Moving With Pets: 7 Tips You Need to Know

Are you stressing about your future move? 

For pets owners, it’s safe to say that moving with pets makes things all the more complicated. In addition to moving your life into a new home, you must consider the well-being of your pet throughout the entire process. 

Where will your pet be on moving day? 

How will you ease your pet’s transition into their new home? 

What can you do to maintain their routine? 

When we consider that 67% of American households have pets, it’s easy to see why these questions are so common. Whether you have a cat or a dog, moving does tend to be more stressful when we add our furry friends into the mix. 

To help ease your moving stress, we’re sharing our expert guide on moving with pets. These tips are sure to set you up for success and keep your pet as happy and controlled as possible on moving day. 

1. Establish New Contacts 

First things first, you’re going to want to establish your pet-related contacts in your new area. 

This should be done in advance of your move and even before you begin the packing process. With this, you’re going to want to contact anyone from a new veterinarian to a city representative in your new area. 

If you’re looking to establish a new veterinarian, don’t hesitate to ask your old veterinarian for recommendations in your new area. Once you’ve established a new veterinarian, your old veterinarian will send your pet’s records and medical history to the new office. 

It’s also important to note that some municipalities require pet owners to register their pets. This registration may come with a small fee depending on the municipality. When moving to a new area, it’s essential to determine whether or not you’re required to register your pet. 

You’re also going to have to update their information. For example, their microchip and their collars are likely imprinted with your old address and contact information. To exercise caution, this should be changed even before making your official move. 

2. Pack a “Weekend” Bag

Once you’ve established your new contacts, it’s time to pack a weekend bag for your pet. 

This bag will comprise of everything that your pet will need for the period of a few days. This will include anything from their food and treats to their leash and their favorite toys. With this, the idea is to have all of your pet’s necessities on-hand. 

We all know just how stressful packing for an upcoming move can be. In packing a weekend bag, you can ensure that you’re not packing away your pet’s essentials in a long-forgotten box. This will keep you as organized and stress-free as possible! 

If you’re using a moving company, be sure to keep your weekend bag separate from your other boxes. 

3. Find a Pet Sitter 

If you’re looking to make your move as stress-free as possible, you’re going to want to consider investing in a pet sitter for your pet. 

Of course, it’s easiest to find a friend or family member who is willing to host your pet for the day. However, there are also plenty of pet-sitting services available online. These services will watch your pet for a number of hours or even host your pet overnight or throughout the weekend. 

In opting for a pet sitter, you can avoid the stress of having to account for your pet on moving day. It will also give you the opportunity to get your home ready to welcome your new pet into their new home. 

4. Set up Their New “Home” 

Next, it’s time to set up your pet’s new home in their new space. 

For cats, this means finding a suitable place for their litter box and many of their cat toys. For dogs, this means finding the best place for their bed or their crate. 

Shortly after moving into your new home, reintroduce your pet to their new belongings. Seeing these familiar items will help to introduce them to the idea that this is their new place to call home. 

5. Encourage Your Pet to Explore 

Once your pet has transitioned to their new home, encourage them to explore both the home and the new surroundings. 

With this, your pets will want to sniff around and get to know the place. You may find that they go from room-to-room and slowly explore the new areas. You can encourage them to pay special attention and familiarize themselves with the area in which they’ll spend the majority of the time. 

During this exploration, you’ll want to give your pet as much love and attention as possible. This will allow them to feel more positive feelings towards their new home and to feel safe and secure. 

6. Maintain the Same Schedule 

When it comes to pets, we all know just how important routine is to their wellbeing. 

Even in the stress of a new move, it’s crucial to maintain their usual schedule. This means walking and feeding them at the same time that you normally would. At the end of the night, be sure to put them to bed at their usual time. 

Not only will this keep them happy and calm on moving day, but it’s also going to help acclimate them to their new home. 

7. Give Plenty of Love and Affection 

At the end of the day, moving can be just as stressful for pets as it is for humans. 

This is why providing your dog with even greater love and affection during the process is always encouraged. This will allow them to settle more easily and to feel safe in their new home.

You can also reintroduce them to familiar and favorite items in the new home. On your first night, be sure to reintroduce your pet to items such as their beds or their toys. Having these well-loved items in a new space will make them feel more established. 

Our Guide to Moving With Pets 

Let’s face it, moving house is already stressful enough.

In fact, 45% of Americans surveyed consider moving to be the most stressful event in life. When we consider the happiness and wellbeing of our pets during a stressful move, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed. 

To help make moving with pets as stress-free as possible, we’re sharing our expert guide! From establishing new contacts in your area to hiring a pet sitter for moving day, these tips are sure to ease the transition. 

Are you preparing for an upcoming move? If so, be sure to view our services page to see how we can make your move as stress-free as possible!