Moving with Pets Tips
Congrats on securing your new home, or building it for your pet from scratch. Moving into a new home is typically something exciting people look forward to it. But have you considered how it can affect your pet? Moving is stressful on humans – so think how stressful it can be on your animals. No worries though, Prudent Pet is here to put your worries to rest with our guide on moving with pets.
Planning the Move
The best way to ensure moving with your pet will run smoothly and without any hairballs is to plan and prepare ahead of time. Having a plan will not only make your buddy more comfortable on moving day but can also make your life a lot easier. You’re preparing yourself for the move, why not guarantee your pet’s happiness, safety and smooth adaptation to the new home in advance?
Moving Tips from ASPCA
The ASPCA has many tips for individuals traveling with their furry friends.
Do’s
- Ensure Microchip and ID are up to date
- Do your research on your route
- Buckle your pets up to guarantee safety
- Pet-proof your new location
Don’ts
- Leave your pet in the car or alone ever
- Book transferring flights – only direct
- Put your pet in an uncomfortable crate
- Don’t forget to feed them adequately!
Check out the full list here.
Get Your Pet’s Certificate of Veterinarian Inspection
If you are planning to transport your pets within the U.S or internationally you’ll likely need a Certificate of Veterinarian Inspection (CVI). According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, this certification ensures animals being transported don’t carry illnesses or parasites from one area to another, potentially putting humans and other animals at risk.
To receive this certification, oftentimes a pet may have to receive certain vaccinations and certain tests. Before making any move, check with your vet to see if your animal would need the CVI to travel to your new home.
Find Pet-Friendly Places to Rent
Cats are typically allowed in most homes for rent. However, for anyone who has ever had a pooch know that it’s especially hard to rent a home that accepts dogs.
I recently made a move with my dog, Bella. In my research, there were so many times I found a place I thought would be perfect, only to realize no pets were allowed. Luckily, real estate listing sites have made it easier to find homes that accept pets and buildings are also becoming more accommodating to pet owners.
During the Move
Book a Pet Sitter
It is very important to keep pets away from all the chaos. The best solution would be to have a friend or relative watch your dog for the day. That may not always be the case, however.
If they can’t be kenneled or at a friend’s house put them in a secluded part of the house (basement, laundry room, garage as long as the temperatures are right). Make sure they have abundant water, food, and toys to make them as comfortable as possible. Try to check in on them if possible, to take them out to potty. If you’re unavailable to, have a friend or trusted neighbor do so.
Traveling with Pets via Planes, Trains, & Automobiles
We are aware many movers aren’t just making a neighborhood move, some are traveling intrastate. What do you do with your pet when you’re moving cross country? If you’re driving, set up a nice little spot for your special buddy near the window. Make sure they’re as comfortable as possible and have access to toys and treats while making frequent stops for water and potty breaks.
Flying can be pricey, however, sometimes it is the best way to travel with your pet. If your little buddy happens to be a service/comfort animal, they’ll most likely be able to sit with you in the cabin. While you may get some inquiring from non-pet-lovers, it will surely be the safest and most comfortable method of flying your fluffy friend.
If this isn’t plausible, traveling with them in a well-suited and secure crate is the next best option. The standards for your crate should be that it’s large enough for your little buddy to stand up and turn around comfortably inside. To reduce stress, it is important to acclimate your pet to the crate before making the trip. At 20 lbs. your animal may travel in his crate in the cabin. Anything above that weight, your animal will be considered a checked bag and will fly in the cargo pit of the plane. Keep in mind the ASPCA does not support flying with your pet if they aren’t in the cabin for obvious safety reasons. We recommend you contact your airline for specific requirements regarding flying with your pet. If none of the means of traveling mentioned above is an option for your animal, there are services that can safely transport your animal to most locations. Happy Trails Travel, Inc and PetRelocation are popular services and are both members of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association.
Ease Traveling Anxiety with CBD Oils for Pets
If your pet suffers from anxiety while traveling, you can check out CBD oils to research if they could help make your animal’s move a little easier. CBD oils may assist in calming nerves and enhancing their sense of well-being during their journey to their new home.
After the Move
The most important post-move step to take for your animal is to acclimate your buddy to their new home. They have no idea what this new scary place is, so it’s vital to slowly introduce them to the new home without causing too much stress on them.
Tips to Acclimate Pets to Their New Home
- Have all your necessary supplies at your new home (food, toys, etc.)
- Create a familiar place
- Explore the neighborhood safely and slowly
- Crate train your pet
- Associate positive reinforcement with the new home
- Check the local laws
Moving with Dogs and Cats
Moving with Dogs – Acclimation
You may find each pet will acclimate differently their new homes. Dogs, in comparison to other animals, easily get used to their new surroundings. This is because K9’s are introduced to so many new stimuli and experiences on their walks, trips to the dog park and the journeys you may take them on.
Make sure to slowly introduce your doggo to the new home by walking him through the entire house (where they can go) with a leash. When walking through the neighborhood, take your time and explore the different parts so they can better recognize the area at a slower pace.
When they’re home alone start with crates, then singular rooms, until they are comfortable roaming the house alone and are familiar with their new surroundings.
Moving with Cats – Acclimation
Cats are a little different. They especially do not like change. Unlike dogs, kitties aren’t typically exposed to new and changing environments.
Your feline friend loves their comfortable spaces and they don’t adapt to new homes that well. A good idea is to keep moving boxes in the house a while before you move so your pussycat can get used to the changing environment. Another good way to help acclimate to their new setting is to surround them with things that smell familiar. This will remind them of their old home and help them adjust better to the new home.
Pet-Safety First
It’s imperative to keep your pet safe during the move. Why don’t you take one step further and secure your pet’s safety with a Prudent Pet insurance plan for your dog or cat? Receive your free quote today and not only help protect your pet from unexpected injuries and illnesses but also secure your peace of mind.
Liked this blog? Check out the rest of our tips, guides and pet-friendly posts.