Posted on by Ottaway

6 Pet Moving Tips – The Best Way To Move With Pets

Cat in cardboard box
photo credit: 064 | 366 – Special delivery via photopin (license)

For many people, pets are vital members of the family and just as important to the household as anyone else. That’s why you’ll want to make sure that your pet is just as ready for your upcoming move as the rest of the family. There’s only one problem, Mr. Fluffy Whiskers can’t talk. He can’t tell you that you’re forgetting his favorite toy or express his apprehension about your long trip. But that’s OK, we’re about to give our furry friends a voice. This is a list of six tips for moving with your best, four-legged, friend.

  1. Ensure that they are wearing a well-fitted collar with their new address on it or have your pet micro-chipped or especially if you’re moving long-distance, which will likely call for several stops where your pet could potentially get lost.
  2. If you have a pet that stresses easily or suffers from car sickness, visit the vet for dietary advice and possibly even some prescription medicine. You’ll want to be sure that your trip isn’t interrupted because you have to clean up your pet’s mess.
  3. It can be pretty hard to help with a move when you don’t have thumbs, and when you can’t help you often end up getting in the way. Unfortunately, this will be the position your pet finds themselves in on moving day. If you can, try to keep your pet occupied. This can mean having a friend or family member who isn’t helping pack or load the truck, take the dog for a walk, or  putting the cat in a room alone with their favorite toys.
  4. Transport your pet(s) in your own vehicle the same way you would if you were going to the pet store. One of the biggest concerns in the life of an animal is territory and it’s about to completely change. Transporting them to this new location in a familiar way will help ease the transition.
  5. Make sure your pet is secured in your new home and they can’t get out. This is so they do not get loose and lost in an unfamiliar area. Most dogs and cats have amazing senses of direction and some may actually try to return to your old home if they get out. After a few nights in your new home, they’ll quickly figure out that this is where they live now.
  6. If it is a long distance move, one that necessitates an overnight stop, research the phone numbers and possibly make reservations to pet-friendly hotels along the way. Petswelcome.com has several listings for pet-friendly hotels.

Your new home awaits both you and your furry companion. When you get there, be sure to have lots of patients with your pet, as they may exhibit some odd behavior as they get acclimated. That’s OK though, because as long as they have you, anywhere is home.