12 practical tips for moving with pets

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When changing addresses, our pets can become as stressed as we do, being a somewhat difficult process, they can feel restless as soon as they see you packing, and even when arriving at the new home it can be difficult to help them get used to it and return to their usual routine. That is why, if you plan to move, you should consider some important points to ease this transition.

Here are some practical tips to help your pet during the move and adjust to the new home.


1. New address New necklace!

Stay ahead of time to have your pet’s collar updated before the move by putting the phone numbers and your new home address on their tags. In this way, if your pet gets lost during the move or in the new area, someone can easily recognize who it belongs to and call you.

2. Advance visits

If possible, take your pets for walks in the area near your new home before moving in and it is even recommended that you get to know the new home in advance, allowing them to explore and recognize the place. This will facilitate their adaptation.

3. Get to know the new area The best thing would be to take your pet for a walk a few times before the final transfer so that it becomes familiar with the streets and the new environment, it does not matter if they are short visits as long as they are frequent. In this way, you will also be able to identify where the nearest vet, stores, or parks are.

4.  A staggered and continuous transition

If it is possible for you to make these frequent visits, try to gradually leave some of their things, that is, a toy, blankets, among other belongings of your pet. It is important not to move everything together to prevent the animal from feeling restless without its things in the old house.5. The bed as a key point

Consider that your bed is an important object during the move. With the new home being a different environment, the animal will need something to hold onto, which usually ends up being where it sleeps. Make sure not to wash the bed for at least the first 2 weeks, this will depend on the adaptability of the pet.

6. Pack your pet’s things 

Put all your belongings in a single box and label it with your pet’s name for easy identification. In the same way, it is important to have this box close by and have some useful things on hand such as medicines, belts, or toiletries.

Leave the container for water and a portion of food separate for the days before the move, as well as the essentials they might need (toys for a dog or cat litter).

7. Get a Transporter (if needed)

This may only apply to small to medium-sized cats or dogs. During the move, you may need a transport box, which can be a great tool or a problem if the pet has never been in such a confined space.

To help the animal get used to it, it is important to get the box in advance, placing some of its toys or blankets inside to teach it to feel safe. Also, make sure that the carrier cage you will use is the right one, with enough space and ventilation.8. Plan the move

At this point, you must take into account the distance to travel to get to your new home. If they are long distances by road, you should consider the following:

  • Pets can become dizzy so it is recommended not to feed them as much during the hours before the transfer.
  • Before traveling, ask your vet if any medicine for dizziness would be necessary.
  • Plan the necessary stops for you and your pet.
  • Drive carefully without sudden movements.

Remember that some companies or services do not allow you to take the animal in the moving truck.

9. Alternatives for moving day

On the day of the move, your house will be full of boxes and strangers carrying your belongings from one place to another and it may not be safe for your pet to be loose, that is why you could consider implementing any of the following options:

  1. Put your pet in a quiet room where there is some furniture, his bed, toys and food to entertain him and keep him away from the stress that moving can cause. Do this before moving in the old house and when you are arranging everything in the new one.
    • Make sure to tell the moving service people or those who are helping you that they should not open the door where your pet is so that it does not escape.
  2. Ask a family member or trusted person if they can take care of your pet for the day until all your goods and boxes are in the new house. So you can solve the move with more peace of mind
    • This will depend on how far away your new home is.
  3. If you decided to hire a professional service that offers to take care of the transfer of your pet, have all the requested documents ready and ask how they will keep you informed along the way until their arrival.

10. Recognizing the new home

Once in the current home, let your pet out so that it begins to recognize and smell the place, even in spaces that it will not be able to enter for whatever reason. By taking it around the house you will be able to delimit the places where your pet can be; However, you can take the opportunity to firmly teach him not to get on the bed or a specific chair according to your preferences.

11.  A space for your pet

It is important that after recognizing the house or apartment, your pet has some freedom to choose his corner, space, or room to place his bed and toys, this to the extent possible and the limits that you decide.

Remember that animals are guided by the smells of the place or the air currents and choosing a space where they feel safe will help them adapt.

12. Go on with your routine

To help your pets adjust smoothly to this transition, always try to stick with their daily routine and schedules.

The first few days he will surely feel uncomfortable, give him time without modifying his habits, for example, for dogs frequent walks can calm the stress that the move may have caused.

Take into account all these tips and remember not to worry too much; your pet will end up adjusting to the new home just like you.