Our pets are precious, even when they’re silently judging you. Moving can be just as stressful to our companions as it is for us. From the packing up, moving, and adjusting to a new environment, it’s important to consider their needs. While each pet is unique, here are some tips to help them in this transition.
Prepare an Overnight Kit
Prepare an easily-accessible ‘overnight kit’ with dog food, kitty litter, toys, and any grooming supplies to tide you over the first few days as you unpack and get settled.
Contacting Your Vet
If you’re moving outside of your neighborhood, chances are your regular vet might not be the most convenient. Consider having them recommend another vet closer to your new location and have any records and prescriptions transferred over.
Keep Pets Away from the Move
If you can’t leave your pets with a friend or family member, set them up in an enclosed area away from the action. It limits their exposure to the chaos, which usually makes pets jittery and uncomfortable. This could be an empty bedroom, or a garage. Let’s be honest, this can also provide peace of mind for us humans if we know where they are and they can’t escape through an open door. Make sure to check on them regularly and keep to their normal routine as best as possible.
Take Pets in Your Own Vehicle
This might go without saying but let’s just make it clear. Do take your pets to the new home in your own vehicle. Cats and small dogs can be put in a carrier and larger dogs can be moved in a crates in the back of the car. If your pets aren’t totally comfortable in crates or carriers, gradually introduce them a few weeks leading up to move.
Moving In
Similar to the moving out process, it’s important to get a designated space set up for them before you move them in. With so much movement and the opening of doors taking place, be sure to confine them to a room at the new location so they don’t get out or lost. Moves can also be overwhelming to pets so be sure to introduce them to their new home one room at a time until they get settled. If you have curious pets who are always getting into trouble, you can use this time to pet-proof the new location.
Updating Tracking Info
After you move, make sure you update their tags or microchip information to the new address and phone number.
Moving Fish
If your moving with fish, you can transport them short distances in bags filled with their old tank water. Do make sure to check in with either your vet or pet store to get the best supplies for your fishy friend’s needs.
Moving Birds
If your moving with birds, be sure to secure them in their cage regardless of size and type. If they get jittery and anxious with all the change happening around them, you can cover their cage with a blanket.