If your trip is far away, the best solution for your fish’s health may be to give them away. If, however, you cannot fathom the idea of letting your pet go and want them to come with you, we have a few tips for how to best move with them.

Purchasing sealed containers will make all the difference in the move and allow your fish to swim in a healthy environment until arrival. Fish flourish through bacteria in their tanks; therefore, the container you use for transporting them should have at least 80% of their old tank water in it.

The Bottom Line: Staying Organized Is Key To Moving With Pets

Let’s face it: Moving can be distressing, and when you have to move with a pet, it can become even more anxiety-inducing. However, if you take the proper precautions and carefully plan for your pet’s comfort, relocating can be much more enjoyable for all parties involved.

Are you a dog owner who’s just moved? Learn more about how to help your dog adjust to a new home.