The Do's and Don'ts of Moving with Pets

When we move, we move more than our possessions, we move our family, too, including our furry friends.

I’ve got a dog. He’s old, like really old - 16 years to be exact. Luckily he loves car rides, but at such a late stage of his life, an entire new scenery might be quite jarring and cause stress. Moving with pets of all ages can be a challenging task, but with the right planning and preparation, it can be done successfully. Here are some do's and don'ts of moving with your little ones.

Do's:

Check in with Your Veterinarian

It might take some time to settle with a new vet if you’re moving far away from your previous residence. Before you move, make an appointment with your current veterinarian to ensure your furry friend is up to date on vaccinations and health check-ups. It might also be a good time to get your pet microchipped or ensure that the current one is updated with your new address and contact information. Animals can be quite unpredictable in new surroundings. If disaster strikes and they run away, rest assured knowing when they are found, they can easily be reunited with you. Well before you move, research and choose a new vet near your new home.

Familiarity is Key

Bring familiar items like toys and bedding to help your pet feel more at home in the new environment and allocate a space for your pet to call their own. Make sure to have a plan for your pet during the actual moving day, whether it be with a pet-sitter or a friend. Stay as close to your pet during the move as possible so they feel included and not left behind. Another good tip is to start prepping well in advance so your pet is made more familiar with moving supplies. If you’re moving with a cat, maybe introduce them to the new place one room at a time with plenty of things to keep them busy. Cats need time to bond to their new home. Don’t let them out into the wild too early, else they might try to return to their previous home.

Continue Regular Routines

Keep to your normal schedules. No matter where you land up, 6 pm might always be walkies time to your pup. Don’t slack on these routines since your pets are likely to look forward to the usual daily activities. I’m sure your dog won’t mind the new smells of the nieghbourhood, too!

Keep Things Simple, Silly

Your pet isn’t the only one readjusting, you might need some time too. Maybe delay the house-warming a little bit until you’re sure yourself and the animals are comfortable in the new spaces. Take time to breathe. Maybe even stay home for the first few days to spend as much time with your pet as possible before you yourself do some exploring.

Keep Their Essentials Close

As when you move, a box or bag with all the essentials and toiletries is a must. Keep water and food bowls, tasty treats, blankets and toys in an easy to find place. Your pet might otherwise drive you up the wall at supper time as you hunt down their bowls among hordes of unopened boxes.

Don'ts:

Sedation

Don't sedate your pet before or during the move, as it can be dangerous and may affect their ability to adjust to the new surroundings. If you’re unsure, speak to your vet for some family-specific advice. Bring up how you intend to transport your pet as well as how long the journey will take.

Last Minute Arrangements

Don't wait until the last minute to make arrangements for your pet during the move. Take the time leading up to the move to figure out how you’ll be moving your furry friend. Are there any specific car seats or mats you’ll need? Will your pet be adequately comfortable during the journey and are there places to easily stop along the way for breaks?

Forget to Update Your Pet's Documentation

Don't forget to update their details. Try to get this done before the move so that if anything goes wrong, your pet can easily be reunited with you at your new residence. Reprogram any chips, or get updated dog tags sorted ahead of time. The new surroundings may spook your animal and the last thing you want is a missing loved one in a new neighbourhood. If you can’t get it done in advance, make it a priority as soon as you’re settled.

Nooks & Crannies

Cats love small, awkward spaces. Ensure that during your packing, you don’t create such spaces, or at least check that they are clear before you bundle them up and load them up in the van.

Feeding your pet too much before the move

This one is quite straight-forward. In the hours leading up to the actual move, keep it light. Give your pet a small meal, but nothing too heavy or large. The stress of the move might make other things move, and the last thing you need is dog barf all over your car!

Personally, I think you and your furry friend will do just fine during your next move. I mean, you're already using MoveChamp to do the rest so you're clearly a smart furry parent. Want more tips for a successful move? Try these out next!