8 Stress Relieving Tips for Moving with Pets

8 Stress Relieving Tips for Moving with Pets

When you make a move from one location to another, it creates a big change in your life. However, you have the ability to plan the process to make it less stressful.

Unfortunately, if you have pets, they don’t have the rationality to understand why sudden changes are taking place. This can lead to unwanted stress and bad behavior if it isn’t addressed.

While the challenge of moving your pets does not come with a magic formula, there are a number of tips that you can use to ensure that your move is successful and your pets are comfortable.

Keeping A Steady Routine and Updating Your Address

One of the key ways to keep stress out of the situation is to try and maintain a steady routine. It’s better if you can pack your belongings over a longer period of time. If you know that your animal will be kept in a carrier, don’t bring it out the day of the move and expect things to go smoothly.

A couple of weeks before your move, start transitioning your pet into a crate or carrier so that they get used to the idea. This way, being secured will be routine when moving day arrives.

This is also a good time to create new ID tags that include your new phone number and address. If you’ve already got your animal microchipped, don’t forget to update your contact information.

Checking in With A Veterinarian

If you have a vet that you take your pet to on a regular basis, they should have a copy of records that you can take with you. They may also be able to recommend a new vet in the area where you’re going to be moving. Be sure to set up an appointment with a new vet as soon as possible after you have gotten established in your new neighborhood.

Do you own a pet that is uneasy while traveling? One of your greatest resources is your veterinarian. They may be able to subscribe a medication or talk to you about a technique that will help relieve the stress that your pet can go through. This is also a good time to talk to your vet about getting your animal microchipped if you haven’t done that yet.

Creating A Pet Transition Kit

It will help to create an overnight kit that contains any prescription medicine that your animal requires. The kit should also include food, toys, toileting items and any other things that will keep your pet comfortable during the move and your first couple of days at your new location.

Keep this kit with you when you move if you are transporting a large number of items. You don’t want to have to look through a bunch of boxes to find your pet transition Kit when you need it the most.

Rules and Regulations

The new location may have specific pet rules if you are moving into an apartment or an area that has a homeowner’s association. Your pet may be required to have certain vaccinations or a certain certificate to be able to live in the area.

It’s a good idea to contact your new landlord, homeowner’s association representative or the local animal control in the area where you’re moving so that you can see if you will be required to take any additional steps with your pet to ensure that you are following the rules.

This will also apply if you are going to be traveling with your pet by air. You may need special documentation and follow certain rules and regulations. Check this out early to ensure that you have enough time to complete any required paperwork.

Keeping Your Pets Out of The Action

When it’s moving day, you’re going to be busy. At that moment in time, it will be easier on you and your pet if you have already initiated a plan to make your pet comfortable. This can be done by removing your pet from the hustle and bustle of moving day.

If you can, leave your pet with a relative or friend. Another alternative is to contact a kennel that will house your cat or dog for the day. If neither of these options is available, you can always empty a room in your home and keep your pet in that area.

If you do place your pet in a quiet room, label the door with a giant “do not disturb” sign and check on your animal during the moving process. Is the temperature comfortable and does your pet have enough food and water to keep them happy while you are busy working?

If you can, it’s important to keep your pets on a regular schedule. Do you take them on a walk during a certain time of day? If the answer is yes, it’s best if you don’t skip that walk and tend to their needs. Keeping a consistent routine will help with their mood and attitude.

Transport Your Pet with You During Your Move

It is less stressful for your pet if you keep them in surroundings that are familiar. When you travel to your new location, transport your pet in your vehicle. If you have a small dog or cat, you can house them in a carrier and place them in the backseat or on the floor if you have a recreational vehicle. Be sure to account for their safety by securing the carrier with a seatbelt or placing it in a spot where your pet won’t get jostled back and forth.

If you have a larger animal, you may need to house them in a crate. In many vehicles, this can be done by lowering the seats and placing the crate in the space that is available. You may have an animal that will appreciate having a blanket placed over their crate or carrier. This can help animals that are restless in environments that are changing.

Special Requirements for Moving Fish Or Other Stress Susceptible Animals

Conducting a move with a pet that requires extra care will require you to make sure that they are in an environment with as little stress as possible. If you’re planning on moving your fish, it’s best if you are only making a short move. You will need to keep the water from your old tank as this has important bacteria. Fish can be transported in 5 gallon buckets that are filled with tank water and secured on top.

If you are going to be moving to a location that’s far away, it’s probably best to give your fish away to a friend or talk to a local fish store to see if they will take your pets.

Guinea pigs are another animal that are highly susceptible to stress. It’s important to keep them comfortable, warm and placed in an area of your vehicle that won’t bump them around.

Birds are also an animal that may become stressed during a change in location. If you own a bigger bird that is comfortable on your shoulder, it’s important to make sure that they are comfortable with their new surroundings before you let them loose in the open. Birds have been known to “fly the coop” when faced with an area that they are not familiar with. Place them in a cage for transporting to ensure that they stay safe.

Your Arrival and Acclimating Your Pet

It’s also important to introduce your pet to its new location. It will help if you can transition your pet into your new home by keeping them inside for a while.

When you arrive at your new neighborhood, keep your pet in its carrier or have them on a leash. A pet can easily get disoriented in a new neighborhood and become lost in a matter of minutes if you let them loose.

When you have the time, introduce them to their new location and make sure that they understand how to get back to your home.

A Successful Move with Your Pet

Moving is stressful enough. By following these tips, it will help cut the stress and ensure that your pets are as comfortable as possible when you make your move to your new home.