Moving

On the Move with Furry Friends

Whether it’s across the country or just down the street, packing up and moving is an incredibly stressful and confusing transition for your pet. However with some care and pre-planning, your furry (or scaly) loved one will be basking in new-found sun spots before you know it!

moving with pets
Photo by Allison Maroun

  • Maintain your pet’s routine.

    Things will only get busier and more chaotic as your moving day approaches, but no matter how busy you are, it’s important to stick to your pet’s routine. Set alarms on your phone if you need to, but make sure you stick to your pet’s walks, feedings and playtimes as you normally would. With so many things changing around their home, the more consistent you can be with their schedule, the less anxious they will feel.

  • Visit the vet.

    Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date, have a health check done, and refill prescriptions before your move. If you have an anxious pet or a long distance to travel, discuss the possibility of sedatives with your veterinarian. While you’re there, be sure to get current copies of your pet’s medical records to share with your new veterinarian once you’ve relocated.

moving with pets
Photo by Kelly Williams: Polly is all set for a trip to her vet’s office!

  • Update IDs.

    Dogs and cats are at risk of wandering off and getting lost in an unfamiliar new neighborhood. Make sure their pet tags and microchips include your cell phone number and updated address.

  • Get the right gear.

    If you are moving a long distance, consider the travel needs of your pet, and ensure you have all the proper gear available. This may include carriers, crates, safety harnesses, barriers and ramps. Keep in mind the weather on your route and plans for ways to keep your pet cool or warm during bathroom breaks and exercise stops. Pack a gallon or two of water from home, and make sure their food and water bowls are close at hand and not packed away.

  • Make riding in the car a positive experience.

    If your pet is anxious about car rides, plan ahead prior to your move by taking your pet for short rides (to places other than the vet’s office) to help them become more comfortable. Teach your pet good travel manners and offer lots of praise, treats, and positive reinforcement. Bring your pet’s favorite bed, blanket, and toy along for the ride. It will be an added comfort to have something familiar on the journey.

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Photo by Allison Maroun: Charlie B. Barkin is a moving pro. He recently made a cross-country move from Minnesota to Idaho with his family Allison, Vinny, and Baby Gus.

  • Book pet-friendly hotels over the phone.

    If your travel exceeds one day, be sure to book your pet-friendly hotels well in advance, and do it over the phone. An online reservation may not take into account your pet’s special needs (e.g. a first floor room so your pet can avoid stairs). Or, worse yet – the website may be outdated and you may arrive to find the hotel is no longer pet-friendly. Your safest option is to call and speak to someone in person.

  • Secure a pet sitter, or kennel or board your pets on moving day.

    Moving day is chaotic. Add strangers and open doors to that mix and the last thing you need is a very confused pet underfoot, or worse – running off. Make sure someone is designated to ensure your pet’s safety and security while you’re keeping track of which boxes go where.

  • Pet-proof your new home.

    If possible, have the carpets cleaned or replaced prior to your move-in date to eliminate any previous pet smells that may bother the new rulers of the roost. Set out things that have your family and pets’ smells on them for familiarity. Inspect your home – both inside and out – for anything that could be a hazard to your animals – holes in fences, wire or glass in the yard, stairs that are hard to navigate, holes in floors or walls, etc. Do not let your pets off of their leash or out of their crates or carriers until you are confident your new home is safe for them.

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Photo by Beth Bryan: Gus & Woodrow, getting comfortable at their new home in Alabama.

  • Keep consistent.

    It may take a while for your pets to adjust to their new home, but the more consistent you can make things the easier it will be. Stick to their same feeding, walking and playtime routines, and put their belongings in their new home in places similar to their old home (e.g. keep the litter box in the laundry room and the food dishes in the kitchen). Having some of these familiar aspects in their new environment will help them feel more at ease.

Planning ahead, maintaining routines, and giving your pets a lot of extra attention and affection will all go a long way toward a successful move that doesn’t ruffle too many feathers. Check out the moving category for more tips to make your move as smooth as it can be!

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Dusty Rogers is the blogger, mother, maker, decorator and drinker of the wine at All Things G&D - a lifestyle blog where home décor, DIY and organization, healthy meals and kid-friendly snacks, party planning and entertaining all happily play together in the sandbox. Dusty lives in Madison, WI with her husband Greg and their daughter Kate, and she spends her days balancing high maintenance tendencies with a desire to keep things simple.