Moving is stressful for everyone in the household, but moving with pets can be even more challenging. Whether you are moving across town or the country, there are things that you can do to make the process easier for both yourself and your pet.
Start with comfort
Now that you’ve read through the section on preparing for moving with pets, it’s time to start! But before you do, there are a few things you should consider. The first is whether or not your pet is comfortable. If they’re not comfortable in their current environment, they won’t be happy when they have to be moved into something unfamiliar.
Additionally, they won’t be happy if the temperature isn’t right for them (too hot or too cold). After making sure everyone involved feels at ease and confident in the move, it’s time to start preparing yourself and your belongings for the big day.
To ensure that everyone gets over without any trouble:
- Make sure your car has enough room for all your belongings plus one or two people—and also includes space designated explicitly for safely transporting animals in case anything happens during travel time.
- Be sure that animals’ food and water supplies are high enough so that no one goes hungry during short trips around town.
Keep your pets safe
Keeping them safe is a top priority when moving with pets. Not only will you want to make sure they are comfortable, but they are also safe. Here are some tips and tricks for keeping your pets safe while moving:
- Ensure your pet can’t escape the house if it gets out of the yard during the move.
- Ensure you keep all chemicals, plants, and appliances out of your pet’s reach.
- Keep heavy furniture away from fragile items and be mindful of where you place it, so there’s no accident waiting to happen while unpacking or cleaning up after moving day!
Get your pet familiar with the car
It would help if you took your pet for a ride in the car before you moved. This can help them get used to being in the car and make it easier on you when you have to take them with you. The best way to do this is when they are sleepy or relaxed, like after sleep and dinner. If your pet is nervous, don’t push them or force them into the car. Just let them explore at their speed.
Try out hotel stays
If you aren’t sure if a hotel is right for your pet, try out some that are pet-friendly before moving. While staying in a hotel can be expensive once you’re living on the road, it can also help you determine whether your pet will adapt well to traveling with you.
In addition to checking out hotels’ websites and asking the front desk staff about their pet policies when booking a room, ask about any additional fees that may apply. Some hotels charge an extra fee for each dog allowed per visit; others require certain breed restrictions or charge extra per night if pets stay in the same room as their owners.
Take a trial run
A trial run is an excellent way to get your pet used to the idea of moving, especially if you’re moving long distance. You’ll want to take them on at least one long drive trip before moving day, so they can get used to being in the car and feel comfortable riding in crates or carriers (if necessary). Make sure they have plenty of water and food during these trips and access to a bathroom if necessary. A blanket or toy will help make the ride more enjoyable for them too.
Make sure your pet has an ID tag
While taking precautions while moving with pets, it’s also important to ensure your pet has an ID tag. An ID tag is like a driver’s license for dogs and cats. It serves as proof of identity if your pet gets lost or separated from you during the move.
Ensure your dog or cat’s ID tag information is current and accurate. If changes occur in their name or address, update the information immediately. You can even put their microchip number on the back so someone who finds them will know how to contact you.
It’s best if they have an identification collar with multiple tags attached. One that says “call owner immediately,” another saying “this animal has been spayed/neutered” (if applicable), and one that says “micro-chipped.”
Conclusion
Whether you are moving by yourself or you hire a moving company, moving with pets is an exciting experience, but there are many things you need to consider before embarking on the journey. Go over this checklist and ensure you have everything covered so your transition will be smooth sailing!