Moving is a thrilling adventure, but it can be a stressful experience, especially when your furry family members are part of the journey. Whether you’re heading to your dream home, a new city, or even moving overseas, the moving process calls for extra consideration and planning when moving with pets. Our pets rely on familiar surroundings and normal routines to feel safe, and it’s up to us to make the transition as easy as possible for both you and them.
Let’s explore every step of pet moving: from prep work and packing to the first days in your new home. You’ll find tips for cats, dogs, small pets, and even unusual pet travel needs, plus a section on pet relocation resources for long-distance or complex moves.
How to Prepare Your Pet for the Moving Process
Getting ready for a long-distance move with your furry family members involves more than just loading up moving boxes and collecting packing supplies; it’s about maintaining your pet’s routine and environment to keep their world as stable as possible until you reach your more permanent location.
Visit the Vet and Gather Health Documents
- Schedule a Check-In. Ensure your pet is healthy and up to date with vaccinations and prevention for parasites.
- Health Certificate. Ask your vet for a health certificate. These are required for air travel, moving overseas, and many state-to-state moves.
- Updated Tags. Make sure your pet’s updated tags and microchip info reflect your new location and contact details.
- Pet Regulations. Research any pet regulations at your destination, especially if you’re entering a new state, country, or community.
Accustom Your Pet to Carriers and the Idea of Travel
Put the crate or carrier in a comfortable spot in your present abode and ensure it has familiar toys, blankets, or bedding. Gradually increase their time inside to build a positive association with the carrier. For small pets, prepare special travel cages with proper ventilation.
Prepare a Dedicated Pet Moving Kit
Make sure these essentials are packed in an easy-to-access bag:
- Enough food and treats for the road trip or possible delays
- Food and water bowls (plus extra paper towels for spills)
- Originally scented familiar items like treats, toys, bedding, and blankets
- Litter box and litter for home cats
- Medications and pet moving resources, like your vet’s contact info
- Leashes, harnesses, or travel gear for all animals
- Pet-proof cleaning supplies (paper towels, disinfectant, waste bags)
- Portable aerators for transporting fish, if applicable
Secure Temporary Arrangements If Needed
If your pet can’t be with you during the moving process, consider leaving them at a friend’s house as a safe and comfortable temporary arrangement or at a pet-friendly hotel to reduce their exposure to the chaos of moving day. It’s also important to check all your pet moving resources ahead of time, especially if you have a military move or corporate relocation, to help both you and your furry family members transition smoothly.
Maintain Their Normal Routine
Keeping to the usual feeding schedule and playtime helps to reduce stress and brings comfort in stressful situations. Maintaining a consistent routine provides your pet with a sense of security and normalcy amidst the changes of moving.
How to Reduce Stress and Ensure Safety
The big day has arrived, and for many pets, this can be the most intense part of the transition.
Tips to Keep Your Pet Calm and Secure
- Set up a Safe Haven. Confine your pet to one room with the door open only for supervised check-ins. Add familiar surroundings such as a bed, litter box, favorite toys, and food and water bowls.
- Minimize Disruptions. Keep moving boxes and loud noises away from your pet.
- Monitor Exits. Prevent a pet escape by putting up signs to remind movers about the animal(s) inside.
Preparing for Transport
- For Car Travel. Use a properly sized, secure crate. Take breaks for water and short walks. Don’t leave animals alone in the car.
- For Air Travel. Book with airlines that follow pet regulations, and confirm if a professional pet shipper is needed for international flights or moving overseas.
How Do You Decide on DIY or Professional Pet Moving Services?
If you’re switching houses within your new neighborhood, you may feel comfortable transporting pets yourself. However, for a long-distance or international move, a professional pet shipper or pet relocation expert can make the stressful experience far easier.
Professional Pet Movers/Relocation Resources
- What They Do. Handle animal logistics, including flights, vet checks, documentation, and safe delivery to your new house or destination.
- When to Use. For pet travel that involves complicated pet regulations, such as military moves or moving overseas.
- How to Choose. Double-check credentials, read customer reviews, and get a detailed quote.
Consider reaching out to reputable pet moving and pet relocation companies for complex moves or when relocating many pets at once.
Moving With Different Types of Pets
Dogs
- Take preparatory rides as practice for the road trip ahead.
- Bring along a crate, water, and favorite toys for comfort during the journey.
- Check the microchip, and double-check all doors/windows at the front door of your new home before letting your dog explore.
- Begin walk routines in your new neighborhood and help your dog get used to new smells and sounds. Introduce your pet on a leash to new neighbors.
Cats
- Keep home cats confined with their litter box in a bathroom or bedroom until they’ve adjusted to the new space.
- Place familiar items and a scratching post nearby. Never allow the door to open in case of an accidental pet escape.
- Expect an adjustment period as your cat acclimates to the new environment and new surroundings.
Small Pets and Exotics
- Secure cages for small pets like rabbits or hamsters during transit.
- For reptiles or fish, use containers at the right temperature, and for fish, use portable aerators.
- Double-check closures and lids before travel.
- Transporting pets like birds or reptiles might require special permits and adherence to unique pet regulations.
How to Help Pets Settle In Your New Home
You’ve made it to your new location. Now help your pets transition to their more permanent location.
Pet Proof and Prepare the Space
Walk through your new home to pet-proof it thoroughly. Look for potential hazards such as open windows, loose debris, tangled electrical cords, or crawl spaces where your pet might wander and get into trouble. Before allowing your pet to explore freely, set up a familiar environment for them in a quiet area equipped with their bed, familiar items, water bowls, and toys. This dedicated space will help your pet feel safe and comfortable as they begin to adjust to the new surroundings.
Ease Into the New Environment
Confine your pet to one room at first, adding space gradually as they adapt to new smells and new surroundings. Reintroduce the normal routine by feeding, walking, playing, and resting on their usual schedule. Accompany them on the first explorations of your new house and backyard to help them feel secure and supported during this transition.
Find Local Pet Resources
Register with a local veterinarian as soon as possible, providing your pet’s health certificate and medical history to maintain continuity of care. Take time to learn about nearby pet-friendly hotels or boarding facilities, which can serve as safe places for your pet during further moves or in case of emergencies. Additionally, meet your new neighbors and familiarize yourself with the pet policies in your new community to help your pet settle in smoothly.
Monitor Behavior During the Adjustment Period
Every pet has a unique adjustment period, so patience is key. Some animals may hide, refuse to eat, or act clingy during this time. If these behaviors continue, contact your new veterinarian to check your pet’s health and address any concerns.
Make Every Family Member’s Move Easy: Call Moving Team Six Now!
Moving with pets, whether dogs, cats, or small animals, can be challenging, but careful preparation makes all the difference. Give your furry family members time to adapt, stay positive, and utilize available resources, including professional pet shippers for complex pet travel. With proper planning, your pets will soon feel at home in your new neighborhood and living space, allowing your family to enjoy fresh adventures together.
When it comes to relocating with your beloved pets, you deserve a moving company that truly understands the needs of your whole family, including your furry friends. Moving Team Six specializes in pet-friendly moving solutions, prioritizing your pets’ comfort and safety every step of the way. From expert handling and secure transport to personalized guidance, we go the extra mile to minimize stress for both you and your pets during the moving process.
Contact us today to experience compassionate, reliable, and professional moving services that turn your next move into a smooth adventure for every member of your family!