Guide to Moving With Pets (2023)
From finding pet-friendly accommodations to ensuring their pets’ safety during travel, pet owners face several challenges when relocating. Even the thought of uprooting pets and introducing them to a new environment can be overwhelming. That’s why we put together this comprehensive guide to moving with pets, including how to handle moving day and which professional moving services can help.
Planning Ahead for Moving With Pets
Careful preparation will make the moving process much less stressful for you and your furry family member. Follow these steps as you calculate your moving costs and plan the logistics of your move.
Research Local Laws
Consult the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website to determine what, if any, animal health requirements your pets must meet. Select your destination from the drop-down menu, and you will be redirected to the appropriate state-specific web page. Also, research the pet licensing laws or restrictions set by your new state, county, or municipal government.
Visit Your Veterinarian
Make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss your upcoming move. Only your vet can provide specific recommendations for your pet. Ask about steps you can take to ease the transition, travel tips, and whether your pet will need medication for motion sickness or anxiety. Get copies of your pet’s health records, too. You may need to present proof of vaccination when booking travel or accommodations.
Find Pet-Friendly Housing
As you shop for a new house or apartment, keep your pet in mind. Some landlords and homeowners associations (HOAs) set restrictions regarding the type, size, or number of pets you can have. Consider where you will walk your dog or where the cat’s litter box will go. Be on the lookout for potential pet dangers in your new neighborhood, such as unattended dogs, feral cats, or poisonous plants.
Update Pet ID Information
If your pet is microchipped, update the registry with your new address. If not, consider microchipping your pet before your move. Also, ensure that your pet has a collar with up-to-date ID tags. Make sure your name and phone number are easy to read.
Make Travel Arrangements
Decide whether you will fly or drive to your destination and consider how your pet fits into those plans. Review the ASPCA’s travel safety tips for information about air travel and road trips with your furry friends. Look for pet-friendly hotels and read tips from licensed vets or seasoned travelers online.
Flying can be especially tricky. Small pets, such as cats, guinea pigs, and hamsters, may be able to ride under your seat in the plane cabin, but you should confirm arrangements with the airline ahead of time. Larger pets can usually ride in the cargo hold in a USDA-approved shipping crate. Either way, it’s important to review the airline’s policies carefully and book a direct flight if possible.
Alternatively, research pet shipping companies and full-service movers that offer pet relocation services. Ask your vet for their thoughts. If you have room in your moving budget, letting professionals transport your pet can be a safe and convenient option.
Avoid Last-Minute Packing
Unless you are hiring a long-distance moving company or professional packers to help with your move, we recommend packing gradually. Cats, in particular, may not handle sudden change well—and turning your home into a pile of boxes a few days before you move definitely would definitely count as a sudden change.
Instead, bring the moving boxes into your home early and pack gradually. Keep your pets’ things in a familiar room and pack them last so it has a safe retreat and plenty of time to adjust to the changes.
Acclimate Pets to a Crate
In most cases, your pet will need to be confined to a crate for their safety during the move. Purchase an appropriately sized USDA-approved crate a few weeks before moving day and get your pet acclimated to it.
Start by placing its food inside the open crate, then transition it to eating its meal inside the crate with the door closed. Carry it around inside the house or go on a few practice drives so it gets used to the motion. After each training session, provide a treat or playtime so your pet develops a positive association with its crate.
Moving Day With Pets
Amidst all the chaos of moving day, it’s important to keep your pet’s safety and comfort top-of-mind. Follow these tips to make the moving experience as stress-free as possible.
Confine Pets to a Safe Place
Keep pets in a safe, quiet room away from the hustle and bustle of your final preparations. This is especially important if you hire local or interstate movers, as the unfamiliar faces and flurry of activity will likely increase your pet’s anxiety. Confining your pet to its crate or a closed room will prevent it from darting out an open door as you or the movers carry boxes outside.
