Moving is so stressful for humans, and we sometimes forget how anxiety inducing it can be for our pets. Think about the way they react to packed suitcases for a temporary vacation. They’re usually not happy about it and let you know it. Now imagine how they’ll feel when their whole world is packed up in boxes. The good new is you can help your furry family member adjust to their new surroundings. When moving with pets, there are 8 steps you can take to ensure your pet is safe and secure throughout the entire moving process.
Moving with Pets: Keep them Safe and Calm During Your Move
Before Moving with Pets
1. Stay Calm
Pets are very intuitive. If you’re visibly stressing, you’ll end up passing that anxiety on to them. Try to remain as calm as possible throughout the moving process to set an example for them.
2. Pack Early and Slowly
Rather than packing everything up quickly last minute, slowly start boxing up items long before moving day. This will help your pet slowly adjust to the idea of everything in boxes, rather than being anxious and upset from waking up to boxes surrounding them.
3. Crate Train
If your pet is not already crate trained, start crate training as soon as you know you’re moving. Place furry blankets and some of their treats in their crate and encourage them to explore and rest inside. You can put their meal in the crate and eventually have them eat inside with the door closed. Stay near the crate while they’re first testing it out to help them feel safe.
4. Find a New Vet
Before you move, request copies of all your pet’s medical history from your current veterinarian. If you’re moving far away, ask if they can recommend any vets in your new town. Do your own research and be prepared with a vet to go to in case of an emergency during the move.
During the Move
5. Isolate During Loading and Unloading
During your move, keep your pet away from all the action. The best option is to have a familiar friend or family member watch them in their home. This will keep them safe without the risk of anyone accidentally opening doors and your pet escaping in a panic.
If you opt to keep your pet with you, keep them in an empty room with the door closed. While it would be best to keep them in their kennel or crate, if that will make them more anxious, you can let them roam the room. Tape a large note to the door that reads, “DO NOT OPEN. DOG/CAT INSIDE.” Tell both your family members and movers not to open that door.
No matter how much you trust your family, friends, or movers, take every possible precaution to prevent your pet from escaping on moving day. Even if they’ve never strayed from your side before, their heightened emotions might make them act out of character on moving day.
6. Keep Their Routine as Normal as Possible
It’s important to keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible throughout the entire moving process. Feed them at the same time and take them on walks as you would normally. This will help them feel safe, less anxious, and adjust to their new home better and quickly.
After Moving with Pets
7. Update Their Info
Update any tags or microchips with your new address once you’ve moved so your furry friend can more easily find their way back to you should anything happen.
8. Help Them Adjust
Introduce your pet slowly to your new home. On the first day, set up an area for them with the crate or kennel they traveled in, as well as their bed or blankets and favorite toys. Have your large pieces of furniture in place before letting them explore. This will help them adjust to their new surroundings without large changes surprising them every day. Take your dog on walks and allow them to stop and sniff wherever they choose. Your furry friend may seem a little off or anxious. Give them time; they should come around to being their normal selves as they adjust.
Tips for Other Common Pets:
Birds: Even if your bird has never flown from your shoulder or grasp, don’t take any chances. They’ll be in new surroundings which may make them anxious and act out in ways they haven’t before. Keep them safely in their cage.
Fish: They can be moved short distances in small, plastic, water filled baggies. But if you’re moving a long distance, the safest option is to gift them to a friend or family member in the area and adopt new fish in your new town.
Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and Rabbits: Move them in a secure cage or carrier. Keep them in cool, consistent temperatures throughout the moving process. However, avoid placing them in front of direct airflow as this could be harmful. Try to drive as smoothly as possible so as not to startle them.
Now that you’re prepared for the experience of moving with pets, it’s time to find a moving company. We at Moving U & Junk U believe we’re the movers for you. We provide moving and junk removal services. And if you want to avoid the stress of packing, we can take care of that for you as well. Whatever you need help with, we’ll tailor our services to meet your needs. Looking for us to pack up the kitchen and only move the bulky items to your new home? We can do that. Are you interested in a hands off, full service packing and move with some junk removal? We can do that too. Our professionally trained, friendly movers are here to make your life easier on moving day.
To get your free estimate for packing, moving, or junk removal, give us a call or text at 484-301-2442 or email us at info@movingujunku.com.
