Moving can be stressful enough—but a residential relocation with a pet can complicate things even further. In addition to the logistics of getting your pet from point A to point B, you’ll also need to consider that pets tend to be creatures of habit. Even the smallest of moves can be an enormous and stressful change for your little companion, so you’ll want to try to ease the transition as much as possible.
Where do you begin when it comes to moving with your pet? We’ve got some practical tips to keep in mind.
1. Consider Your Pet’s Safety
First, you may want to look into boarding your pet on the day of your big move. During this time, a lot of movement and change can create anxiety in routine-oriented pets. Furniture and boxes moving out of the house and unfamiliar people may agitate your pet and even create a safety hazard if a door is left open and your pet decides to bolt.
Placing your pet in a reputable boarding facility for a day (or even just a few hours) can help mitigate the chaos while keeping your pet safe and sound. Or if you have a friend or family member who can take care of your pet at their home, that would be an excellent alternative.
If your pet must remain in your home during the move, set up a “safe room” before moving day. Your pet’s “safe room” should be a room you can empty before moving day, like a bathroom or small bedroom. Allow them to stay in the room with their crate, toys, bed, and other comfort items while the moving crew is busy packing up the rest of the house. Place a sign outside the room alerting movers not to enter that space.
2. Speak to Your Veterinarian
If your pet is especially prone to nerves or anxiety, your vet may be able to prescribe a temporary medication to help them stay calm during the move itself. For example, suppose you have a cat who gets stressed out being in a carrier. In that case, your vet can provide you with a mild sedative or other medication that will make it easier for you to transport your feline friend from your old place to your new home.
Regardless, stopping in for a vet visit before a move can be a great way to ensure that your pet is in good enough health to handle the stress of a move and get them up-to-date on any necessary shots. If you plan to board your pet while you pack or move, it is worth noting that any reputable boarding facility will request an up-to-date record of your pet’s vaccines.
3. Create a Familiar, Comfortable Space
Minimizing stress for pets during a move is all about keeping things as consistent and familiar as possible. With this in mind, setting up your pet’s space in your new home before introducing them to it is essential. Whenever possible, set the area up similarly to how it looked in your existing home. For instance, you might place the feeding bowl near the back door if that’s where you had it stationed in your old house.
Sticking to old routines can also prove helpful during this transitional period. For example, if you and your dog typically go for an evening walk after dinner, continuing with this tradition after your move can help your canine companion adjust. A little familiarity and consistency can go a long way here.
Avoid Unnecessary Stress During Your Next Move
Moving with a pet can be complicated, but the good news is that there are things you can do to keep your pet as comfortable as possible. From boarding your pet on moving day to sticking with a familiar routine and even seeking help from your vet, a little planning can go a long way. Likewise, you can alleviate some of your own stress by hiring a team of professional movers to assist in your relocation! Get in touch today to request your personalized, free moving quote.