Alternatively, you could board your pets at a familiar kennel, hire a pet sitter, drop them off at a pet daycare, or take them to a friend’s house for the day. As you think through the options, remember that the goal is to keep your pets safe and reduce their anxiety.
Stick to Your Normal Routine
On your moving day and the days immediately before and after, stick to your normal routine as much as possible. Pack your pet’s essentials, such as its bed and water bowl, last. Keep its favorite toys handy, and make time for regular walks or playtime. Take frequent breaks during the drive and feed it on schedule. The less that changes in its day-to-day lives, the smoother the transition will be.
Keep a Travel Kit With You
Just as you would pack a bag of essentials for yourself, prepare a travel kit for your pet. Include food, bottled water, a bowl, a leash, basic grooming supplies, its records or health certificate, treats, and any medication or supplements prescribed by your vet. You should also pack a comfort item, such as a familiar blanket or a favorite toy.
Use Appropriate Restraints
If your pet is traveling with you by car to your new home, make sure it is properly restrained during the drive. Keep your pet in a crate or use a tether or harness that attaches to the seatbelt. Keep the windows rolled up, and avoid leaving your pet in the car unattended.
Settling In With Pets
After move-in day, focus on helping your pets settle into their new surroundings. Here are a few tasks that should be on your post-move to-do list.
Choose a Home Base
Rather than letting your pets loose to explore the entire house immediately, designate one room as a home base. Keep your pet and everything it needs here while you pet-proof the rest of the house. Once your pet seems comfortable in this new space, gradually introduce it to other rooms in the house.
Pet-Proof Your New Home
As you unpack, take a little extra time to pet-proof your home. Make sure electrical cords are tucked away. Check that window screens are secure and install childproof latches to keep pets out of cabinets. Remove any plants and pest-control traps that are poisonous to pets.
Find a New Veterinarian
If you haven’t already, find a vet in your new city and transfer your pet’s health records. Schedule a routine checkup with your new vet and ensure that your pet’s vaccines are up-to-date. It’s important to do this as soon as possible. Scheduling an appointment during an emergency situation will be much easier if your pet is already an established patient.
Comply With Local Laws
Make sure you are in compliance with local pet laws. This may involve scheduling or providing proof of rabies vaccinations and paying a license fee. Check with your city or county government for more information.
Our Conclusion
By planning ahead and prioritizing your pet’s comfort, you can make your upcoming move a more pleasant experience for the entire family. Make sure to research local laws, talk to your vet, and update your pet’s microchip or ID tags before the move. Stick to your normal routine as much as possible and arrange pet transportation well in advance. Keep pets properly restrained on moving day, and allow them to gradually adjust to their new surroundings.
FAQ About Moving With Pets
How do I move out of state with animals?
Follow these steps to move out of state with animals:
- Research state regulations for bringing pets across the border.
- Visit the vet for any necessary vaccines and health certificates.
- Make pet-friendly travel arrangements.
- Microchip your pets and update identification tags.
- Keep pet essentials and comfort items nearby.
- Introduce pets to their new environment gradually.
- Find a new veterinarian and comply with local pet laws.
What are the best ways to transport pets when moving?
The best ways to transport pets when moving are in a crate or seatbelt harness in your car. For air travel, research the airline’s crate requirements and book a nonstop flight if possible. Most moving companies will not move pets, but you can hire a pet relocation company if your pet cannot travel with you.
How long does it take for a dog to adjust to a move?
It depends. Some dogs adjust to a move within a few days, while others may take weeks to fully settle in. You can help by sticking to your pup’s normal routine and making extra time for play.
What is the “Rule of Three” for pets?
The “Rule of Three” for pets refers to how long it takes your dog or cat to adjust to a new environment. The first three days will be the hardest for your pet, so focus on helping it feel safe and comfortable. During the next three weeks, it will adapt to its new routine and surroundings. After three months, it should be fully settled in.
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