There’s no doubt that moving into a new home is stressful, but imagine the toll it takes on your pets. Between finding the best moving companies, boxing things, and transporting them, safely moving all your belongings is overwhelming. However, it’s crucial not to forget about your furry friend during this period.

When relocating with pets, there are a few things you can do to ease the process for you and your furry friends. If only it were as easy as ticking off things on a checklist. Well, it is! We’ve compiled a comprehensive checklist for when moving with your pet so you can ensure they are not too stressed before, during, and after the move.

How Do You Move When You Have Pets?

People tend to make it sound like moving with pets is impossible. While the moving process indeed becomes more challenging, it’s not impossible. With the proper knowledge and preparation, you can ensure you and your animal friends have an easy move. This applies to guinea pigs, fish, dogs, cat owners, and more. Plus, with our checklist below, you’ll know exactly how to move with your pet – for your upcoming and future moves.

Comprehensive Checklist When Moving with Pets

In addition to mentally preparing your pet for the trip, you also need to plan for the actual move and how to adapt your pet to its new home properly. These tips will assist in ensuring your pet’s transfer to their new home is safe, happy, and healthy:

Find a New Veterinarian and Transfer Records

It’s a good idea to start considering where you’ll be taking your pets in the future. You might not need to make an appointment immediately because your pet should be healthy and up-to-date on all their vaccines. However, in case the need arises, knowing about the emergency clinics in your pet’s new permanent home is crucial. To understand the people in your new neighborhood, ask around or use social media or the internet to search for recommendations.

Get a Pet Checkup and Get Your Pet’s Health Records

Unfortunately, if you’re moving far away from your current residence, you must find a new vet. Thus, it’s a good idea to schedule a thorough examination for your pet and any necessary vaccines a few weeks before your move. This will ensure they’re healthy for the transition.

Additionally, make sure your pet gets tested for fleas at their final exam because the last thing you want on a moving day is for them to find their way into your brand-new home. Lastly, get a copy of your pet’s medical records so you can give them to the new veterinarian.

Update Your Pet’s Microchip or Identification Details

The last thing you want to deal with is a missing pet. As a precautionary measure, update your pet’s microchip just before you leave and get a new identification tag before the relocation. In the unlikely event that your pet escapes, it is crucial to ensure they wear their identification during the entire moving process.

Make a Transportation Plan

When drawing up a game plan, the first thing to consider is whether you’ll be flying or driving to your new home.

Regarding long-distance trips, planes are probably the best option; however, you still need to exercise extra care. If you’re flying, learn about the airline’s pet-related policies, which could entail fulfilling kennel sizing specifications and supplying medical records. Air travel must be scheduled in advance, and airlines have the authority to refuse to allow you to bring an animal on board for any reason. To ensure your furry friends are eligible for the flight, find out the airline’s pet policies 48 hours before you board. We strongly suggest considering land transportation for larger animals that cannot be transported by air, as holding them in cargo is stressful and not always a safe option.

Refrain from putting your pet in constricted or potentially dangerous spaces, such as a truck’s bed or a van’s cabin. Make sure your pet is comfortable during the journey, whether they are transported in a little carrier or a large crate. Certain pets might do better if their container is covered with a blanket, creating a stable and safe atmosphere. As you travel, schedule stops so your pet may relieve themselves and take a break. Always stop in a safe place. When traveling, think about putting your pet in their crate until you arrive at your destination. Taking a few test trips before the big day could also be a great way to prepare yourself for your pet’s reaction. Preparing your pets ahead of time is also a fantastic way to reduce stress for you and them.

Lastly, you need to consider the duration of the trip. If the trip lasts more than 24 hours, we recommend researching pet-friendly hotels. This is the best way to ensure you and your pet are well-rested and ready for the next day of traveling. However, when it comes to long-distance moves, we also recommend hiring a pet transportation company, as they have the experience and equipment to transport pets safely and smoothly.

Consider Boarding Facilities When Your Pet Arrives

Many pets get nervous when their owner sets up a new house, especially after a lengthy trip. As a result, when you get to your new house, you might want to think about dropping your pet off at a dog daycare. You should probably research boarding facilities before the move.

Even though your pet might be anxious in a foreign place like this, many boarding facilities offer plenty of playing to help divert your pet’s attention from the already difficult situation. This gives you time to organize your house so your pet can adjust to their new environment and feel at home when they return.

If this isn’t possible, keep your pet in a quiet section of your new house with its toys, food, and water. Make sure to stick to your pet’s schedule regarding food and walks. If that means you must take a break from unpacking moving boxes, then so be it. However, if you’re worried you’ll forget or won’t be able to cope, you may want to look into hiring a pet sitter for a certain period.

Buy the Necessary Supplies

Planning a trip to the pet store before the big day is a must. Not only does this prepare you for the journey ahead, but it also gives you a fresh start in your new surroundings. Some of the supplies you’ll need include:

• Enough food
• Food bowls
• Water bowls
• Treats and chews
• Updated identification
• Pee pads
• Baby wipes
• Towels
• A kitty litter box ( if you have a cat)
• A window shade

Essentially, you must invest in all the items to ensure your pet has everything it needs in their new home. You might even want to pamper them and get them their favorite toys, treats, or cool pet accessories to make them feel safe, loved, and comfortable during the trip.

Consider Any Pet Entry Regulations in Your New Neighborhood

Moving cats, dogs, guinea pigs, etc., abroad or simply across the country can present pet owners with unique difficulties depending on their current residence. Depending on where you’re relocating, there might be specific regulations governing pet admission. Many countries demand immunizations or a quarantine after arrival.

Therefore, if you’re moving abroad, we highly recommend using pet relocation services to assist you during the moving process and ensure everything regarding your pets is taken care of.

Pet-Proof Your New Home

You need to ensure your new home is safe for your pets so they don’t risk getting hurt. A few things you can do to ensure your new home is safe and pet-friendly include:

• Make sure your pet can’t squeeze through gaps or jump over your fence or balcony railings.
• Examine the outdoor space to ensure there aren’t places where your pet can escape.
• Cover all exposed vents.
• Check the property to ensure the previous owners didn’t leave pest poison or traps behind.
• Get rid of any plants that may be poisonous or dangerous for your pets.
• Keep an eye out for anything that may potentially threaten your companion, such as exposed electrical wires.

Planning on Moving with Pets Soon? Plan Ahead

As a pet owner, you must ensure your animal friends are well cared for during this stressful time. This means taking the time to research several local pet moving companies and finding the best possible option for your furry companion. You need to select a company that will consider your pet’s needs and put them first.

While this is a stressful day for you, take the time to understand your pet’s emotions so that you can take quick and effective action when the big day arises.

FAQs