Moving with Pets Made Easy: Practical Tips for a Successful Move

Moving to a new home is sometimes regarded as a stressful process for us humans, which means it can also be challenging for our furry friends too. Pets are sensible to changes, big and small, so they can easily become anxious or confused when moving out the place they are familiar with.

In order to avoid this, and make the transition as seamless as possible for our loyal companions, AP Pro Moving has listed a few practical tips for moving with pets that we can put into practice. With organization and planning, we will be able to help our beloved friends feel at ease when relocating.

Planning and Preparing for a Pet-Friendly Move

Pets are known for providing us with love, companionship and endless joy. They not only occupy most of our camera reel, but they also quickly become an integral part of our families. We cannot live without them, so when we move, they come with us.

Still, relocating can be a challenging process for our pets, so it is any owner’s desire to be able to soothe that uneasiness and make them feel as comfortable as possible. By implementing these practical tips, you can minimize the anxiety for both you and your pets, making the moving process a breeze.

• Maintain a routine
• Create a safe space in your home
• Do a vet check up before you move
• Update your pet’s information
• Bring their toys and special items along
• Introduce them to the transportation logistics
• Make your vehicle a pet safe ride
• Keep their needs in mind and take breaks
• Find pet-friendly overnight stays
• Help them adjust to their new home

Whether you are moving long distance or locally, AP Pro Moving considers there are some important factors to consider when relocating with your pets. 

Maintain a routine

In order to keep our friends at ease during the moving process, it is essential to maintain a routine. Pets are sensible to changes, so maintaining their every day routine intact can help them feel less anxious when facing a move.

Our pets normally rely on these patterns that we create for them, and a drastic change will likely bring a lot of confusion around. Try sticking to the same feeding and exercise schedule, so their day-to-day life is not affected, and it stays as consistent as possible during the relocation process. 

Create a safe place in your home

Amidst the changes that are occurring in your home, and the packing, try to designate a quiet and secure area in which your pet can still retrieve to relax. Keep their bed and toys in close proximity, and try to make it feel as familiar as possible.

Also, continue to show affection to your pet during the whole process. Reassure them with grooming sessions, such as brushing their coat, belly rubs, or even baths, anything and everything that will help them feel calm and cared for. Daily walks and playtime sessions can also be a good way to help them feel secure and maintain a sense of normalcy.

Do a vet check up before you move

Just like us humans, dogs and cats can be susceptible to illnesses and stress. Some pets even struggle with carsickness whenever on a vehicle for too long. It is for these reasons, that doing a check-up with their vet before you move can be a good idea. They may also provide you with helpful advice or prescribe medication if necessary.

Moreover, during the check-up, the vet will make sure that your pet is also up-to-date with all their vaccinations, and you can take the chance to obtain a copy of their medical records. This will come in handy if you need to find a new vet in your new area. We recommend scheduling a visit to your veterinary clinic in advance.

Additionally, if you are moving out of state with pets, take some time to, at your veterinary center, to check the health requirements your specific destination has. You can also read more about what taking a pet from interstate entails on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Update your pet’s information

Whether your pet carries an identification tag or a microchip, you should make sure their information is up-to-date. Include your new address and contact details before you start the relocation process, as this might bring some peace of mind if anything happens.

Also, if your pet does not have a microchip, consider getting one before you relocate. These tiny devices are implanted under the pet’s skin, and they contain all of their details, and sometimes, medical information as well. In this way, you will not worry about them getting their tag lost.

Bring their toys and special items along

When moving out of state with pets, or to another house, it is important to bring your pet’s special items along. This can include their bed, blankets, toys, food bowls, and anything that can have a sentimental value to them. Bringing their special possessions to the new house can help make them feel more comfortable in their new surroundings.

Familiar objects, just like to humans, can provide a sense of security and familiarity to our furry friends. The familiar scents that these items carry with them can be key to ease stress and anxiety, so be mindful not to wash them before you move.

Make your vehicle a pet safe ride

When listing these tips for moving with pets, we consider it is crucial to make your vehicle safe for their transportation as much as the rest of the family. For this purpose, there are items we can get to ensure a safe and pet-friendly ride.

Since they can get anxious or overtly excited, it is essential to keep them on the back seat. Also, the best way to transport your pets is placing them in a carrier or crate that can be strapped with a seatbelt. Even if we may think they would be more comfortable outside a carrier or crate, we can instead focus on making that space comfier and avoid any dangerous situations.

Introduce them to the transportation logistics

There are some additional steps we can take to make our pets feel a bit less anxious during the move, and one of those steps is introducing them to the transportation logistics. Whether we are talking about a cat or a dog, allowing our pets to get familiar with the process might help them greatly.

Start by allowing them to explore their carrier or crate in advance. Introduce them to the carrier in an open and familiar space, and encourage them to interact with it and spend some time inside. After positive and repetitive reassurance, they will learn to associate the crate with a positive experience.

Also, consider taking your pets on short car rides to get them used to the sensation of being in a moving vehicle. This will help them acclimate to the movement and noise of the car. Lastly, introduce your pets to your movers, as associating those faces as friendly can also help them make more at ease.

Keep their needs in mind and take breaks

In order to prioritize our loyal friend’s well-being, it is important to keep their needs in mind and take breaks. Bathroom breaks are just as indispensable as allowing them to stretch their legs from time to time. Also, you should have water and medication or comfort item available for them.

Taking breaks, even just for a few minutes, will help alleviate stress and keep your furry companions happy and calm throughout the journey. If you’re starting to think that moving with pets can be a little challenging, moving with kinds may be even trickier. AP Pro Moving has you covered with this guide on 5 tips to follow to move with kids under five.

Find pet-friendly overnight stays

If you are relocating long distance, consider finding pet-friendly overnight stays or accommodations, so everyone can rest in comfort. Start by making a list of pet-friendly hotels or rental properties in your way to your new location, and then get in touch with the place in advance.

Ask for prices and be sure to clarify pet policies, restrictions or additional fees before booking your stay to avoid any surprises on your moving day. By prioritizing pet-friendly accommodations, you can provide your furry companion with a comfortable and stress-free environment during this time of change.

Help them adjust to their new home

Before letting your pet to its own devices, help them acclimate to their new home. Introduce them to different areas of the house and allow them to explore one room at the time. Make this process as gradual as possible, aiming for them to feel comfortable in their new surroundings.

Additionally, if there are other pets living in your area, try to introduce them slowly and carefully. Patience and supervision will be key, as you allow them to become aware of each other or to sniff one another. After these initial stages, gradually increase their interactions to help them establish positive relationships with their furry neighbors.

Helping Your Pets Settle into Their New Environment

Moving out of state with pets, or simply to a new place, may seem quite challenging but, we believe that preparation and planning can go a long way. To ensure your pet gets trough this process as comfortably as possible, it is essential to follow some crucial steps.

First, remember to stick to a routine, as pets tend to thrive when you maintain a consistent schedule for their activities. This includes, mealtime, walks, and playtime. Secondly, make sure to set a space for them to relax when in need to take a break from the hassle of the move. And thirdly, remember to make an appointment with their vet before you move out.

AP Pro Moving understands the importance of a seamless moving experience for both, you and your beloved pet, so we provide an array of moving services to cater to your specific needs. Whether you’re moving locally or long distance, we have you covered. So, don’t hesitate to contact our team at [email protected] if you have any doubts.

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