Category Archives: pets and moving

5 Tips for Success When Moving With Pets

Home Moving, Packing Tips, pets and moving

The moving company is scheduled, the new home is purchased, and the kids are on board with a new place to call their own! While it may sound like you have all your ducks in a row for moving, you don’t want to forget about your beloved family pets leading up to moving day and beyond. 

Fido and Fluffy are important members of the family. As such, they need some special considerations in the weeks and days leading up to the move as well as in their new environment. 

Here are our 5 tips to help pave the way to a smooth transition from one home to another for your pets. 

pets and moving

Maintain a Routine

Our pets thrive with routines. From the time they are fed to the time they normally head out for a walk, your pup can tell if a routine is being followed (or not). 

In fact, most veterinarians believe that pets, dogs especially, can tell when something is about to change in a home. Boxes have started to arrive, routines are changed, and things are a little “off.” This slight change in routine can be a great cause of anxiety for a pet. 

Therefore, try to keep your daily routines as close to normal as possible. This may include bathroom breaks, walks, meals, and playtime. If they realize that their routine is being maintained they will have less stress in the weeks leading up to this major upheaval. 

Contact the Vet 

Moving may mean your pet may need to update their medical records, ensure that vaccinations are current, and potentially meet a new veterinarian in a new city. 

To make the transition smooth, contact your vet to find out if shots are updated and if they have any suggestions for helping your pet adjust to the new environment. 

During your visit, you will want to request a copy of your pet’s medical files and records if you are moving away from your current neighborhood. Additionally, it is a good time to ask your vet for a recommendation for a new vet if you haven’t found one in your new community yet.

Arrange For Pet Care on Moving Day 

There’s going to be a lot going on in your home on moving day. New people, boxes, and furnishing are being moved, and doors are wide open. This could be dangerous for your pet not only with the idea that they could be underfoot all day, but that they could get spooked by strangers going in and out all day long. 

To avoid the stress of settling your pet down throughout the day, arrange for a pet sitter to watch your furry friend on the day you plan to move. If this isn’t possible, schedule a day at the groomers or a puppy daycare to keep your pup happy and busy during what will probably be a stressful day for family members. 

Pack a Pet Bag 

Your cat, dog, or hampster will need to have access to certain items during the move. This may include their favorite lovey, dog bed, and (of course) meals and snacks. 

To accommodate these items, pack a separate bag for your pet that can be easily accessed during the moving process. Don’t forget a favorite toy or leash! 

Find Pet-Friendly Accommodations

If your move is taking you across the state or country, be sure to book a hotel that is pet-friendly. It is never advised to allow your pet to sleep in the car and this is no exception. 

A pet-friendly hotel will allow you and other family members to comfort your dog on a night when extra snuggles are needed by your pup and family members alike. 

For more tips and tricks on moving with pets, check out our blog on our site. 

Prepping Your Pet for a Move

Home Moving, pets and moving

Moving can be stressful for adults, children, and even your pets! In fact, most veterinarians will tell pet owners that moving for your dog or cat can be downright traumatic. Most pets do not understand what is going on, but they do sense that something is changing with the moving of items and items being put in boxes. All the changes can cause stress and anxiety in your furry friend.

How, then, can homeowners help prepare their pet for the weeks before the move, the day of the move, and then transitioning to the new home? We have years of experience with moving people and their beloved pets. Here are some of our suggestions to make the transition as smooth as possible. 

 

cat-2536662__340Gather Documents

While this suggestion has more to do with you than your dog or cat, it is a step that you will not want to forget. Several weeks in advance of the big move, get your pet’s paperwork in order. This is especially true if you are crossing state lines or moving your pet by airplane. Your vet can give you all of the records and documents you will need to get you there and started with a new vet once you are settled. See if your vet can recommend a new vet in the area where you are moving as well as fill any medications so you will be set for the first few weeks once you move in. In addition check that your dog is microchipped and has ID tags with your new address on them. That way, if Fido escapes during the move, he can easily be traced back to you.

 

dog-2437110__340Prep Your Pet 

Ok, so your dog or cat isn’t going to understand if you explain that everything is going to be alright in your new home, but they will understand your mood and level of anxiety. That means stay calm yourself and be upbeat about the move as much as possible.

Get your pet ready by doing a few things so they are ready on the day on the move. The ASPCA recommends having your pet carrier out and ready so they can get used to it in the days and weeks leading up to the move. Some vets even suggest throwing an old t-shirt in the carrier with your pet so they have your scent traveling with them. 

Pack up a separate travel bag with items that your pet will need once moving into your new home. This should include: favorite pet food, play items, a water bowl & food dish and, of course, the bed for your pet. We also suggest some treats that may calm your pet. 

If your pet must travel via airplane, talk to the airlines about the condition of the pet area and whether you will be allowed to walk him/her during the layovers or at least bring water. Many airlines will work with pet owners to allow for a quick walk and scratch before the plane takes off. 

 

The Day of the Move 

Before the chaos (in the eyes of your pet) begins on the day of the move, make sure your pet has been walked, fed, and taken care of. We suggest that you remove your pet from all the activity. This means even if you have a fish, guinea pig, or cat, get them to a quiet place while you handle the movers.

 

friends-3042751__340The Transition to the New Home 

Once you arrive at your new home, you will probably be anxious to get settled yourself. But remember, your pet needs some comforting and the time to adjust to the new location. We suggest letting your pet investigate (sniff) the new home from top to bottom. You may want to accompany your pet on this sniff-fest in case any hazards are left from the previous owners. This is a good time to begin to pet-proof your new place. 

Create a comfortable and recognizable space for your pet. If your dog had a sleep area and a play area, recreate them in your new home with familiar objects. In addition, stick to their previous feeding and walking schedules. Those first few walks allow for lots of getting accustomed to the new sounds, smells, and sights.

Are you moving with your pet? Call Mastodon Moving for more tips and suggestions. We are pet lovers too and want to see your pet have a healthy and happy transition to their new home. Contact Mastodon Moving at 774-421-9004 today.