Moving into a new home is stressful enough on its own. There are a million thoughts running through your mind, one of the most stressful is “How will I keep my pet calm during the move?”
The best preparation starts before moving day. If you can, start packing up your belongings a week or two in advance, this will help your pet adapt to the moving process.
To best prepare for the move when it comes to your pets, you’ll want to think about:
- Obtaining a health certificate, if necessary (required by most states)
- Motion sickness prevention or sedatives for your pet
- Prescription refills
- Obtaining complete medical records
- Recommendations for new veterinarian in the area where you’ll be moving to, if possible
- If your pet is microchipped, updating their microchip information with your new address
On the day of the move, stick to your pet’s routine (feeding times, walks, etc.) and give them plenty of attention so they don’t feel ignored. Keep them confined to one room where they’ll have food, water, favorite toys and blankets. This will help keep them relaxed and out of the mover’s way, and yours too. Make sure your pet has an ID on their collar with your correct contact information, this is crucial detail is usually forgotten in the crazy process of moving.
Don’t buy your pet a new crate before the move- use the one that they’re used to. A new crate can signal a trip to the vet, making your pet even more nervous. Again, put your contact information on any crates/carriers as well.
If possible, move most of your belongings into your new home before bringing your pet there. Doing so will allow your pet to smell the old familiar smells of your furnishings, helping to calm them down, and will make it easier for you and the movers.
Moving with your pets can seem like a daunting task, but as long as you prepare in advance and have a plan, it’ll make the entire process much easier.
