moving with pets
Just like humans, pets are also stressed and overwhelmed by moving. It would be best if you were careful how you handle them right before, during, and after moving so you can help them transition easily.

Sometimes, pets get lost while moving, and only a few have ever been found and reunited with their owners. Therefore, knowing what to do to keep them safe and comfortable while moving is essential. Here are a few helpful tips that can make it easy and less stressful to move with your pets;

  1. Look for a new vet
    Do not put off searching for a new vet until your dog falls ill or gets an injury. Find out if the new location has common parasites and diseases that your pet can get like heartworm, ticks, and leptospirosis. Research and establish whether your dog needs preventative drugs or new vaccinations.
  2. Have your dog microchipped
    When moving, dogs or any other pet can easily get lost. This necessitates putting a dog collar on its neck with important details such as the dog’s name, your phone number, and your name. Better still, take the dog to the vet and have them microchip them, creating a permanent mark on the dog.
  3. Train your dog to stay in a crate
    Sometimes, the best way to transport a dog is by keeping them in a crate. The best thing for you to do is bring out the crate days before moving so the dog can get used to it. So, it would help if you didn’t wait till the moving day to make the dog get into a crate. Special crates for such situations are available in the market, with padding on the side for added comfort. Research and find the best one for your dog.
  4. Prepare the dog for the move
    If your new house is nearby, try to walk them around the new neighbourhood and introduce them to the new neighbours. It would be best to know if other pets are nearby so that your dog can coexist harmoniously with them. If the new location is far, try to make the dog familiar with the new place by simulating uncommon noises or going with them to sites with similar climatic, geographical, or social conditions. You may also consider asking your vet for anxiety medication you can give the pet during the trip. There is also anxiety-mitigating gear available in the shops. Additionally, if the new home won’t have a doggie door, train the dog to use the bathroom on a schedule. If they bark too much, you can teach them to avoid barking if your new neighbours are closer than in your old home.
  5. Make things easy for the dog on a moving day
    You can do several things on a moving day to help the dog enjoy the trip and have a stress-free experience. You can take the dog to a pet sitter’s home when doing the heavy packing in the last days before moving. Alternatively, you can clear one room, put the dog inside and keep it locked as you pack your stuff. Also, avoid cleaning things from the old house so the smell can help the dog be less anxious. Additionally, don’t forget to pack for your pet dog. Carry things like water, food, toys, bedding, and towel in the dog stuff container.
  6. Ensure they are safe in the car with adequate ventilation and safety belts. On a moving day, avoiding giving them too much food is essential. Take precautions and carry medical records, a current photo, and microchip numbers lest they get lost. Get the dog out of the car for quick hikes and walks in off-leash regions and dog-friendly hotels—these stints of getting off the car help the dog stretch and relax during the journey.

  7. Give special attention to different pets
    For other pets, the care is more or less the same. For birds, make sure they are caged throughout the journey. If it’s a guinea pig, transport them in a small and comfy container. For fish, transport them in a dark and cool container in the water that used to be in the fishbowl in the old house. If it’s a cat, use a carrier and feed them lightly to avoid the pet getting sick. For reptiles and fish, remember to regulate the car temperature.
  8. Make the new home cosy
    Avoid buying a new dog or cat stuff like a bed or toys soon after arriving. Confine the pets in one room again until you are done unpacking and arranging your things in the new place. Also, remember to pet-proof the new house to ensure the pet is safe. Watch out for dangerous plants in the yard, window blinds, and electrical wires. Additionally, maintain the old routine, so activities like feedings, walks, and playtime should go on as usual.
  9. Research the laws of the new place you are going to
    If you are going abroad with your pet, you need to be aware that different countries (and states) have varying laws regarding pets. Research and learn all you can about the pet laws of the new place you will be moving into. Find out if you require a new licence, the leash laws of the state, and which breeds they have banned if any. Some dog breeds, such as Pitbull and Rottweilers, can be aggressive and dangerous. Certain insurance companies, neighbourhood associations, and local governments prohibit specific breeds.

Moving with a pet requires a bit more preparation and effort. But it will be all worth it because, in the end, you will have a pet that is happy and excited to explore life in the new city.

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