Relocating from one home to another can be a difficult transition for movers with pets. Whatever your animal’s temperament, moving with pets can be simplified with the right preparation. The following five tips can get you better prepared for an upcoming move with your animal companion. 

1. Update Pet Identification Tags

Just as you would never leave home without your wallet and ID cards, you should never bring your pet to a new location without updating and bringing theirs. Keep an up-to-date collar on your pet at all times during the moving process. On the tag lists a current phone number where you can be reached if you and your pet become separated.  

If you are especially worried about your animal getting lost in a new and unfamiliar area, you may want to consider having them “microchipped”. When microchip registration is kept current, you may be able to find your pet more quickly in the case of an accidental separation.

2. Keep Pets From Getting Stressed

Whether you are moving across town or across the country, relocation can be a stressful process for even the most prepared pet owner. In order to prevent your anxieties from impacting your pet, there are a few simple but effective things you can do:

• Keep water on hand so your pet stays hydrated
• Pack snacks and food so they stay well fed
• Bring a favorite toy or comfort item

If you put off getting ready for your move, it is likely your animal will be able to sense your uneasiness.  By getting all of your affairs in order ahead of time and trying to focus on making the transfer from one home to another as smooth as possible, you can keep yourself and your pet more calm.

3. Help Pets Adjust to a New Home

As a loving pet owner it is not uncommon to worry about your animal and how they will adjust to their new living space. There is no sure way of knowing how they will do in their new environment, but there are a few things you can do to help them as they come to accept their new living quarters. First, create a routine that your pet can count on. Consistency is the best way to show an animal that they will still be loved and cared for in any environment they are put in. In the time surrounding the move, show your pet you care by taking time to give them one-on-one attention. Be patient with their timing. Every animal is unique and different, so give your animal time to adjust to their new surroundings.

4. Prepare Your Cat With Gradual Introduction Techniques

If your cat is a typical feline, he or she is likely no fan of drastic change. In order to give a cat adequate time to prepare, moving preparation should start several weeks before moving day. Help your cat become accustomed to some of the unusual changes they will experience during relocation. Slowly introduce objects into their environment such as:

• Moving boxes
• Travel kennel
• The sound of packing tape

In order to keep your cat from bolting on moving day, slowly introducing these sights and sounds may help put them more at ease.

5. Keep Your Dog’s Needs in Mind

Unlike cats, dogs often vary greatly in size from miniature to very large; plan travel accommodations accordingly so that your dog has plenty of room on the trip to your new home. For larger dogs who need a lot of physical activity, be sure to exercise them thoroughly before putting them into their kennel for transport. Dogs that are not properly exercised may get anxious or upset when confined for long periods of time.

As you do your best to prepare for your upcoming move, keep the comfort and care of your pets in mind every step of the way. When you accommodate their needs and interests, you may be surprised to find that moving with pets is less stressful than you originally imagined.
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