Moving House with a Pet

At some point, pets become an important part of the family and they require certain consideration if you are planning to move house any time soon. A household relocation with pets can be extremely stressful. If not planned properly, it can be really traumatic both for you and your furry friend.

Pets can be very sensitive to moving since they get easily attached to a specific territory. However, there are a few things that you can do to make the whole relocation process easier on your pets and to help them feel more comfortable when one of the most important life-changing events is about to happen. A changing environment can cause major disruptions to your pet’s routine as well as changes in behavioral patterns. Hopefully, our moving tips will help you organize a stress-free move for you and your pet.

How to move house with a pet?

Create a plan

Hold on to a relocation plan always taking your pet’s needs into account. Some pets are likely to adapt well to new circumstances. Your dog may not care too much about the space if you’re moving together. But, that’s often not the case with cats. Cats can be more stressed about moving and you’ll need to pay attention to different things in this case. When you’re making a plan, try to identify your pet’s specific needs and act accordingly.

Get the carrier

You’ll obviously need something to transport your pet in unless you’re moving to the building next to your current one and you’re able to simply walk there. In most cases, whether you’re moving long-distance or short-distance, your pet will need to be inside a carrier. That’s the easiest and the safest way to move a pet, so go ahead and prepare a carrier − you can purchase or borrow it from a friend. Don’t forget to also prepare an identity collar with updated contact details.

Get acquainted

If you are moving locally, take your pet to explore the future home. Walk around to give them a chance to get acquainted with the new neighborhood several times before moving day. This may be beneficial for your pet but it will also allow you to get familiar with your new surroundings so it’s a win-win situation.

Check out the new community

Find out if pets are allowed in the community you are moving to. Check with the building management whether your new home is pet-friendly and if it is a safe environment for your pet. A house with a large backyard or one situated close to the green area would be a convenient environment for your pet, so take your pet’s needs into account while researching housing options.

Prepare paperwork

Depending on local regulations, you may need to register your pet in the new state/country. The best thing to do is to get the necessary paperwork in order to have everything done as soon as you settle into your new home. That can also include medical records, proof of vaccination, or any other type of document, so check regulations and requirements in advance to avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrange transportation

Make arrangements in advance if you are flying to your new home with your pet. Small cats and dogs can be accommodated with you in the cabin in a small carrier, while larger pets are usually transported in the cargo area. Different airlines may have different rules, so start researching well ahead to make sure you find the most suitable option on time.

See a vet

Schedule a vet appointment to make sure your pet is ready for a long-distance move. Make sure your pet’s records are up to date and get necessary prescriptions, medications, and health certificates proving that your pet has had proper inspections and shots.

Find a new vet

Since you will no longer be able to go to your current vet, find a new one to make sure you’re covered. Learn about vets in your new city. Your current vet may be able to give you some helpful guidelines and suggestions.

Don’t forget food

Pack food supplies and prescriptions for your pets, especially if they have specific food needs. If you happen to run out of your pets’ favorite food, the last thing you would like to do in the middle of the night is to wander around your new city looking for a pet store.

Pack an essentials bag

You’ll want to pack an essentials bag for yourself to have all necessary things on hand. Medicines, personal documents, change of clothes, toiletries, and other personal items, so do the same for your pet. Prepare an overnight kit containing your pet’s favorite food, toys, and grooming tools, and keep it easily accessible during the first couple of days in your new home.

How to keep your pet safe on moving day

Pets may get nervous even during the packing phase. Not to mention how agitated they can become on moving days when unfamiliar faces are going in and out all the time. Some pets are very sensitive to your emotions and they are able to sense your anger or sadness, which will make them more insecure and cause further stress. So, try not to panic while organizing your move.

Find someone to look after your pet

Plan for your pet’s safety while preparing for arrival of your NYC movers. Assign a neighbor or relative to look after your pet while you are running your moving errands. It will be much easier to complete your moving-related tasks if you don’t have to take care of the pet. That way you can fully focus on the task at hand.

Keep your pet away from the fuss

Keep your pets in a quiet area and confine them to an empty room, garage, backyard, or their carrier. Make sure you check on them regularly.

Don’t change the routine

Try to keep the same schedule you would normally have with your pet. Be consistent about their routine and stick to the feeding, walking, playing, and sleeping schedule as much as possible.

Move your pet personally

If your new home is within driving distance, take your pet in your own car so as to make it feel more comfortable. Secure a carrier in a back seat and, if necessary, cover the carrier with a blanket during the car ride.

Hire professional help

If you cannot organize the entire move yourself, feel free to contact pet relocation specialists who are trained to handle both local and long-distance moves with pets. They will make sure all aspects of your pet relocation process are covered professionally and efficiently.

How to help your pet adjust after a household move

Allow exploring

First of all, allow your pet to explore the new area and to get acquainted with the most interesting features until they are comfortable. Try to recreate familiar situations and smells in order to reduce the negative effects of transition.

Keep the same routine

Maintain the old routine after you move into your new home so as to speed up the adjustment process. Just like moving with kids, the pet relocation process has several stages, and the best would be to allow your pets enough time to get used to the new environment.

Spend time with your pet

Having you around during the first couple of days in the new home, your pet is likely to adjust more quickly. Spending more time with your pet during the period of transition allows you to follow his emotional responses and potential behavioral changes that may occur after the household move. In case you need to start working immediately after the move, make sure your pet is not left alone at home. Consider hiring a pet sitter if there is no one else who could look after your lovely pet while you are at work.

Hopefully, this guide will help you move your pet without trouble. Dumbo Moving and Storage can be the best solution for going through your relocation with ease. Contact us today to get a free moving quote.

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