Everything You Need to Know About Moving With Pets

Preparing Your Pets For Travel

If you want to get a good start on preparing your pet, it’s best to go through a checklist of things you’ll have to prepare for them. The process will be much smoother, and it will be much more comfortable getting them to stay calm while traveling.

Gather All The Resources Needed To Prepare Them for Travel

There are many different variables when relocating your animal, and you’ll have to get everything they need to be ready:

• Prepare a kit with toys, water, and food,
• Contact your landlord or city clerk’s office about pet policies as they vary either by the community,
• Some ordinances and policies require you to have health certificates, vaccinations, and a permit or two depending on your pet; contact your veterinarian for all of these requirements,
• Update their tags to the new address, and if your pet is microchipped, be sure to update that information as well.

Work Them Up To Moving Ahead of Time

Animals are naturally territorial and aren’t big fans of sudden change. Relocating can be a significant stressor for them, even if it’s local, so why not break them in slowly? Here are a few tips to ease them in:

• Get them comfortable with their carriers; you can use blankets or toys that they like to keep them calm;
• Put them in a separate space right before you start to pack; they should have all of their things to keep them occupied while you work;
• Take them for a ride to get them comfortable being in the car on move day.

Managing Safety While Moving With Pets

Keeping your pets away from the action should be the first thing you do before you start. There are a lot of ways they can get hurt or distract you. Take all precautions so that you and your pet don’t have to deal with added moving stress.

Avoiding Hazards

While packing, be careful that there aren’t any possible hazards lying around for your pet to find. Pet-proofing your new home before packing should be on the top of your to-do list. Here are some common hazards to look out for:

• Clear the floors, counters, desks, tables, and chairs of any small objects or tools,
• Keep wires and cables stored away safely,
• Do not allow them near boxes or packing supplies,
• Keep them in a separate room while local movers are packing and carrying your things,
• Don’t allow them on furniture.

Why It’s Better To Travel With Pets During Summer Rather Than Winter

Moving during the summer is an optimal time for you and your furry friend to move to another neighborhood. The weather is beautiful for them to go outside to play or use the bathroom. If they happen to wander off, it’ll be much easier to find them and bring them home safe and sound.

However, if you have already scheduled moving services during the harsh winter months, the weather can make relocating much harder. You won’t be able to take your pet outside as much, and if they get lost, it could be challenging to find them, which can run significantly higher health risks.

How to Handle Moving for Dogs

Handling dogs during a local move can be tricky because they need almost constant attention. But, there are ways to keep them happy and calm during the process. Some tips you can use are:

• Create a schedule for your dog, including feeding time, playing, walks, and bedtime; this will keep things easy on you while you’re working;
• Keep them away from your items while you pack; the last thing you want is your dog getting too excited and playing around the house or getting in the way while trying to get things done;
• Take your dog for walks in your new neighborhood to get familiar with the area; it makes for a very smooth transition for them.

Keeping Your Cat Comfortable While Relocating

Unlike dogs, cats don’t require nearly as much attention; however, cats are far more territorial and don’t like sudden change. For your feline family member to have a much easier time, here are a few tips:

• Give your cat its own space. The territory is critical here. Your cat should have a place in the house away from all the action;
• Do your best at keeping a stable daily routine like feeding, playing, and attention. Change in routine can make your cat nervous and hard to handle;
• Place their bathroom somewhere secure to get to and with enough space. Like most, your cat is probably particular about their surroundings, especially when using the sandbox.

Transportation for Birds and Other Small Animals

For those who might not have a dog or a cat, there are different ways of handling any other type of animal you have:

• If you have birds, you’ll want to be sure you have a clean and bright environment where they aren’t uncomfortable. You can buy a smaller cage for travel and a cage that you can break down for easy loading.
• If you have rodents of any kind, you should keep in mind that their hearts are fragile, and any stress could cause problems. Keep them in a small, comfortable cage or container with access to food and water during the trip so that they are as comfortable as possible.
• Fish can also be affected by moving stress and can even die, so be sure to handle them with caution. To ensure they’re good and comforted, it’s best to have either a small plastic container or a bag just big enough for them filled with clean tank water.
• Insects and reptiles can be tricky, and you’ll have to research community regulations and policies for them. Both require access to food, clean water, and light. Your best bet is to buy containers with enough space and tank accessories so that they’re comfortable.

Introducing Your Pets To a New Home

When introducing your animal to your new home, a rule of thumb is to take things slowly. Getting used to a new environment is stressful and can take a while. Here are some ways you can help:

• Start off introducing them to one room at a time. The more they get familiar with each room, the easier it is to relax at home.
• Give them a place to use as a ‘home base.’ For your pet, having an area they’re comfortable with will help them get comfortable.
• Give them the right amount of attention for the first few months after you’ve moved. They’ll be a lot more comfortable and feel much safer knowing you’re around.

Final Thoughts

Pets are fantastic to have, but traveling with them is stressful. Having prepared them for the big day will put them and you at ease, so take as long as you need ahead of time to get them ready. Additionally, you can turn to Denver Professional Movers and contact us to learn more about what we can do for you. We offer a variety of moving services, which include packing assistance, designed to make your life easier.