Moving with Pets

Keep your pets happy and healthy with tips & advice on
minimizing stress ... before, during, and after a big move.

No surprise that, just like people, pets don't like major changes in their daily schedules.

Be sure to give them extra love and affection when gearing up for a big move — more cuddle time will not only minimize stress on them, but on you.

Planning to Move Your Pets

While you're at it, a little extra planning for your pet's care and comfort can make settling into their new home that much easier:

Talk to your veterinarian who can provide lots of helpful advice - including suggested medications that can help your pet cope with the move. Also ask about any medical certificates or copies of records you may need at your new location.
Have your pets ID tag updated with your new address and phone number as soon as possible.
Find out ahead of time if your new neighborhood requires licenses for dogs, or if there are any pooper-scooper or pet laws to abide by.
Pack up a special box of favorite pet foods and treats, a water bottle, and drinking bowls along with a favorite toy or blanket. If traveling by car, store extra paper towels for quick clean-up in case of intestinal upsets or car sickness your pet may experience while on the road.
If you're traveling long-distance trip by car that includes an overnight stay, make plans ahead of time to book a pet friendly hotel.

On Moving Day

The best advice is to arrange a kennel for dogs and cats (or to provide babysitters for the kids' guinea pigs or aquarium fish) on moving day. This will help avoid them getting lost in the whirl of activity brought on by the mass household migration out the door. Once the movers are gone, go collect your pet for the big day ahead ...

On the Road

In the car, keep cats or smaller dogs in sturdy carriers. Larger dogs should be prevented from sticking their heads out the window, romping around the front seat and, like any child, properly seat-belted.

Always make sure to leash your dog before exiting the car for any reason. On short rest stops, provide plenty of water, but avoid overfeeding to prevent car sickness.

In hot weather, keep windows open to avoid heat stroke if your dog or cat is staying in the car for any length of time.

Settling In

As household furniture and moving boxes are being sorted out, ideally you should keep pets in a quiet room, surrounded by familiar food, toys and blankets. Just make sure any toxic substances or chemicals are safely stored away before you allow your pets free reign.

While dogs may want to immediately investigate their new domain, cats may need to be slowly acclimated to strange and unfamiliar territory.

Overall, a little extra planning for moving pets may take some time, but it's well worth the effort to see them finally breath a sigh of relief as they snuggle contentedly into their new home.

also see -> Traveling with Pets on Vacation