How to Move with Your Pets in 4 Easy Steps

Moving to a new home can be stressful for everyone. In the chaos of moving trucks, boxes, and high anxiety levels, your pets can feel stressed too!

We know the process of moving with your pets can be ruff, so that is why we’ve come up with 4 easy steps for a safe transition to your new home with your pets.

Step 1: Talk to Your Vet

If you are moving farther away, talk to your vet before you leave so you can get copies of your pet’s medical records, vaccination history, and any prescription medications. You should also ask your vet if they have any recommendations for a new vet for you. Even if you are staying close to home, talk to your vet about the move! They provide helpful tips and advice on how to reduce stress and make the moving process easier for your pet, especially when it comes to changing environments and adjustments.

Step 2: Plan Your Move with Your Pet in Mind

Before you make the move, take time to slowly pack up your belongings. If you start packing everything all at once, your pets can become anxious and might start stressing out. To help with this, we suggest stretching it out over a few days or even weeks if you can. The earlier and slower you start, the better it will be for your pet.

Also, be sure to take breaks for walks or playing outside to ensure you do not mess up their daily routine. Your pets need reassurance that everything is under control as they typically do not like change.

Another part of planning the move is deciding how to travel with your pets to your new home. If the options are flying or driving, here are our tips:

Driving
If your new home is within a reasonable driving distance for you, it is better for your pet to drive. Although driving will require a few extra bathrooms stops along the way, your pet will feel most comfortable being with you.

Be sure to include some of their favorite blankets and toys in the carrier so they can feel comfortable! If possible, you should also put a shade over the window or a blanket over their carrier so they cannot see the new environment change while you drive.  If your pets get carsick, feed them a few hours before you leave and wait until after you arrive to give them their next meal.

If your drive takes several days, you will want to plan out your stays ahead of time in hotels that allow pets. You can check out this route planner for pet-friendly hotels and stops here to help make that planning easier!

Flying
If you must fly, you will have to plan your move a little more in advance. The rules and regulations for flying with pets are different for every airline, which can make it challenging. Bear in mind that larger dogs usually must fly in the cargo area of the plane, as it’s the pressurized and temperature-controlled section under the seats. This route may be more expensive and could cause more anxiety to your pets, but if it is the only option then again, talk to your vet! They might be able to provide advice on how to make the journey easier for them.

Step 3: Pet-Proofing Your New Home

When you arrive at your new home, the first thing you should do is inspect your new home of hazards that may be dangerous to your pets. 

Check to make sure windows and doors are securely shut, electrical cords are tucked away, there is no broken glass, and confirm that there was no poisonous pest-control sprays or traps set up prior to your move.

You should also check for holes in walls, the back of cabinets, and behind large appliances. Your pets are in a whole new world ready to discover all the new sights and smells in your new home, so it’s important that the space is safe for them so they can explore and begin to acclimate to their new surroundings.

Step 4: Settling into Your New Home

As you move into your new home, there are a few things you should do to not overwhelm your pets in a new space.

When you finally arrive at your new home you may feel tempted to let them roam around and explore the new space. However, this will most likely overwhelm them. It is best to keep your pets in one room of your house, especially while you move everything else in. Place their bed, toys, blankets, and any items that will make them feel comfortable in one room with them and allow them to feel comfortable in one room at a time. It is also not a good idea to let your pets roam as they can get confused and try to return to their old home or get lost trying to explore. It is a new area, so they will need time to adjust!

You can also place familiar objects in the same location as your previous home to reduce your pet’s stress. If you have a cat and their litterbox was in the bathroom in your old home, you should place their litter box in the bathroom in your new home, so they start to feel more comfortable.

Ideally, they should also get them back to their normal routine as soon as possible. If you have dogs and take them for a walk every morning, walk them around your new neighborhood so they can get comfortable in the area and start to get familiar with their surroundings.

Your pets may seem sad and out of sorts at first which is tough to see but do not worry! In time and with a lot of love and attention, they will be king of the sofa and begging for your food again!