How to Make Moving Your Pets Easier

Moving is a busy time for everyone, but pet owners have extra steps and concerns on top of the usual hassle. Not only do you have to worry about packing up and preparing the human members of your family for a new home, but you also have to worry about the wellbeing of creatures who have no idea what’s going on! Being prepared and knowing what to expect will reduce the stress involved and make the process of moving your pets much easier.

Pets, just like the rest of the family, can have a lot of stuff to move. Toys, food, bedding, and other items all need to be packed up and moved. However, it’s important to plan out how to move all of these things while also keeping the important ones available when they’re needed. There are also other things to consider, such as preparations for the new home and knowing where to go in case of an emergency. These tips will go over the most important aspects of moving your pets so you can be more prepared for your next move.

Food and Water

The most important part of moving your pets is to remember to keep them well fed and hydrated throughout the process. Proper nourishment is important for everyone, especially during a busy time. Moving to a new place is stressful enough on an animal without also feeling hungry or thirsty. Make sure you have food and water available at regular times, even when you have other things on your mind. Don’t pack up all of the food before heading out on a long trip to your new location; make sure food is easily accessible and you have containers to put it in during the trip. Even for a cross-country drive, there are plenty of pet-friendly rest stops where the whole family can take a break and have a snack.

Make sure you have a source of pet food. Especially if you use specialty food that might be hard to find, have a plan in place for how to obtain more food in your new location. See if there are branches of the same pet store you used to use, or check online or with a local veterinarian to find out where to buy certain foods. Most pet stores should have comparable food to what you’ve used before, but it’s better to be prepared so there aren’t any unpleasant surprises when you arrive. Keeping a steady diet of similar food will help your pet feel more at home and keep them feeling good during the moving process.

Medical Preparations

You never know when an emergency will happen, so start your pet’s transition to a new veterinarian as soon as possible. If your pet needs medical care soon after arriving at your new home, it’s better to know who to call and where to go. This should give you some peace of mind during your travels.

Look into any vaccinations or tests that should be done before moving your pets. Also stock up on any medication they need, such as flea and tick spray, before you head out. This will protect your pets against some diseases they may encounter during your travels and give you more time before needing to set up an appointment with a new veterinarian.

Miscellaneous Items

Every pet has some amount of belongings, such as toys, bedding, collars, cages, etc. that need to be packed up and moved. While you prepare for the move, keep some of your pet’s toys or other items available that will comfort them during the transition. You might keep a favorite toy out of the boxes or let your pet travel with its usual blanket. Reminding your pets that they are in a safe environment and not everything is changing will reduce their stress and keep them happier during the move. Pack up the items that won’t be needed right away, but make sure they are easily accessible for when you arrive at the end of the trip.

Also be prepared to move your pets safely. You might need to get a carrying container for the pets specifically designed to keep them safe while traveling. This will depend on the types of animals you have, how they behave, and how you plan to travel.

Safe Arrival

When your family arrives at your new home, allow your pets to explore their new surroundings safely. If you have outdoor animals, make sure that there is adequate fencing if applicable. Keep them out from under foot while you move boxes and furniture into the house; it can be dangerous to have pets dashing around while movers try to do their job. It can be best to section off a part of the house for your pets while everything gets put into place.

While you finish up with moving boxes and furniture, make sure your pets have food and water, a place to sleep, and are all-around comfortable in their new environment. It’ll take some time for any animal to feel at ease in a new location, but you can speed up the process by giving them the familiar comforts of their previous home.

Maintain a Routine

Maintaining a consistent routine before, during, and after a move will make everyone more comfortable, including your pets. If your dog is used to going for a walk at a certain time of the day, try to keep it up as usual. Give them food and water at the normal times, and set some time aside for normal playtime activities. The more familiar and regular your routine, the more comfortable your pets will be during the moving process.

Hopefully these tips help you out next time you need to move your pets. If you want more ideas about how to make moving easier, check out Porta-Stor’s other blogs, such as this one that shows you how to make moving more fun for the whole family.